Fall 2014 Session II Before & After School Class Schedule Please check this on-line schedule for periodic changes, additions and updates.
The box must be checked in order to apply. On the check out page please select “Pay the minimum amount due”.
You will be registered for the class and will hear back from the financial aid committee by October 17, 2014. All After School classes must be paid for by October 23, 2014. The amount of financial aid awarded for one (1) specialized after school class will be based on the percentage of aid a student receives for tuition, available aid, and the demand for classes.
Sacred Heart is open after school for all sorts of fun, academic and personal enrichment. Check out the Student Life section of the School website for information about instrumental music and voice lessons, sports clinics and team practices, which are also being held after school.
Enrollment & Registration
Registration begins October 6 – October 23. To register for class, click here. First time users will need to setup an account. Payment must be made at the time of registration in order to reserve space in the class. (The one exception would be anyone requesting financial aid… see note below)
Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
You will receive an automated confirmation of registered Classes. If you do not receive confirmation that you are registered, you should return to your login page and check your registration information. Remember, you are registered only if you receive confirmation (via email) of your class schedule.
We will contact you only if a class is cancelled due to low enrollment.
NOTE: If you received financial aid toward tuition for the 2014-2015 school year, you are eligible to apply for financial aid for one (1) specialized after school class. The deadline to apply for this financial aid is October 15, 2014. To apply for financial aid you must register for the class first. During the online registration process, choose the desired class and check the box indicated to apply for Specialized After School Program Financial Aid.
Payment Policies Payment by credit card will be accepted. Upon receipt of payment, a confirmation of your registration will be emailed to you.
Scheduling
Classes begin the week of October 27 - December 12 Some classes span Session I and II and run for 11 weeks: (You do not have to re-register for these classes) After School Classes do not meet on days that school is not in session or on (10/31, 11/24, 11/25). After School Classes also will not be held 11/13 or 11/14 when Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled. Please check individual class descriptions for the schedule of start and end dates for each class.
Cancellations & Refunds
Page 1 10/7/2014
Classes may be cancelled if they do not meet minimum enrollment. If a class is cancelled by the After School Office, you will be notified by email and issued a refund. You will not receive a refund if your child is absent or stops attending a class.
Core After School Program – Stay until 6:00 p.m.
Dismissal/Pick Up
After School Classes are offered in addition to the Core After school Program. Your child(ren) are welcome to stay at school after their class in the Core After School Program. Pickup must take place by 6:00 p.m. through the Portry. If your child’s class does not start until after 4:00 they will stay in the Core Program until their class meets. For more information about the Core After School Program, contact Christy Crandall at Christy.Crandall@shschicago.org
Children enrolled in After School Classes will report to the Core After School Program at dismissal. Their After School Class teacher will pick them up there at the start time for their class. Children will be dismissed by After School staff at the Rosemont door at the class-end time indicated on the schedule. Students whose parents do not pick them up within 10 minutes of class end-time will join the Core Program and must then be picked up through the Portry.
Snacks
•
A healthy snack will be provided to every child participating in an After School Class. The cost of the snack is included in the Class fee.
Monday After School Classes MORNING CLASS
Math Club Teacher: Mark Anderson, Middle School Mathematics Teacher Age: 6th, 7th & 8th graders Dates: Thursday Morning, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 7:30a.m. - 8:15a.m. Fee: No Charge Maximum Enrollment: 20 Students will increase their knowledge and understanding of algebra concepts in preparation for various Chicago-area Math competitions and Academic Bowls, including the Fenwick High School's Junior High Math Contest and the American Mathematics Competition.
NOTICE: If registered for Fall Session I- Mad Science, you should not register for any of the Monday classes listed below. Mad Science runs both Fall Sessions I & II.
Made From Paper Teacher: Jenny Doherty, Former SHS Middle School Art Teacher Age: K - 4th graders Dates: Mondays, October 27 - December 8 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/24) Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 + $10 materials fee = $172 Minimum Enrollment: 4; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Students will discover that paper is not just for drawing and writing on. In this class we will work with both 2D and 3D approaches to art using only paper. Folding, cutting, gluing, collage, books, animals, pendants, paper airplanes, you name it, paper can make it! Come join the fun of paper! Page 2 10/7/2014
Lego Robotics Academy featuring Frozen Teacher: Staff from Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop Age: K - 5th graders Dates: Mondays, October 27 - December 8 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/24) Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 Minimum Enrollment: 4; Maximum Enrollment: 10 In this exciting class that celebrates everything FROZEN, your child will love to explore music and aspects of the story from the Disney phenomenon that has kids and adults alike singing at the top of their lungs. Students in this class will have the option of recreating their own version of this heartwarming tale of love and embracing our differences or incorporating the songs into a brand new story that they devise. This collaborative process will culminate in an informal performance of their original show!
Circle Fun for Everyone with CircEsteem Teacher: Staff from CircEsteem Age: 1st - 5th graders Dates: Mondays, October 27 – December 8 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/24) Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 Minimum Enrollment: 8; Maximum Enrollment: 20 CircEsteem brings the circus to Sacred Heart! CircEsteem’s unique program gives kids of all ages the chance to shine as center ring stars while learning how to juggle, clown around, spin plates, balance on a rolling globe and walk a tight wire. Every session ends with a fun filled performance where kids get to show off their new-found circus skills for friends and family. This class is perfect for first time or returning students.
Teacher: Staff from Chasewood Learning Age: 1st - 4th graders Dates: Mondays, October 27 – December 8 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/24) Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 Minimum Enrollment: 6; Maximum Enrollment: 20 The Lego Robotics Academy is a comprehensive afterschool program where children are learning to design, build, and program robots. Using a creative educational approach that supports Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), this class is led by Chasewood Learning’s staff and includes engaging and dynamic activities. The Robotics Academy is a repeatable program where children are placed based on skill and experience. Students can move up a level each time they take the class to take on more advanced concepts.
Tuesday After School Classes
Creative Toy Making Teacher: Gabriela Zarate, Primary School Teacher Assistant Age: Kindergarten – 1st graders Dates: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/25) Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 + $30 materials fee = $192 Minimum Enrollment: 6; Maximum Enrollment: 20 By using recycled materials and creative imagination, students will make toys, educational games and lots of interesting and fun projects! This program helps the students to have a better understanding and appreciation of many innovations and creations that have brought about great changes in our lives. Page 3 10/7/2014
Mosaics
Girls on the Go Teacher: Holly DePalma, Kindergarten Teacher Age: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd graders Dates: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/25) Time: 3:45 – 4:4 p.m. Fee: $162+ $15 materials fee = $177 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 30 This class is just for girls…creating crafts, making jewelry, dancing, singing, and participating in games that girls will love! Activities are theme-based which will differ weekly. Get ready to have FUN!
An Afternoon with Harry Potter Teacher: Meghan Donahue, Primary School Religion Teacher Age: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd graders Dates: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/25) Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Fee: $162 + $15 materials fee = $177 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 15 Join Mrs. Donahue as she explores the world of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. Come learn about Harry’s new wizarding lessons, houses, friends and adventures at Hogwarts. Robes, quills, wands and books are welcome!
Teacher: Lisa Paulsen, Hardey 3 Teacher Age: 2nd – 5th graders Dates: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/25) Time: 3:45 – 4:45p.m. Fee: $162+ $15 materials fee = $177 Minimum Enrollment: 8; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Come and spend Tuesday afternoons creating beautiful mosaics with Mrs. Paulsen! You will learn the nipping, gluing, grouting, and polishing techniques that make this art form so unique. Safety is a priority so we make sure to use goggles, aprons, and rubber gloves. Students have created many fun projects in the past such as coasters, vases, trivets, decorative wall plaques, candle holders, and flower pots. No experience necessary!
Heroes Conquest!: Comic Book Club Teacher: Jonathan Stopyra, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant and Jefferson Uriarte, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant Age: 3rd - 6th graders Dates: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9 (6 weeks) (No class held on 11/25) Time: 3:45 – 4:45p.m. Fee: $162+ $15 materials fee = $177 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 30 In this class you will read and enjoy a variety of comic mediums, both print and digital. Challenge your visual literacy skills by finding rewarding graphic texts that suit our individual interests and needs. You will write and design a 1-page digital comic story that includes character, setting, and plot. You will write and draw a 3-panel comic strip that shows your favorite joke.
Page 4 10/7/2014
The Caldecott Book Club
Beginning Acoustic Guitar Lessons Teacher: Jennifer Swillinger, Library and Science Lab Assistant Age: 1st – 6th Graders Dates: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9 (6 weeks) (No Class held on 11/25) Time: 4:15 -5pm or 5 -5:45pm Fee: $372 Note: You do not have to contact Ms. Swillinger in order to arrange for timeslot. Select your desired timeslot as it appears during online registration. Students will enjoy learning and playing guitar and singing American folk, popular, and children’s songs. Chords including A, E, D, C, G, F, Am, and Em will be introduced as well as several versatile and basic strums. Each student will need to provide her/his own acoustic guitar. Nylon strings are recommended. Practice between classes is essential.
Teacher: Arlene Carlucci, SHS Substitute teacher Age: Kindergarteners - 1st graders Dates: Wednesdays October 29 – December 10 (6 weeks) Time: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 + $15 materials fee = $177 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Join Mrs. Carlucci as she reads to your child for six wonderful book club adventures using only Caldecott honored picture books. Each book club meeting will have a short "book talk" about character, plot and theme. A discussion of the award winning artwork that the book was given a Caldecott Award for will also be featured. An art project that coordinates with the book will round out the meeting. Join the fun and become a book clubber today!
Wednesday After School Classes Sacred Heart LEGO Team K-1 Teacher: Brittany Gibson, Kindergarten Teacher Age: Kindergarteners & 1st graders Dates: Wednesdays, October 29 - December 10 (6 weeks) Time: 3:30 - 4:30p.m. Fee: $162 + $65 materials fee = $227 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 30 Grab a friend and join the fun of building with Legos! Students will work together or free build a new Lego set every week with Ms. Gibson. No building experience required!
Cartoon Drawing Teacher: Diana Cortez, Primary School Art Teacher Age: Kindergarteners – 4th graders Dates: Wednesdays, October 29 - December 10 (6 weeks) Times: 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. Fee: $162 + $40 materials fee = $202 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 If you love to doodle and draw funny characters (or have ever wanted to) this class is for you. Students will learn the fundamentals of cartooning by creating their own group of cartoon characters, building confidence with their fine motor skills through sketch, drawings and coloring.
Page 5 10/7/2014
Typing 101: Keyboarding for Beginners
Knifty Knitting! Teacher: Donna M. Palicka, President, Sister-Arts Studio, Inc. Age: 2nd - 5th graders Dates: Wednesdays, October 29 - December 10 (6 weeks) Time: 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 + $35 materials fee = $197 Minimum Enrollment: 4; Maximum Enrollment: 10 Sister-Arts Studio is proud to teach you the love of knitting. Knitting is relaxing and meditative! Beginning or advanced knitters will learn new skills. Beginning knitters will learn the basics; slip knit, cast on, knit stitch and bind off. Typical beginners knit flat items such as a scarf or small afghan square. Advanced knitters will learn to knit in the round and make a hat with circular needles. Join Knifty Knitters..you'll love it!
Junior Science Olympiads (non-competitive) Teacher: Jennifer Swillinger, Library and Science Lab Assistant Age: 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades Dates: Wednesdays, October 29 – December 10 (6 weeks) Time: 4:15 - 5:30 pm Fee: $162 + $30 materials fee = $192 Minimum Enrollment: 4; Maximum Enrollment: 10 Students will plan, design, and construct awesome solutions to inquiry projects in science and engineering. By working in small teams, you will collaborate on in-depth, hands-on activities. This will be loads of fun!
Teacher: Jonathan Stopyra, Age: 2nd - 5th graders Dates: Wednesdays, October 29 - December 10 (6 weeks) Time: 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Fee: $162 + $35 materials fee = $197 Minimum Enrollment: 4; Maximum Enrollment: 10 Do you ever wish you typed so fast the words began to blur together? While you may not quite get there right now, one great place to start improving your typing skills is in the new after school program titled “Typing 101.” For those looking to improve their speed or accuracy, students in the program will practice by playing typing games, writing short passages/sentences, and even racing each other to see who finishes first. While mastery certainly can’t happen in 6-weeks, Typing 101 is a great way to get that strong foundation you’ve always wanted.
Intermediate Guitar Lessons Teacher: Randi Russo Age: 3th – 8th Graders Dates: Wednesdays, October 20 – December 10 (6 weeks) Time: (45 minute lessons) Lessons are offered from 3:30 – 5:45p.m. Fee: $ 372+ $15 class booklet = $387 Important: Please arrange time with teacher before registering for class by contacting: info@guitarwithrandi.com. For students who have completed Beginners Guitar or have previous experience with open chords and basic strumming patterns. In this class, students will take their guitar playing to the next level by learning barre chords, basic lead guitar techniques/soloing, notereading, tablature, fingerstyle guitar, creative songwriting and more! Students will learn new skills and techniques by learning the songs that they love, with focus on rock/pop/folk songs. Page 6 10/7/2014
Private Voice Lessons Teacher: Justin Nixon, Middle School Music Instructor Age: 1st - 5th graders Dates: Wednesdays, October 29 – December 10 (6 weeks) Fees: $312 Important: Please arrange time with teacher before registering for class by contacting: Justin.Nixon@shschicago.org Time: (30 minute lessons) Lessons are offered from 3:30-4:30 pm Mr. Nixon will meet with students in a private voice studio setting. Students will work on developing an understanding of proper vocal technique including breathing, relaxation of the vocal mechanism, vowel placement all while learning new and exciting songs. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to work and a desire to become a better singer. Students will meet for 30 minute per lesson.
Boys on the Go Teacher: Holly DePalma, Kindergarten Teacher Age: K, 1st, 2nd graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Fee: $135 + $15 materials fee = $150 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Would you like your son to release some extra energy while having fun with some of his classmates? This class consists of a variety of large motor activities that are theme-based and will differ weekly. Gentlemen get ready to have FUN!
YouTeach
Thursday After School Classes Shadow Puppetry Workshop in Spanish Teacher: Gabriela Zarate, Primary School Teacher Assistant Age: Kindergarten – 1st graders Dates: October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Fee: $135 + $15 materials fee = $150 Minimum Enrollment: 4; Maximum Enrollment: 20 This program wants to teach Spanish to young children in a very fun way. Hand shadow puppets activate a region of the human brain called the “Boca’s Area. This area is linked to language production. This is a great tool to introduce Spanish to children. They will see a classic story narrated in Spanish and translated to English. Children then have the opportunity to try out their puppets behind a simple shadow screen.
Teacher: Stephanie Combs, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant Age: 2nd - 3rd graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Fees: $135+ $20 = $155 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 With today's technology at our fingertips, we have the power to teach ourselves a plethora of skills and hobbies. This after school program provides opportunities to gain the skills necessary to empower independent learning and inspire new interests through hands-on activities using video tutorials. YouTeach is child-directed, teacherguided, and designed to help students become aware of their personal learning styles through discussion. Every session can be a new experience that sparks the fire for a lifetime love of learning!
Page 7 10/7/2014
Sacred Heart LEGO Team 2-3 Teacher: Brittany Gibson, Kindergarten Teacher Age: 2nd - 3rd graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Fees: $135 + $65 = $200 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Grab a friend and join the fun of building with Legos! Students will work together or free build a new Lego set every week with Ms. Gibson. No building experience required!
Young Authors: Journalism Teacher: Kristina Pierce, Hardey 5 Teacher Age: 3rd, 4th & 5th graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Fees: $135 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Students will study and critique current newspaper sources locally and nationally. Using what is learned from these sources, students will research community current events to create news articles for a newspaper they will be publishing throughout the course of this class.
Yoga Fun and Games Teacher: Arlene Carlucci, SHS Substitute teacher Kristin Lagerquist, Technology Age: 2nd, 3rd, & 4th graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Fee: $135 + $10 materials fee = $145 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Let’s get bendy and go upside down, challenging our bodies in this energy releasing yoga class for kids! In this child based yoga class your child will build self-confidence, physical strength and concentration while having fun with yoga poses, partner poses and yoga games all specifically designed with kids in mind! Yoga also helps to develop flexibility, focus and fosters a caring attitude toward self and others. All classes end with a healthy snack to remind the kids the importance of eating healthy too! Mrs. Carlucci and Ms. Lagerquist are certificate trained YOGA ED instructors for grades preK-5. No yoga matt required (although you can bring one if you have one) Comfortable shorts or pants and a tee shirt.
Beginning Acoustic Guitar Lessons Teacher: Jennifer Swillinger, Library and Science Lab Assistant Age: 1st – 6th graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks) Time: 4:15 - 5:00 pm or 5:00-5:45pm Fee: $310 Note: You do not have to contact Ms. Swillinger in order to arrange for timeslot. Select your desired timeslot as it appreas during online registration. Students will enjoy learning and playing guitar and singing American folk, popular, and children’s songs. Chords including A, E, D, C, G, F, Am, and Em will be introduced as well as several versatile and basic strums. Each student will need to provide her/his own acoustic guitar. Nylon strings are recommended. Practice between classes is essential.
Page 8 10/7/2014
Piano Lessons Teacher: Camille Witos Dates: Thursdays, October 30 - December 11 (5 weeks) Time: (30 / 45 minute lessons)Lessons are offered from 3:30-6:00pm Fee: 30 minutes - $260 / 45 minutes - $355 Important: Please arrange time with teacher before registering for class by contacting: cwitos@msn.com A Chicago native, Camille Witos is an active chamber musician and teacher. She established the Boulanger ensemble, which is dedicated to performing a lecture/recital of the lives and music of Lili and Nadia Boulanger. Ms. Witos has taught for many years in Chicago and on the North Shore. She is on the faculty of the Music Institute of Chicago, has been a faculty member at the DePaul University Community Music School, and has taught in London, England. She has written articles for Keyboard Companion magazine and frequently serves as an adjudicator for contests in the Chicago area. A mandatory Parent Orientation for all students new to SHS after school piano program. The Suzuki method is by far the most effective approach for nurturing and developing the musical ability of a child from a very young age. Based on Suzuki's "mother language" philosophy, very young children learn to play the piano through their senses after listening to recordings and observing how other children learn. A cooperative relationship between teacher, parent and student is essential for a successful learning process. A parent is expected to be present at the child's lesson and receive training as a practice partner to the child.
Private Voice Lessons Teacher: Justin Nixon, Middle School Music Instructor Age: 1st - 5th graders Dates: Thursdays, October 30 – December 11 (5 weeks), Time: (30 minute lessons) Lessons are offered from 3:30-5:30 pm Fees: $260 Important: Please arrange time with teacher before registering for class by contacting: Justin.Nixon@shschicago.org Mr. Nixon will meet with students in a private voice studio setting. Students will work on developing an understanding of proper vocal technique including breathing, relaxation of the vocal mechanism, vowel placement all while learning new and exciting songs. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to work and a desire to become a better singer. Students will meet for 30 minutes per lesson.
Friday After School Classes NOTICE: If registered for Fall Session I - Chess and Taekwondo, you should not register for any of the Friday classes listed below. Chess and Taekwodo run both Fall Sessions I & II
The Art of Painting Teacher: Diana Cortez, Primary School Art Teacher Age: K – 6th graders Dates: Fridays, November 7 – December 12 (4 weeks) Times: 2:45 - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $108 + $40 = $148 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Come join Mrs. Cortez for a fun, relaxed painting class, where you will improve your fine motor and observation skills utilizing acrylic paint and blending colors and adding light and shadow. You will create a beautiful panting of your choice that you and your family will enjoy for many years. Page 9 10/7/2014
Made From Clay Teacher: Jenny Doherty, Former SHS Middle School Art Teacher Age: Kindergarten - 4th Graders Dates: Fridays, November 7 - December 12 (4 weeks) Time: 2:45-3:45 p.m. Fee: $108 + $10 materials fee = $118 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 12 Explore the wonderful world of sculpey clay. Students will delight in making clay animals, pottery, jewelry, and more. So much is possible working with this non-toxic clay that comes in a wide variety of colors and bakes to a hard form. Techniques and instruction using several different approaches towards manipulating this medium will expand any child’s creativity.
Model Rocketry Teacher: David Gusaas, Math Teacher, 7th & 8th Age: 2nd & 3rd Grades Dates: Fridays, November 7 – December 12 (4 weeks) Time: 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Fee: $108 + $15 materials fee = $123 Minimum Enrollment: 6; Maximum Enrollment: 12 This class is an introduction to building model rockets and understanding the basics of rocket propulsion. Each student will build a model rocket from a kit, and weather and other conditions permitting, will get a chance to launch his or her rocket. The class will also incorporate a brief history of space exploration and the U.S. space program.
Piano Lessons
Create-A-Play Teacher: Staff from L’il Buds Theatre Company Age: 2nd, 3rd, 4th graders Dates: Fridays, November 7 – December 12 (4 weeks) Time: 2:45 –3:45 p.m. Fee: $108 Minimum Enrollment: 5; Maximum Enrollment: 20 Your child will be fully immersed in the world of theatre as they and our teaching artist create an original play in just 4 weeks. The students will learn theatre games and exercises that will prepare them to perform a short original play that they will help to create using student suggestions on plot, setting, and characters.
Teacher: Camille Witos Dates: Fridays, November 7 – December 12 (4 weeks) Time: (30 / 45 minute lessons)Lessons are offered from 3:30-6:00pm Fee: 30 minutes - $208 / 40 minutes - $284 Important: Please arrange time with teacher before registering for class by contacting: cwitos@msn.com A Chicago native, Camille Witos is an active chamber musician and teacher. She established the Boulanger ensemble, which is dedicated to performing a lecture/recital of the lives and music of Lili and Nadia Boulanger. Ms. Witos has taught for many years in Chicago and on the North Shore. She is on the faculty of the Music Institute of Chicago, has been a faculty member at the DePaul University Community Music School, and has taught in London, England. She has written articles for Keyboard Companion magazine and frequently serves as an adjudicator for contests in the Chicago area. A mandatory Parent Orientation for all students new to SHS after school piano program. Suzuki method is by far the most effective approach for nurturing and developing the musical ability of a child from a very young age. Based on Suzuki's "mother language" philosophy, very young children learn to play the piano through their senses after listening to recordings and observing how other children learn. A cooperative relationship between teacher, parent and student is essential for a successful learning process A parent is expected to be present at the child's lesson and receive training as a practice partner to the child. Page 10 10/7/2014