After School Activities
GWCS is excited to offer a variety of no-cost after-school activities for our students in grades K-8 beginning on September 30th. This year we will run three ten-week sessions to provide more students the opportunity to participate in our after-school activities. Please find all descriptions below. 
Session Dates:
Session 1- 9/30/24-12/5/24
Session 1- 9/30/24-12/5/24
Session 2- 12/9/24-2/27/25
Session 3- 3/3/25-5/15/25
Elementary Activities:
ARTS and CRAFTS CLUB for Grades K-3
This club allows for students to be creative and work on creating different crafts throughout the year. Students will work on all different types of arts and crafts, including some that will be holiday/seasonal themed.
This club allows for students to be creative and work on creating different crafts throughout the year. Students will work on all different types of arts and crafts, including some that will be holiday/seasonal themed.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS for Grades 3-4 (Runs February-May)
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
BIRD WATCHING for Grades 3-4 (Session One & Three)
The Green Woods Birding Club will teach students about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own. Please note that Bird Watching Club is held in Session one and three only.
The Green Woods Birding Club will teach students about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own. Please note that Bird Watching Club is held in Session one and three only.
BOARD GAMES Grades 1-4
Board games, trivia games, logic games, card games, memory games – not only are they fun; they are also an opportunity to stretch thinking, apply logic and reasoning skills, and boost memory. Board games originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago and have evolved throughout time and cultures ever since. While games have changed in the modern day, they still provide their players the opportunity to strategize and apply their knowledge to a set of rules with the ultimate goal of winning. During board game club students will play a variety of games . The goal of the board game club is to work with elementary students to foster community, screen free play, sportsmanship, SEL, and socialization.
CHOIR for Grades 3-4
If your student is interested in signing this is the club for them. Students who sign up will need to audition first before being selected. More information to come about auditions.
If your student is interested in signing this is the club for them. Students who sign up will need to audition first before being selected. More information to come about auditions.
JUNIOR RUNNING CLUB 3-5
We are excited to offer a new running club for our younger students this year! Modeled after our middle school running club, students in 3rd - 5th grade will get to tie up their running shoes and learn the mechanics of running while having fun with their friends. During the fall season, students will play games, learn proper stretches, and work up to a steady one mile run before conquering a 5K in the spring season. All runs will take place on campus on Thursday from 3:30-4:30 with the Junior Running Club coaches. Student participants will have the option to participate in two runs off campus - a one mile fun run in the fall and a 5K in the spring.
SEWING CLUB for Grade 4
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
STEM CLUB for Grades 3-4
The 3/4 STEM Club will teach students how the Engineering Design Process works, and have them experience working on STEM challenges with their peers. Each week, club members will be given a new stem challenge that they will complete. Each challenge will have club members designing, building, reflecting and sharing their project with the group.
The 3/4 STEM Club will teach students how the Engineering Design Process works, and have them experience working on STEM challenges with their peers. Each week, club members will be given a new stem challenge that they will complete. Each challenge will have club members designing, building, reflecting and sharing their project with the group.
STORYBOOK STEM for Grades K-2
We are excited to be offering a new after school club for our K-2 students. This club will focus on a different storybook and stem activity to accompany it during each meeting. With the guidance of Mrs. Durso the students will be working hands-on with the components of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math). They will engage in activities, crafts, and experiments.
We are excited to be offering a new after school club for our K-2 students. This club will focus on a different storybook and stem activity to accompany it during each meeting. With the guidance of Mrs. Durso the students will be working hands-on with the components of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math). They will engage in activities, crafts, and experiments.
Middle School Activities:
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS for Grades 5-8 (Runs February-May)
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
The Battle of the Books program is designed to encourage children to read more by helping them discover the joy and excitement of reading and talking about books. Using a team format, students get to share with their friends the challenge of growing the quantity of books they read as well as increasing their exposure to a variety of writing styles and topics. During the program students will train for the annual in-house reading competition, Battle of the Books. More information for this club will be sent out in January.
BIRD WATCHING for Grades 5-8 (Session One & Three)
The Green Woods Birding Club will take place during session one and session three. Students will learn about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own.
The Green Woods Birding Club will take place during session one and session three. Students will learn about birds and how to responsibly bird-watch outdoors. Participating students will split their time between the classroom and outdoors in the field. Classroom time will be spent on various lessons and activities related to bird identification. Students will learn about different bird species and their habitats, as well as ethical practices relating to bird watching and respecting wildlife and the environment. Field guides and games will be utilized to reinforce active and enjoyable learning in these topics. Particular focus will be placed on bird species local to the Philadelphia region. Outdoor time will be spent learning how to use binoculars, identifying birds, and creating a comprehensive Green Woods bird list, which would include all the birds seen by students on the Green Woods campus. Students will also be encouraged to start a bird “life list” of their own.
CHOIR for grades 5-8 Wednesday
Limited spots will be available for the middle school choir. If your student is interested in joining if a spot becomes available please sign them up. There will be auditions for these limited spots.
Limited spots will be available for the middle school choir. If your student is interested in joining if a spot becomes available please sign them up. There will be auditions for these limited spots.
DANCE/CHEER for GRADES 5-8
Teamwork Development: Working with others is essential in all areas of life. Working with teammates from different backgrounds and skill levels in competitive dance helps our dancers to see themselves as part of a team, not just an individual, which helps them strive for success as a team. Increased Skills Acquisition: When you are part of competitive dance, steps, movements and methods are at a faster pace. With the practice and dedication needed, you can watch your dancer dramatically increase their abilities in a shorter time. Valuable Life Lessons: Competitions for dance teach valuable life lessons. You can expect your child to learn about teamwork, resolving differences, how to be a polite winner or loser, professional networking, and much more all within the sport of competitive dance. Creative Expression: Expressing yourself is something that many people struggle with. When your child is in competitive dance, they can enjoy a creative and active outlet. Performance Skills. Students will perform for home basketball games and different school events.
Teamwork Development: Working with others is essential in all areas of life. Working with teammates from different backgrounds and skill levels in competitive dance helps our dancers to see themselves as part of a team, not just an individual, which helps them strive for success as a team. Increased Skills Acquisition: When you are part of competitive dance, steps, movements and methods are at a faster pace. With the practice and dedication needed, you can watch your dancer dramatically increase their abilities in a shorter time. Valuable Life Lessons: Competitions for dance teach valuable life lessons. You can expect your child to learn about teamwork, resolving differences, how to be a polite winner or loser, professional networking, and much more all within the sport of competitive dance. Creative Expression: Expressing yourself is something that many people struggle with. When your child is in competitive dance, they can enjoy a creative and active outlet. Performance Skills. Students will perform for home basketball games and different school events.
DRAMA CLUB for GRADES 5-8
Calling all thespians! Green Woods Drama Club is back! All interested 4th through 8th graders are invited to audition for this year's musical. All students will need to audition, additional information will be sent to interested students the week of 9/27. Students will be assigned a time, and must memorize a short dialogue or monologue, which will be provided, for the audition.
Robotic Club: Grades 5-8 Thursday
Innovate, Create, and Share! Robotics club students will be immersed in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering curriculum and engaged in a range of rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Students will develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and design, build, and code to solve themed challenge missions!
Innovate, Create, and Share! Robotics club students will be immersed in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering curriculum and engaged in a range of rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Students will develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and design, build, and code to solve themed challenge missions!
SEWING CLUB for Grade 5-6
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
Sewing club is a skills-based club where students will learn the basics of sewing, and create some fun sewing projects, like stuffed animals! If your student loves arts and crafts and having fun with their friends this is the club for them.
Song Writing for Grades 7-8 (Session Two Only)
This club is designed to be a supportive and collaborative environment where students can learn, grow, and create together. Throughout session two, we'll delve into the fundamentals of song structure and analysis, learn expression and storytelling through lyrics, and how to create melodies that fit those lyrics. We will share songs in class where students can provide feedback and suggestions to help improve each song. By the end of the trimester, each student will have written their very own song which will be recorded, produced, and mixed as part of the "2024/2025 Green Woods Compilation EP". We will also work on and learn about the process of releasing music and the different components required to release music.
Students will also support a cover art “competition” open to any student at the school to submit their art to be used for the cover of the "2024/2025 Green Woods Compilation EP" This club will be open to all levels of experience, with no prior writing or music experience required. The only requirement is a love for writing, open-mindedness, and comfort singing in front of people.
This club is designed to be a supportive and collaborative environment where students can learn, grow, and create together. Throughout session two, we'll delve into the fundamentals of song structure and analysis, learn expression and storytelling through lyrics, and how to create melodies that fit those lyrics. We will share songs in class where students can provide feedback and suggestions to help improve each song. By the end of the trimester, each student will have written their very own song which will be recorded, produced, and mixed as part of the "2024/2025 Green Woods Compilation EP". We will also work on and learn about the process of releasing music and the different components required to release music.
Students will also support a cover art “competition” open to any student at the school to submit their art to be used for the cover of the "2024/2025 Green Woods Compilation EP" This club will be open to all levels of experience, with no prior writing or music experience required. The only requirement is a love for writing, open-mindedness, and comfort singing in front of people.
YEARBOOK for GRADES 7-8
Yearbook will be open to 7th and 8th grade students who will take photos of school events including those held after school hours. Students will also be in charge of organizing and tagging photos in the online yearbook software. Additionally students will design the yearbook pages, which includes choosing photos and artwork.
Yearbook will be open to 7th and 8th grade students who will take photos of school events including those held after school hours. Students will also be in charge of organizing and tagging photos in the online yearbook software. Additionally students will design the yearbook pages, which includes choosing photos and artwork.
