Wednesday (K-5)

STEP (Structured Time for Enrichment and Play) is a fun, safe place for kids to relax after school with a mix of structured activities, creative projects, and time to just play. We keep things simple and supportive—kids can build, create, play, or chill out with friends. It’s dependable care that feels like a natural extension of their school day.

Grades K - 2 

Minimum 4 students 

Maximum 10 students

Tali Singer- tsinger@mandeljds.org 

Is your child coming home with homework? Let us help you! During Homework & Hang students will have an opportunity to get their homework done at school with a teacher’s help! After homework is done, your child will have the opportunity to engage in an activity of their choice; magnetic tiles, LEGO, drawing, board games, and more. 

Grades 3 - 5

Minimum 4 students 

Maximum 10 students

Paul Bolling - pbolling@mandeljds.org

In this class you will have the opportunity to create beaded necklaces, bracelets and more. Come and experience new creations. This is a class where you can use your artistic talents and vivid imagination. Meet new friends and have fun. All supplies are included. This class is taught by Etti Berkman. Etti loves to create and inspires others to share her love for creativity. She is looking forward to teaching your children the art of jewelry making and helping them create their own designs.

Grades K - 5

Etti Berkman- eberkman@mandeljds.org

Discover your passion for the arts and unleash your creativity with Lower School Drama Club at Mandel JDS! If you have a flair for acting, singing, or dancing, this is the perfect opportunity to learn and work hard, and also have a blast alongside your friends. Experience the thrill of creating an unforgettable show that we'll perform in front of your family and peers. There will be a performance at the end of the session. The date is TBD!

Grades K - 2

Abby Berkowitz- aberkowitz@mandeljds.org

Toby Lausin - tlausin@mandeljds.org

In Electronic Game Design, students create classic games by combining the innovative Makey Makey® device and programming with Scratch. Makey Makey® is a customizable circuitry tool that students transform into a controller for their games. They’ll learn about how circuits work with computers, coding, and how to design and build a fun game. Expert instructors guide students through making games like Operation and teach them the tools to bring their imaginations to life. Students combine their love for games with their drive to learn in this hands-on STEAM course.

Grades 3 - 5 

Minimum 8 students 

Maximum 20 students

Circus Performing Arts invites 4th–8th graders to step into the world of acrobatics, juggling, and balancing acts in a fun and supportive after‑school class. Students will start with partner acrobatics inspired by acro‑yoga, learning strength, flexibility, and teamwork through exciting, beginner‑friendly skills. Along the way, we’ll explore juggling and other circus tricks, building confidence and coordination. Throughout the semester, guest performers may join us to share their own unique circus specialties!

Grades 4 - 8

Minimum 6 students 

Maximum 15 students

Jesse Uguccini - juguccini@mandeljds.org

Whether you have a ton of story ideas bouncing around in your head or just love playing with words and ideas, creative writing is for you! Join us in a supportive environment as we work on creating and revising longer stories over the course of the semester.

Grades 4 & 5 

Minimum 4 students 

Maximum 8 students

Payment will be collected by the instructor on the first day of class. Payment can be made by Venmo, cash, or check. 

Jessica Shapiro - jessica.j.shapiro@gmail.com