Enrichment Programs
Technology
Our students get the most out of our technology program when they are actually using technology in a hands-on, engaging way.
Students interact with various digital tools and applications including: film and video editing, productivity software, 3D modeling, web design, and programming. Students use the Engineering Design Process to build digital and physical artifacts, such as circuits and simulations, and then they test those artifacts and build upon them in an iterative way. Students also learn the fundamentals around computer science to understand what makes computers work and further grasp the functions they perform. Through it all, they gain digital and real-world skills that can be used throughout their education and their lives.
Athletics
West End Day School’s athletic program goes beyond a traditional physical education program.
Our team has a dual focus on both physical and emotional development and is staffed by both a Physical Education teacher and a counselor. With this model, we can pick up on problems and opportunities for growth in real time and address them in the moment.
Sports, games, skills, balance, hand-eye coordination, gross motor movements, cooperation, sportsmanship, self-control, and healthy behavior are just some of the important areas our students learn about. Students are given opportunities to expand on their daily learning through regularly scheduled physical education classes, as well as in-school enrichment and after-school programs.
In recent years we’ve built upon our Athletics program through our partnership with Kids in the Game, a sports program that aligns with our focus on improving self-confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship. They bring to us highly-tailored, personalized physical education curricula based on the needs of each class, as well as new, fresh coaches each year.
Art
Once a week, our students have Art class with our Art Specialist in our Science and Art Center - a beautiful and thoughtfully designed space that allows for larger scale, long-term projects.
The art curriculum is cross-curricular, integrating concepts from the students’ social studies and science units. Art lessons incorporate a variety of art mediums, including painting and drawings, sculpting, collage, and much more. Every year, students have the opportunity to showcase their work in the annual Art Show, a school-wide event that is anchored by a central theme in which the students can be inspired by.
Music
Our Music program isn’t just about learning musical skills, it’s also about music appreciation–and we have a lot of it.
Music, as well as chorus, are taught once a week in each of our classes. Within music, various concepts are taught, including music history, world music, musical styles, and music theory. There are two musically-focused performances throughout the year: the mid-year Winter Sing and year-end June Performance.
Drama
Our Drama program enriches our arts curriculum using a cross-curriculum learning approach.
Students work together to frame their knowledge of different story genres, poetry, history, and science to make the spoken story come to life. Students are involved in acting, writing scenes, monologues, and performing improv. Drama goes beyond the stage, helping students to build on their creativity, confidence, and communication skills. At the end of each year, our drama program collaborates with our art and music program for our June Performance.
