MONDAYS 

Afternoon Beginners Yoga: Feeling cooped up, and want to get up and stretch this winter? Join us for our beginners yoga group that meets on Mondays. This will be inside, so we will run rain or shine! 

Granny Club: Do you want to learn how to make your own clothes, blankets, and other projects? Join us for Granny club where we will learn the art of crochet, specifically making a variety of types of granny squares. At the end of this session you should have enough to put them together to have a masterpiece to take home. 

Magic: The Gathering: Looking for a community of Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts? Join our Magic the Gathering club! We'll meet after school 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.

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.* 

TUESDAYS

Between the Lines: Come hang out in the library 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. 

Chess Club (Located offsite @ Northwest Access TV): Join the team at Northwest Access Television to start MVU’s first ever Chess Club. From beginner to expert, make your way over to the studio in St. Albans to learn the art of chess, and compete in matches around the country. 3:00-5:00 (no transportation available)

Cooking: Movie to Table: Have you ever been watching a movie and thought, “Wow, that dish looks amazing!” and wondered what it would taste like? Join us for this cool new opportunity to both watch the movies, then recreate some of the famous dishes for all to try. Think: beignets from Princess and the Frog, a giant sandwich from Scooby Doo, homemade spaghetti and meatballs from Lady and the Tramp, etc. Must attend both Tuesday and Thursday. 

Dungeons and Dragons:  Calling D&D enthusiasts of all skill levels! Embark on an epic adventure led by a fellow student! This class offers a unique opportunity to learn and explore the world of D&D under the guidance of a passionate and creative peer. Join forces with other aspiring adventurers to create unforgettable memories and shape the course of your own campaign.

Modern Tech Lab (gr 7-8) (Located offsite @ Swanton School):  Have fun with hands-on experiments with your friends and gain practical experience in robotics and modern tech. No experience necessary: you will control robots, build apps, and design interfaces with a specialized coach! This program takes place in collaboration with Swanton Elementary 6th grade. MVU students will take the bus after school to Swanton Elementary and can receive the after school meal at Swanton when they arrive. Students from Franklin and Highgate must be picked up by their guardian. Swanton students have the option of bus transportation home. Must register for Tuesday and Thursday.

Refuel and Ride: See description above

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!

WEDNESDAYS

Creative Minds: Are you passionate about art? Creative Minds is a supportive community where you can develop your artistic skills, explore new techniques, and connect with like-minded individuals. No matter your artistic journey, we have something for everyone. Let's create together!

esports: Super Smash Bros (Onsite MVU Team): Returning team members only. Runs from school dismissal to 5:30 pm. No bus transportation available. Registration for the Spring Season team will open 12/15/25, with tryouts on 1/7/26, and 1/9/26. 

Homework Help: Are you tired of bringing homework home not having enough time? Join us for homework help which is a relaxing space to get assignments done at your pace, with help around if needed. 

Magic: The Gathering: See description above

Refuel and Ride: See description above

Youth Council (Up for Learning): Make a difference in your community! You know what teens in our area want and need. Come help plan, collaborate and develop a project idea that would benefit local youth. Successful proposals will have the opportunity to manage thousands of dollars and make their project a reality.

THURSDAYS

Cooking: Movie to Table: See description on reverse. Must attend Tuesday and Thursday.

Dungeons and Dragons: Into the Fey: (8 spots available) Dive deep into the magical and mystical world of the Feywild in this custom D&D adventure with an experienced Dungeon Master at the helm to guide you. This class offers an 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 Fey are hiding from the world and could prevent a bigger threat from destroying the world. Please note this specific course of D&D is designed for players who have proven to have foundational knowledge already of the game shown in Fall’s Intro to D&D. Students will know if they qualify for this particular program by the end of Fall session. 

esports: Rocket League (Located off site at Northwest Access TV): Get ready to power up your gaming prowess! Join our high-octane esports team geared up for epic showdowns in Rocket League against schools statewide. But here's the deal: team spots are limited, and every practice is your ticket to victory. Commitment is key—your presence at each session is crucial to secure your spot and conquer the competition. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this thrilling gaming experience! 3:00-5:00 (no transportation available)

JR Iron Chef: (located offsite @ Swanton Rec 3:30-5:00 ) Join us in a thrilling competition! Become a part of our MVU Jr. Iron Chef team set to compete against schools across Vermont at the statewide competition on March 14th in Essex. Create a recipe with the potential to feature on school menus statewide. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Practices will move to Saturdays on 2.21.26 & 3.7.26 to prepare for the competition. 5 spots available

Modern Tech Lab: (Located offsite @ Swanton School) see description on reverse Must register for Tuesday and Thursday.

Paranormal Investigators (Located offsite @ Swanton Recreational Center) This unique group combines scientific curiosity with local history and investigative techniques, as participants dive into the world of paranormal phenomena, myths, and legends. Guided by mentors and guest experts, participants will learn how to use investigative tools, research techniques, and critical thinking to analyze unexplained occurrences. (5:30-6:30pm every other week)

Refuel and Ride: see description above

Thunderbird Strength and Fitness: see description above

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.

FRIDAYS

esports: Super Smash Bros (Onsite MVU Team): Returning team members only. Runs from school dismissal to 4:00 pm. No bus transportation available. Registration for the Spring Season team will open 12/15/25, with tryouts on 1/7/26, and 1/9/26. 

Fridays at the Rec: Join us every Friday at the Swanton Recreation Center for a fun-filled afternoon! Beyond the Bell has partnered with the Swanton Recreation Center to create a welcoming space for teens to hang out and explore their interests. (3:30-5:00)

Swanton Library:  Teen Makerspace: Discover your passions at the Swanton Library every Friday!. Get hands-on with the awesome tools in the maker space, like 3D printers, free art materials, button makers and more! Feeling more low-key? Grab a great book, find a comfy spot in the Teen Room, and chill with friends. It's your space, your time! (3:30-5:00)

Swanton Library: Friday D&D: Calling D&D enthusiasts of all skill levels! Embark on an epic adventure led by our returning Dungeon Master Deakon. Join forces with other aspiring adventurers to create unforgettable memories and shape the course of your own campaign. (3:30-5:00)

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- while not available for every class, most can accommodate keeping your student’s spot even part time when off from practices. 

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

Esports is a new team Beyond the Bell is hosting in conjunction with the MVU Athletics Department. Esports is a nationally recognized sport with significant interest and is very competitive. Therefore, space is limited for teams. Students who register for esports should know that this registration is contingent upon making it through the tryout process. Please note MVU esports will be running varsity and junior varsity teams for the spring season. 

• “Why are there only 8 spots for D&D: Into the Fey?”

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.