MONDAYS 

-Dungeons and Dragons (all skill levels): Students will work through a session-long campaign that is designed to be accessible for all skill levels (from beginner to advanced). If there is high enrollment, the group will split into two campaigns running side by side. 

-Refuel and Ride: Designed for participants in sports, musical or other events that keep you after school, this club offers a post-school snack and convenient transportation home for those whose activities or practices have concluded. Stay energized and worry-free as you balance academics, extracurriculars and athletics. *Students must check in to A-14 after school, and meet Site Coordinator in the lobby by 4:20pm for Franklin bussing and 4:45pm for Swanton and Highgate bussing.* 

-BTB Drop-In  Mondays: Sign up for Mondays and you can choose from the following drop in classes each week:

Between the Lines/Homework Club: Come hang out in the library and outside (weather permitting)  for this ‘choose your own cozy adventure’ program. Here, you have the opportunity to do various activities that are both interesting and relaxing. From watching movies to coloring, and logic puzzles, individual reading and even starting a book club; this program is designed to be flexible to your interests and needs. Students also have the opportunity to receive homework help during this time.

MVU Youth Council: Students gather with their advisor and develop skills in civic responsibility, leadership, advocacy, core citizenship both inside and out of school, and more. This program has a delayed start- 9/28. Students are able to join another program in the meantime!

TUESDAYS

-Hunter Education: Students will learn Hunter Education and safety with Mr. Poore, following the state’s regulated program, which includes firearm safety. Students will have the opportunity to test for their orange cards at the end of the session.

-Jr. Iron Chef with Mr. Tougas: Join us in a thrilling competition! Become a part of our MVU Jr. Iron Chef team set to compete against schools across Vermont. Create a recipe with the potential to feature on school menus statewide. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Students who sign up must commit to the year- long program. The JR Iron Chef competition is in March, 2027.

-Woodworking: Project Building: Join Mr. Depatie in the woodshop for an afternoon of learning the basics of woodworking. Build interesting projects ranging in skill level as the session goes on! Families should be aware that students taking wood shop will be working with hand tools such as (but not limited to) hand saws, drills, nails, etc. our staff will work to ensure that students learn to use these tools safely. If your student cannot demonstrate they can utilize these tools in a safe manner, they may be asked to join another program. (Must attend Tues and Thurs) 

-Refuel and Ride: See Description Above

-BTB Drop-In Tuesdays: Sign up for Tuesdays and you can choose from the following drop in classes each week:

eSports CLUB:  Do you love all things esports, but don’t want to join a competitive league? Join us right here at MVU on Wednesdays for Super Smash Bros Ultimate matches, Mario Kart, and more!

Quilting with Ms. Kolk: Students will learn the basics of quilting, and will spend the weeks making their own homemade quilt. This cozy, calm program combines the love of crafting, with the creativity of designing your own masterpiece and ending with a finished product to take home and cherish forever. 

Thunderbird Strength and Fitness/Open Gym: Get ready to sweat it out, feel the adrenaline, and enjoy an invigorating workout that not only challenges your body but also sharpens your mind. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just beginning your health journey, Thunderbird Strength and Fitness is here to help you reach your full potential. Elevate your strength, expand your fitness knowledge, and experience the thrill of achieving a healthier, stronger you in the MVU Weight Room!

Tuesdays only, students have the ability to choose to be in the weight room, or open gym. Students will have the opportunity to play basketball, spikeball, indoor soccer or other fun indoor sports in the MVU gym.

WEDNESDAYS

-eSports TEAM: Try out for a chance to be on MVU’s Esports SSBU Team! As the reigning champions from last season, the team is excited to be back for another year. Students MUST attend one day of tryouts: 9/9/26, and 9/10/26. Tryouts do not guarantee a spot on the team. At this time we are only running a high school team. Middle schoolers are able to perfect their SSBU skills during esports CLUB on Tuesdays. This is a collaborative program with MVU Athletics. Team Members will need to attend both Wednesdays and Thursdays each week.

-Performing Arts @Swanton Public Library: Students will meet at Swanton Library to learn the ins and outs of putting on a play/ musical. From costume and set design, to directing, to playbills, the library has you covered! Students will work to put on a real play that younger students will act in, which will be performed at the end of the session.

-Refuel and Ride: See Description Above

-BTB Drop-In Wednesdays: Sign up for Wednesdays and you can choose from the following drop in classes each week:

Board Games/Homework Help:  After your busy day at school, do you just want to chill with your friends? Come hang out and play various board and card games,  and have a dedicated place and time to get your homework out of the way! Our instructor is here to help with your homework if needed!

Magic: The Gathering: Looking for a community of Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts? Join our Magic the Gathering Fall program! We'll meet every Wednesday to discuss strategies, compete in tournaments and build your understanding of Magic. No matter your level of experience, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

THURSDAYS

-Dungeons & Dragons (Advanced): Dive deep into this D&D adventure with an experienced Dungeon Master at the helm and guiding you. This class offers a guided exploration of the game's mechanics, lore, and strategic gameplay. Learn from a seasoned pro as you navigate challenging encounters, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover hidden secrets that the creatures of this world are hiding from you.. Please note this specific course of D&D is designed for players who have proven to have foundational knowledge to engage in skilled and serious gameplay. Students who enter and cannot focus may be asked to join another program until they develop the ability to sit through advanced play.

-eSports TEAM: see description above

-eSports Rocket League @Northwest Access: Students will learn the fundamentals of Rocket League and compete amongst one another and other schools. This is held virtually and in St. Albans at Northwest Access TV,  NOT at MVU. No transportation provided.

-Pickleball: Open to all students 7-12 at all skill levels, students can learn or practice their skills with pickleball at the Marble Mill Park Courts on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00. Students needing transportation have the opportunity to be transported by our instructor (who is certified with the district to transport students in her vehicle). Bus transportation home for SWANTON residents will be available from the courts, but students residing in other towns are responsible for transportation home strictly at 5:00pm. Students requiring transportation must check in to A-14 after school.

-Refuel and Ride: See Description Above

-Woodworking: Project Building:Join Mr. Depatie in the woodshop for an afternoon of learning the basics of woodworking. Build interesting projects ranging in skill level as the session goes on! (Must attend Tues and Thurs) 

-BTB Drop-In Thursdays: Sign up for Thursdays and you can choose from the following drop in classes each week:

CATALYST: Need help navigating the job market? MVU’s Career Center is your one-stop shop for advice on resumes, cover letters, and college applications. Drop in any day after school to pick up resume templates and local job applications, or stop by Thursdays to ask questions, attend resume building workshops, job application workshops and mock interviews. Once a month we will host guest speakers from various professions to speak with students about their career, and journey to get there. This is a drop in program, no sign up required.

Thunderbird Strength and Fitness: Get ready to sweat it out, feel the adrenaline, and enjoy an invigorating workout that not only challenges your body but also sharpens your mind. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just beginning your health journey, Thunderbird Strength and Fitness is here to help you reach your full potential. Elevate your strength, expand your fitness knowledge, and experience the thrill of achieving a healthier, stronger you in the MVU Weight Room!

FRIDAYS

Swanton Rec: Open Teen Space: Students will gather at Swanton Rec for various programs and activities.

Swanton Library: Teen Makerspace: Students will meet at Swanton Library to engage in the makerspace where they can use their skills, learn new ones and create crafts and other products.

FAQs

• “When/where should my student meet for the bus for refuel and ride?” 

  • Your student should first check in to A-14 after the bell rings at 2:35 to ensure Beyond the Bell staff know they are taking the bus that day. Students should meet BTB staff in the front lobby @ 4:20 for Franklin bussing, and 4:45 at the latest for Swanton and Highgate bussing. 

• “Is there transportation to offsite programs?” 

  • That depends. For programs located at Northwest Access T.V. in St. Albans, there is no transportation available. For programs at Swanton Recreational Center, Swanton Elementary School, and the Swanton Public Library, parents can arrange for their student to take the Swanton bus. However, there is no transportation home from these programs. 

• “What do I do if my student plays sports and their attendance will be spotty?” 

  • Please reach out to Taylor AlKassir to arrange for alternative scheduling- students no longer need to join a specific class during refuel and ride, and can have free time in A-14 until their practice/ class. 

• “Why are there tryouts for esports, and how does this work?” 

  • Esports Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (SSBU) is a competitive team jointly run but both Beyond the Bell and MVU Athletics. As this is a VPA sport, it requires tryouts meaning that not all students who register for it will make the team. This year, all offsite competitions for esports will fall under the MVU athletics umbrella. This means that rather than the MVSD Afterschool policy of  completing field trip forms when traveling off campus, students will follow the MVU Athletics process which is covered by this registration form. While off campus, students are expected to follow MVU and Beyond the Bell rules and expectations and represent their school respectfully. This includes treating the buses with care. While off campus and when utilizing bussing students and families can contact the MVU Athletic Director, Connor Bean. 

  • Students on the Esports SSBU team will receive a jersey to wear for the season. Like all other sports, this is loaned to students for the sport season and is expected to be returned at the end of the season in the same condition it was given. Failure to return the jersey, or returning a jersey that is: ripped, burned, stained, soiled, etc. will result in a $50.00 replacement fee.

• “Why are there only 8 spots for Advanced D&D?”

  • This section of D&D is an advanced class, meaning that all students accepted must be proficient in D&D and have the foundational skills to play through the game. The small class size allows players to be able to focus on the story line. There is a larger section of D&D for all skill levels available on Tuesdays. 

• “I have more questions or concerns, who do I contact?” 

  • You can reach out to Beyond the Bell’s Site Coordinator, Taylor AlKassir @mvu.afterschool@mvsdschools.org or call 802-868-0507.