Extended Programs is a true extension of the school day

EP is a true extension of the school day

By Kayleen Whitmer, Director of Extended Programs

When Trinity students pack their bags, the carpool bell rings, and children’s voices fi ll the hallways, members of the Extended Programs (EP) team know it is their time to shine. As you walk around campus, you see a seamless transition from the “regular school day” to the “extended day” as our EP teachers welcome students with warm smiles (or smiling eyes this year!) and exciting programming. In EP, our students can cultivate a passion for chess, coding, dancing, Legos, robotics, soccer, STEAM, yoga, and more in our Specials Classes; or enjoy digging in the sand, playing tag, swinging as high as they can, or discovering a new theme of the week in our Core Classes. With more than 60 options available, our afterschool program has the right set of off erings for each student and family. Looking back at EP, previously called Afternoon Enrichment, I’m proud to be a part of the evolution of the program. When Trinity’s after-school program began, students enjoyed the extra time with after-school teachers in their classrooms while some students were transported to an off -site after-school program called Haverty Hollow. Over the years, more and more of our families required an after-school program for their children. In the 2000s, it became clear that Trinity needed to off er more on-site options for our families through its after-school program. In 2012, Trinity hired and fully supported its new after-school program leader, Carol Meadows. Afternoon Enrichment became Extended Programs, and Carol developed a new model so that the program fell more in line with the academic day. It also evolved to include more robust and exciting options for students. When I joined the Trinity team in 2018, I was thrilled to see the array of classes off ered as well as the areas in which we could continue to expand EP. With 16 years of experience in after-school programs and day camps, I know that highquality after-school classes and camps support positive social, emotional, and academic growth. Providing a strong and enriching program for all our students is, and always has been, a priority for me. In a typical year, close to 80 percent of our students participate in EP. Each student, whether he or she is picked up at 2 PM or 6 PM, receives thoughtful and intentional programming provided by loving and skilled teachers who support our mission and Program and Pedagogy Pillars. Another one of my main goals for EP has been streamlining the students’ and families’ experience moving from the

During Little Mindful Yogis, Third Grader Clara, Fourth Grader Effi e, Third Grader Julia, and Fourth Grader Caroline gain strength, fl exibility, and coordination as they hold a pose with certifi ed yoga instructor Misty McClain. Third Grader Cecilia passes the ball to Fourth Grader Sammy during Lacrosse and Field Hockey.

“regular” school day to the “extended” school day. EP’s engaging off erings and amazing teachers who build great relationships with the students ensure that everyone has a smooth transition from one to the next as they enjoy the fun and growth found within our nurturing and caring environment. In addition to our daily after-school off erings, we introduced our much-loved Camp Days to families in 2018. On Conference Days and other abbreviated school days, students get to enjoy a half or full day of fun with their favorite EP teachers. Camp Days include art projects and science experiments as well as group games and special guest appearances by animal experts and their furry friends. Over the last three years, we have expanded the team with the addition of Michelle Siegel as the EP Core Supervisor and Eman Srouji as the EP Curriculum Associate. With backgrounds in art, recreational programming, and social work, the EP team has taken Core classes and Camp Days to the next level. With Core’s weekly theme programming—like Safari, Disney, Dr. Seuss, and Dinosaurs—students get to enjoy something new while cherishing all the things we love about childhood, especially our culminating dance parties with Stripes and dress-up parades! While looking back on the evolution and growth of EP, I love refl ecting on what the children are learning in EP and how they feel when they participate in our program. We often hear phrases like, “I met a new friend today.” “Did you see how high I got on the swing?” “I’ve never missed a season of Fast & Fit.” “Can I stay just a little longer?” Seeing students engage in our EP classes who walk away feeling accomplished and more confi dent, are excited about a new activity, and have a love for others and for learning is the greatest joy of being a part of EP at Trinity School. At any point throughout the year, you can peek into EP classrooms or playgrounds and see additional foundational layers being laid for a lifelong love of learning. Whether students cross the monkey bars for the fi rst time, program their team robot through an obstacle course, create and play their stop motion animation video, or use their creativity and negotiation skills as they battle to win World Domination during a Camp Day, they are having fun and growing their knowledge at the same time. Although this year might look a little diff erent with the School’s current mitigation strategies in place, it still feels the same. Our students have the opportunity to participate in their favorite activities or experience a new activity for the fi rst time. They get to safely interact with their peers, building new relationships and fostering old ones. At Trinity, they get to have normal experiences during a time when everything else doesn’t always feel normal. I’m so grateful to be a part of this school and able to off er an extended day of be a part of this school and able to off er an extended day of “normal” for our EP students this year.