Embedded Files
Winter 25-26
Registration is closed.
Families will receive an email from Heather Fagans with your student's schedule by the end of the day on Wed. Nov 26th.
If your student takes the late bus home you can find the late bus schedule below.
General CatCH Afterschool Schedule:
Students check in at the cafeteria at dismissal time.
2:35-3pm- Snack in the cafeteria
3:00-3:25pm- Choice time (CatCH's version of recess)
3:30-4:30pm- Program Time
4:30-4:40pm- Meet back in the cafeteria to get ready for dismissal
4:45-5pm- CatCH Dismissal (front loop for parent pick-up OR bus if your student signed up for the late bus on your CatCH registration)
Activities for Grades 1-5
Activities for Grades 1-5
*The titles and descriptions below also appear on the registration form.
MONDAYS
Word Wizards (GRADES 1-2): For students who need extra practice and support transforming letters on a page into words they know. Spelling in English can be unpredictable, so students will learn spells and other tricks for mastering the "dark arts" of our crazy language!
Scouts (GRADES 2-3): Hey future Brownies! Are you ready for fun, friendship, and adventure? Join us to explore hands-on activities, earn badges, and discover new skills as part of your Brownie troop. You’ll work together, try new things, and make awesome memories! *Important: Because of Girl Scout council rules and troop expectations, participants must commit to the next two CatCH sessions. This helps everyone stay on track and enjoy all the fun activities!
Kiddie Karaoke (GRADES 3-5): Sing, Read, and Shine! In Kiddie Karaoke, reading meets rhythm. This high-energy afterschool class uses the fun of karaoke to help kids build reading fluency, word recognition, and confidence. Through singing along to age-appropriate songs, students naturally improve their pacing, expression, and comprehension—all while having a blast. Whether they’re belting out classics or following along with catchy tunes, kids will practice key literacy skills in a supportive, fun-filled environment. No singing experience required—just a willingness to read, sing, and have fun!
Paper Crafts (GRADES 3-5): Get creative with paper! In this hands-on session, we’ll explore origami, paper flowers, and other fun paper projects. Fold, cut, and design your own colorful creations to take home!
TUESDAYS
Clay Creations (GRADES 1-2): Get ready to mold, mix, and make! In this hands-on program, students will learn how to work with polymer clay, including conditioning, color blending, and using clay tools. Each week brings a new project—like mini foods, animals, flowers, and more! Students will get to take home their unique creations and show off their artistic skills!
Wonderful Water Cycle (GRADE 1-2): Join Fairbanks Museum's newest meteorologist to learn all about our planet's water cycle! Students will make crafts and participate in demonstrations all around water. They will gain an understanding of why water is the key to life on Earth, from rivers and oceans to rain and clouds. Water generates electrical power, but also holds the power to destroy infrastructure. Understanding the water cycle is the first step to protecting the water cycle and understanding human beings' role within it.
Bling and Beads (GRADES 3-5): Get ready to sparkle and shine! In this creative arts and crafts program, students will dive into jewelry making, beading, and diamond art projects. Each session offers a chance to design something unique, colorful, and full of personality. Bring your imagination—and your love of all things shiny—to Bling & Beads!
Mix it Up (GRADES 3-5): You’ve heard of “no-bake cookies”—but that’s just the beginning! In this non-cooking cooking program, students will explore delicious, creative, and nutritious foods they can make without heat. We’ll focus on flavor and texture combinations, inspiring young chefs to invent their own tasty creations for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beyond. Get ready to mix, taste, and create in a fun, hands-on way!
WEDNESDAYS
Wild About Books (GRADES 1-2): Each week, we’ll have a “roaring” good time at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum reading exciting animal stories and creating animal-themed crafts to match! From jungle adventures to ocean tales, every session brings a new creature to discover and a fun project to take home. Come join the wild fun—because reading and creating are better together!
Winter Chill (GRADES 1-3): Take a deep breath and settle into the cozy season. We will uncover our creativity through journaling, drawing and doodling time. We will slow down, unwind and recharge as we find new ways to express feelings and creativity. No experience necessary just bring yourself and your imagination.
NEK Kitchen (GRADES 3-5): In NEK Kitchen, students will learn basic cooking skills and kitchen safety while using fresh, local ingredients from the Northeast Kingdom. Recipes will reflect the school’s healthy food and no-sugar initiative, teaching young chefs to make nutritious and delicious meals. From simple recipes to fun food facts, this hands-on program helps students build confidence, try new foods, and understand where their meals come from.
Carpentry (GRADES 3-5): A skilled local carpenter will guide students as they design and build birdhouses, boxes, and other fun woodworking projects to take home. Using the Academy’s fully equipped woodshop, students will learn hands-on skills, safe tool use, and the joy of creating with wood.
Catamount Jam (GRADES 5-8): Ready to rock? In Catamount Jam, students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments—drums, guitar, bass, keyboard—and explore what it’s like to play in a band. Try out new instruments, practice songs together, and build your skills each week as we prepare for a live performance at the Fall Showcase. No experience needed—just bring your love for music and a willingness to jam!
Sunshine Squad (GRADES 5-8): Join Ms. Sholan for a student-led community service program! Students brainstorm, plan, fundraise, and lead projects that spread gratitude and make a positive impact in St. Johnsbury and beyond. Past projects include care packages, food drives, volunteering, and holiday outreach. This program builds leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility while letting students take the lead and make a difference.
THURSDAYS
Lego Engineers Club (GRADES 1-2): Calling all LEGO-maniacs! Each week brings a brand-new challenge for our young engineers to design, build, and problem-solve. Students will work independently and in teams, using creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration to bring their ideas to life. Expect ingenuity, imagination, and lots of hands-on fun! As Thomas Edison might say: “To create something amazing, you need a big imagination—and a big pile of LEGOs!” The only requirement? A willingness to let your imagination explode!
Club REC (GRADE 1-2): Join us for Club Rec, a safe and positive place to be active and try new things! Each week, play exciting gym games like mini volleyball, floor hockey, parachute play, relay races, and more. Experienced staff helps everyone learn teamwork and build confidence while having a blast with friends.
Speed Puzzling (GRADES 3-5): Get ready to think fast and piece it together! In this exciting program, students will tackle a variety of jigsaw and logic puzzles against the clock, working to improve speed, strategy, and problem-solving skills. Compete individually or in teams, sharpen your mind, and see how quickly you can complete each challenge!
Community Arts (GRADES 3-5): The talented teaching artists of Catamount Arts will guide students through a variety of creative and hands-on art projects, inspiring imagination and self-expression in every session.
Catamount Jam (GRADES 5-8): Ready to rock? In Catamount Jam, students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments—drums, guitar, bass, keyboard—and explore what it’s like to play in a band. Try out new instruments, practice songs together, and build your skills each week as we prepare for a live performance at the Fall Showcase. No experience needed—just bring your love for music and a willingness to jam!
FRIDAYS
Catamount Cheer (GRADES 1-2): Students will learn the basics of cheer including stunts, pyramids, jumps, dancing and chants all while developing greater flexibility, strength, and teamwork skills.
Below the Snow (GRADES 1-3): Why do bears sleep all winter? Do frogs freeze into ice cubes? We will explore the science of hibernation and learn how different animals survive through the chilly months. We will read stories, do hands-on activities while learning about hibernation.
Secrets of the Amazon (GRADES 3-5): Have you ever wondered why the Amazon rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth? In this course, we’ll discuss popular and lesser known creatures in the Amazon rainforest, the role they play in their ecosystem, and the challenges they face in a rapidly warming world.
Robotics Jr. (GRADES 3-5): STEM Catamounts Jr. Robotics is an engaging program where students collaborate to explore engineering, coding, and problem solving through hands on projects. Participants develop personal and interpersonal skills, learning to communicate effectively, think creatively, and work together as a team. The program emphasizes the six core values; Gracious Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Inclusion, and Innovation, helping students grow not only as young engineers with a growth mindset but also as thoughtful, responsible members of their community. Active participation and commitment to learning are needed.
Zero Waste Makerspace (GRADES 5-8): Create cool stuff while caring for the planet! In this hands-on makerspace, students will use recycled and repurposed materials to design, build, and invent with sustainability in mind. From upcycled art to functional creations, this program encourages creativity, problem-solving, and eco-friendly thinking—because making can be fun and mindful!
Speech & Debate (GRADES 5-8): For students who already signed up in the Fall. This program will help you become a confident public speaker or, if you're already there, it will prepare you for state and national competitions where you try to persuade people about issues you care about. Last year St. Johnsbury School was the Middle School Speech and Debate State Champions!
Activities for Grades 6-8
Activities for Grades 6-8
*The titles and descriptions below also appear on the registration form.
MONDAYS
Catamount Unite: A STEM program (GRADES 6-8): This robotics program is a team focused, skill building experience where students collaborate to plan, code, and compete in December challenges. Participants will develop personal and interpersonal skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving, while learning coding as a valuable technical asset. Emphasizing gracious professionalism, students compete with integrity, respect, and teamwork. This program requires full commitment, students must attend all scheduled sessions and actively contribute to the team, as picking and choosing days is not compatible with success.
AWZ (GRADES 6-8): Supported by Mrs. Putvain, the AWZ is a quiet, comfortable space to get homework support and feel a sense of community. Students can drop-in as needed or attend every Monday. Either way, registration is required.
VermontHER (GRADES 6-8): This group was created to EMPOWER girls to embrace what is means to be a VermontHER while highlighting our state motto and exploring our beautiful state and local communuity. We will do this by discussing and challenging societal norms around body positivity, fostering leadership skills, providing peer mentorship, and promoting opportunities for personal growth through indoor and outdoor exploration.
Jr. Iron Chef (GRADES 6-8): For students who already enrolled in Fall. Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Iron Chef Jr? In this two-session program (Fall and Winter), students will form teams, choose a signature recipe, and spend the semester practicing and perfecting their dish. With guidance and hands-on cooking time, teams will build skills and prepare to compete in the Iron Chef Competition this February. Note: This program requires students to register and participate in the Jr. Iron Chef Competition on March 16th, 2026.
TUESDAYS
Quilting (GRADES 6-8): Combine math and art in this hands-on STEAM project! Students will use geometry, measurement, and hand sewing to create their own quilt patterns, learning how math shapes art. Each student will finish with a unique quilt project that showcases both creativity and academic skills.
Game Club (GRADES 6-8): For students who want to the opportunity to hang out with their friends and engage in games such as Chess, D&D, Magic the Gathering and other board games. With the support of CatCH staff, this group is youth-led to promote independence, maturity, and leadership skills.
Mathcounts (GRADES 6-8): For students looking for an extra challenge in math, MathCounts offers problem-solving, critical thinking, and competitive opportunities. Participants will sharpen their skills through engaging practice and team challenges, culminating in a major competition in late winter. This program is perfect for students who love puzzles, logic, and stretching their mathematical abilities! This is a two day a week commitment (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Story Squad (GRADES 6-8): Write a Novel as a Group, One Choice at a Time! In Story Squad, middle school students team up to plan, write, and publish an original novel. From building characters and crafting a plot to editing and designing the final book, students will experience the full journey of storytelling together as a group. Working as a collaborative writing team, by the end of the session, the group will have a completed novel to be proud of and their names in print as co-authors. Whether you're an aspiring author, an idea generator, or just love telling stories, there's a place for you in Story Squad!
WEDNESDAYS
Catamount Jam (GRADES 5-8): Ready to rock? In Catamount Jam, students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments—drums, guitar, bass, keyboard—and explore what it’s like to play in a band. Try out new instruments, practice songs together, and build your skills each week as we prepare for a live performance at the Fall Showcase. No experience needed—just bring your love for music and a willingness to jam!
VermontHER (GRADES 6-8): This group was created to EMPOWER girls to embrace what is means to be a VermontHER while highlighting our state motto and exploring our beautiful state and local communuity. We will do this by discussing and challenging societal norms around body positivity, fostering leadership skills, providing peer mentorship, and promoting opportunities for personal growth through indoor and outdoor exploration.
Sunshine Squad (GRADES 5-8): Join Ms. Sholan for a student-led community service program! Students brainstorm, plan, fundraise, and lead projects that spread gratitude and make a positive impact in St. Johnsbury and beyond. Past projects include care packages, food drives, volunteering, and holiday outreach. This program builds leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility while letting students take the lead and make a difference.
Catamount Unite: A STEM program (GRADES 6-8): This robotics program is a team focused, skill building experience where students collaborate to plan, code, and compete in December challenges. Participants will develop personal and interpersonal skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving, while learning coding as a valuable technical asset. Emphasizing gracious professionalism, students compete with integrity, respect, and teamwork. This program requires full commitment, students must attend all scheduled sessions and actively contribute to the team, as picking and choosing days is not compatible with success.
THURSDAYS
Quilting (GRADES 6-8): Combine math and art in this hands-on STEAM project! Students will use geometry, measurement, and hand sewing to create their own quilt patterns, learning how math shapes art. Each student will finish with a unique quilt project that showcases both creativity and academic skills.
Catamount Jam (GRADES 5-8): Ready to rock? In Catamount Jam, students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments—drums, guitar, bass, keyboard—and explore what it’s like to play in a band. Try out new instruments, practice songs together, and build your skills each week as we prepare for a live performance at the Fall Showcase. No experience needed—just bring your love for music and a willingness to jam!
Cooking Basics (GRADES 6-8): Ready to level up your kitchen skills? In this hands-on class, students will learn the fundamentals of cooking—from knife safety and measuring to prepping simple, tasty recipes. We'll explore ingredients, kitchen tools, and techniques to help build confidence and independence in the kitchen. No experience needed—just bring your appetite to learn!
Mathcounts (GRADES 6-8): For students looking for an extra challenge in math, MathCounts offers problem-solving, critical thinking, and competitive opportunities. Participants will sharpen their skills through engaging practice and team challenges, culminating in a major competition in late winter. This program is perfect for students who love puzzles, logic, and stretching their mathematical abilities! This is a two day a week commitment (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
FRIDAYS
Chill Zone (GRADES 6-8): CHILL ZONE is a youth-led, staff-supported space where middle school students can hang out, socialize, and relax in a safe and welcoming environment. With activities, games, fidgets, and more provided, students have the freedom to shape their time and choose what they want to do. This unstructured, student-driven program encourages connection, fun, and a sense of community while letting participants take the lead.
Club REC (GRADES 6-8): Get ready to move, play, and have fun with friends at Club Rec! Each week, students unwind while staying active, learning new skills, and playing their favorite sports like volleyball, floor hockey, basketball, kickball, and more. Come hang out in a fun, positive environment with compassionate staff who focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and having a great time while staying active.
Zero Waste Makerspace (GRADES 5-8): Create cool stuff while caring for the planet! In this hands-on makerspace, students will use recycled and repurposed materials to design, build, and invent with sustainability in mind. From upcycled art to functional creations, this program encourages creativity, problem-solving, and eco-friendly thinking—because making can be fun and mindful!
Speech & Debate (GRADES 5-8): For students who already signed up in the Fall. This program will help you become a confident public speaker or, if you're already there, it will prepare you for state and national competitions where you try to persuade people about issues you care about. Last year St. Johnsbury School was the Middle School Speech and Debate State Champions!
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