After School Program
Shawn Desmond | Extended Learning Coordinator | 704.864.7744 ext. 122
The Gaston Day After School Program offers a safe nurturing environment for students PS-8th grade. Click here to register.
The weekly fee is $95 and you will be billed monthly by the Finance Office.
This year we will resume our drop-in service which will allow students to attend After School care on an as-needed basis. The drop-in fee is $30 per day and will be billed monthly by the Finance Office.
Students must be picked up no later than 5:30pm from the carpool line at the front of the school. If a student is picked up after 5:30pm, the cost is $10.00 for the first 5 minutes and $5.00 for each five-minute increment thereafter per child. This amount will be billed through the Finance Office in addition to your weekly/drop-in charge.
The weekly fee is $50 and you will be billed monthly by the Finance Office.
This year we will continue our drop-in service which will allow students to attend After School care on an as-needed basis. The drop-in fee is $15 per day and will be billed monthly by the Finance Office. These fees will help to cover activity materials and snacks for students. Students who are waiting on music lessons or afternoon practice may work on homework at no charge.
Students must be picked up no later than 5:30pm from the carpool line at the front of the school. If a student is picked up after 5:30pm, the cost is $10.00 for the first 5 minutes and $5.00 for each five-minute increment thereafter per child. This amount will be billed through the Finance Office in addition to your weekly/drop-in charge.
After School Daily Schedule Outline:
3:15-4:00: Relax/Choice Time
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This time will be reserved for students to get their energy out after a long school day. During this time they can socialize with peers, relax, play on the playground, enjoy a game of gaga ball, and unwind for a bit before settling down for homework time. Students who choose to get a head start on homework during this time are welcome to do so!
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Students who bring their own snack, or an additional snack, are welcome to eat it during this time.
4:00-4:25: Snack/Homework Time
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Students are split by grade level for snack/homework time. Our preschool-kindergarten students will be enjoying a read-aloud story and their snack in one location while the first-fourth graders work on homework while eating snacks in another room.
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Snacks are typically passed out around 4:15 to give students enough time to wash hands, get water, and settle down.
4:25-4:55: Whole Group Activity
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Whole group activities can include games, maker spaces, and STEAM challenges that require students to work together. These activities reinforce critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
4:55-5:30: Choice Time
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Choice time allows students another opportunity to socialize and think creatively with their peers. Students typically get to choose to go outside or to play inside.
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Technology is not an option during this time, with the exception of Fridays. Friday we will have “tech-day” and students may use their Chromebooks/tablets during choice time.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
We will be offering After School Enrichment/Club opportunities this school year as well as many enrichment activities woven into our daily After School Program!
There is no charge to sign your child up and registration only takes 5 minutes or less. Click here to register.
Time: Tuesdays 2:00-3:00
– Dates:
– Sept 5, 12, 19, 26,
– Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
– Nov 7, 14
– No Rooted 10/31
– Description:
About the Program:
- What is one factor that is most lacking in the daily routine of today’s children? Nature. Nature is a driving force for holistic development, as it offers an immersive experience that calms the regulatory centers of the brain and challenges the whole body in physical movement. Due to changes over time in the way we prioritize our time, increasing screentime, and environmental safety, children are being exposed less and less to nature. Currently, the average American child spends between 6-8 hours per day on screens and only 4-7 minutes per day engaged in unstructured outdoor play. Experts recommend a minimum of 2 hours per day of outdoor play to promote healthy brain and body development. There are countless benefits to engagement in nature when strategically utilized including: modulating the sensory systems, improving body strength and coordination, increasing attention span and alertness, expanding cognitive skills, eliciting imaginary play schemes, promoting emotion regulation, and supporting better communication with others.
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Schedule Outline:
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10 minutes: gathering and snack time
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10 minutes: connection circle
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20 minutes: Structured therapy activity
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20 minutes: Supported Play
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Example Activities:
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Natural Obstacle courses
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Targeting motor planning, body coordination, and sensory processing
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Constructing birdseed birdhouses
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Targeting tactile sensory processing, bilateral coordination, fine motor control
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Downhill bowling
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Targeting communication, problem-solving, and visual-motor integration
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Fort building
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Targeting cooperative play, coordination, and problem-solving
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Giant Rope Spider Web
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Targeting communication, motor planning, balance, and coordination
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Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice
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Sensory processing, bilateral coordination, upper-extremity strengthening.
About the Instructor:
- Shannon Joyce is a licensed occupational therapist with T.O.T.S. who has a passion for integrating skilled therapy into the natural outdoor environment to provide the best outcomes for growing kids. Guided by Laura Park Figueroa’s ConTiGO Approach, she aims to provide occupational therapy interventions in a small group setting outdoors to promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills in kids.
Time: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30
– Dates:
– Sept 5, 12, 19, 26,
– Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
– Nov 7, 14
– No Rooted 10/31
Description:
About the Program:
- What is one factor that is most lacking in the daily routine of today’s children? Nature. Nature is a driving force for holistic development, as it offers an immersive experience that calms the regulatory centers of the brain and challenges the whole body in physical movement. Due to changes over time in the way we prioritize our time, increasing screentime, and environmental safety, children are being exposed less and less to nature. Currently, the average American child spends between 6-8 hours per day on screens and only 4-7 minutes per day engaged in unstructured outdoor play. Experts recommend a minimum of 2 hours per day of outdoor play to promote healthy brain and body development. There are countless benefits to engagement in nature when strategically utilized including: modulating the sensory systems, improving body strength and coordination, increasing attention span and alertness, expanding cognitive skills, eliciting imaginary play schemes, promoting emotion regulation, and supporting better communication with others.
-
Schedule Outline:
-
10 minutes: gathering and snack time
-
10 minutes: connection circle
-
20 minutes: Structured therapy activity
-
20 minutes: Supported Play
-
Example Activities:
-
-
Natural Obstacle courses
-
Targeting motor planning, body coordination, and sensory processing
-
Constructing birdseed birdhouses
-
Targeting tactile sensory processing, bilateral coordination, fine motor control
-
Downhill bowling
-
Targeting communication, problem-solving, and visual-motor integration
-
Fort building
-
Targeting cooperative play, coordination, and problem-solving
-
Giant Rope Spider Web
-
Targeting communication, motor planning, balance, and coordination
-
Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice
-
Sensory processing, bilateral coordination, upper-extremity strengthening.
About the Instructor:
- Shannon Joyce is a licensed occupational therapist with T.O.T.S. who has a passion for integrating skilled therapy into the natural outdoor environment to provide the best outcomes for growing kids. Guided by Laura Park Figueroa’s ConTiGO Approach, she aims to provide occupational therapy interventions in a small group setting outdoors to promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills in kids.
Time: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30
– Dates:
– Sept 6, 13, 20
– Oct 11, 18, 25
– Nov 8, 15
– No Paint It!: 9/27
– Description:
About the Program:
- Paint IT! By Lisa is taught by Lisa Yarwasky. Lisa will provide step by step instructions as you learn the art of acrylic painting and create your own masterpiece! Painting helps foster creativity, strengthen memory, build problem solving skills, promote positive attitude, and nurtures emotional growth.
About the Instructor:
- A message from instructor, Lisa Yarwasky: I love all things art and LOVE to share it with children and adults of all ages. I believe there is creativity in each one and we should use our talents to help spread beauty not only outwardly, but inwardly. I have been a teacher, in and out of the classroom for over 15 years, and began my art business 4 years ago. Since then, I have met so many incredible families and have been blessed to do what I truly love. I am from West Virginia, and moved to Waxhaw 16 years ago with my 2 children and husband. Those that know me best would also call me a nature-nut. It’s all ART!
Time: Wednesdays 4:00-5:00
– Dates:
– Sept 13, 20, 27
– Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
– Nov 8
– Description:
About the Program:
- Research shows that chess can improve academic performance and critical thinking skills. Chess teaches discipline, increases self-confidence, improves decision making abilities, and enhances organizational skills. Chess Club is for all levels of chess players. Players are divided by age and ability.
- Students are welcome to attend afterschool at no extra charge before attending Chess at 4:00.
About the Instructor:
- Spencer Singleton is a retired teacher from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. He has been a chess instructor for 29 years and has helped hundreds of young people learn to play this wonderful game. Spencer was introduced to chess in 1972 while attending UNC Charlotte, the same year that Bobby Fischer became World Chess Champion. He fell in love with the game and has been playing ever since. In addition to teaching chess, Spencer has coached Middle and High School chess teams in multiple locations and brought many of his teams to local, state, and national championships.
Time: Thursday 3:30-4:30
– Dates:
– Sep 28
– Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
– Nov 2, 9, 16
About the Program:
- In this 8-week program, students will learn all about keeping active through running with Ms. Hedrick!
- Some activities in this program include:
- Education about Physical health and activity
- Runs around campus
- Running games and activities
- Running Competitions
- Team Building Activities
- Special “Race” day!
About the Instructor:
- This is Ms. Hedrick’s second year at Gaston Day, and her first year teaching 3rd grade! She will be an assistant coach for middle school soccer this semester, and is very involved in afterschool and summer camp programs. She is super excited to work with your students this semester and share her interest in physical activity. Let’s run!
Time: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30
- 8 Sessions
Dates:
- Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
- Nov 7, 14, 28
- Dec 4
- SKIP: 10/31, 11/21
About the Program:
- Let’s Play is an outdoor games enrichment in which students will participate in a variety of team games and activities. Throughout this program, students will strengthen their teamwork and sportsmanship skills, as well as learning some new games!
- Join Ms. Lambert in a variety of activities which might include:
- Gaga Ball
- Obstacle Courses
- Kickball
- Soccer
- & SO MUCH MORE!
Next Steps
Get to Know Us.
Let us know you’re interested and we’ll send you everything you need to get started.
Schedule a Tour.
See the full campus, visit the classrooms, and meet the exceptional faculty and staff.
Apply for Admission.
Ready to enroll? Begin the admission process by submitting an online application form.