General Registration for Winter will open Monday Oct. 26th at noon.
Please see below for program offerings and general information.
After registration closes families will recieve their student's schedules by November 20th. If you have not received an email from Heather Fagans by November 20th please check your spam first and then reach out to her.
Reminders about CatCH
Our Winter session will run November 30th-February 19th. Unless you hear otherwise, we will not meet on early-release and teacher-inservice days.
Afternoons begin with a snack at 2:45 pm and continue with "choice time" (indoor or outdoor recess). This time is followed by specific 1-hour activities that families chose during registration. Each activity is a weekly commitment, and students should only enroll if they are interested. We cannot provide general childcare for students who are not interested in the activity.
A late bus is available for those who need it. A route and schedule will be posted below by November 20th. For parent pick-up, please use the front loop between 4:45pm and 5:00 pm.
Groups are sometimes off campus. If you need to pick up your student before 4:45, please call or text us using the phone # at the bottom of this page. If you don't call ahead of time, you may have to wait a while for your child.
If your student joins an off-campus program please ensure that they come prepared with proper footwear and winter gear (jackets, gloves, hats) for their walk to their destinations. Sidewalks are plowed regularly in town but inevitably groups do come across snow and slush when making the trek. Those groups often come back to campus just in time for dismissal so please allow for some wiggle room in pick up time as there is sometimes a delay as students bus back to campus.
*The titles and descriptions below also appear on the registration form.
MONDAYS
Little Authors & Artists (GRADES 1-2): Join us for eight weeks of stories, creativity, and fun! Students will explore wonderful picture books, create exciting art projects, and express their ideas through drawing and writing. From silly monsters to mini books, each week brings a new opportunity to let their imaginations shine while building literacy skills and a love of stories and creativity!
Open Art Space (GRADES 1-2): Love to draw, paint, build, or make things with your hands? Open Art Space is your place to let your imagination run wild! Students will explore a variety of art materials and activities, from doodling, sketching, and coloring to painting, paper crafts, and sculpting. Choose what inspires you, try something new, and create at your own pace. There are no right or wrong ways to make art...just plenty of opportunities to have fun, get creative, and bring your ideas to life!
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!
MOVEment (GRADES 3-5): Get Ready to MOVE with MOVEment! Does your child love music and dancing? Join the CATCH Afterschool Program: MOVEment for 3rd and 4th graders! We’ll dance to fun music, discover the steady beat and rhythm, and get our bodies moving while having a blast. Students will learn classic favorites like The Electric Slide and The Macarena while building coordination, confidence, and a love of movement. Come ready to groove, laugh, and MOVE with Ms. K.
Scouts (GRADES 4-5): Our Girl Scouts Juniors Troop is returning to CatCH! Girls who are currently part of the troop should register for the upcoming session to continue their Girl Scout journey. Members will build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen friendships, and participate in hands-on activities focused on STEM, the outdoors, life skills, entrepreneurship, and community service. Throughout the session, girls will continue working toward earning badges, exploring new interests, and making a positive impact in their community. Important: Girls must have participated in the Fall session to register for Winter and must commit to participating in the Spring session as well. This ensures continuity and allows everyone to stay engaged in troop activities and work toward their Girl Scout goals together.
Afterschool WorkZone (GRADES 5-8): Supported by Ms. Smith, the AWZ offers a quiet, comfortable space where students can receive homework support. Students are welcome to drop in as needed or attend regularly on Mondays. Registration is required for all students.
TUESDAYS
Anatomy Explorers (GRADES 1-2): Have you ever wondered how your heart beats, why you need bones, or how your body turns food into energy? Join us for a hands-on adventure exploring the amazing human body! Students will discover how their bodies work through fun activities, creative projects, games, and food-related explorations. Learn about the heart, brain, muscles, bones, digestion, and more while investigating what helps us grow, move, think, and stay healthy. Get ready to ask questions, try new things, and uncover the incredible science happening inside you every day!
Club REC (GRADE 1-2): Get ready to move, play, and have fun with friends at Club Rec! Each week, students unwind while staying active, developing gross motor and athletic skills through a positive, team-oriented experience. This Spring, students will get to explore their favorite sports and try a few new ones including lacrosse, paddle sports, and ultimate frisbee.
LEGO Robotics Jr. (GRADES 3-5): Build, code, create, and explore! Students will dive into the exciting world of robotics through hands-on building challenges, beginner-friendly coding, and creative problem-solving. Working together, they’ll design and build robots, test their ideas, and discover how engineering and technology work in the real world. Students will also collaborate on a robotics project and have the opportunity to showcase their creations and compete at the state level. No experience needed—just bring your imagination, curiosity, and love of trying new things!
Catamount CHEER (GRADES 3-5): Get ready to cheer, dance, and show your Catamount pride! Students will learn the basics of cheerleading, including jumps, chants, dance moves, and age-appropriate stunts. Together, they’ll build strength, flexibility, confidence, and teamwork while creating and practicing their own cheer routine. Students will have the opportunity to perform at the CatCH showcase and may even get the chance to cheer at a St. Johnsbury basketball game!
Sunshine Squad (GRADES 5-8): Have ideas for making your community a better place? Bring them to life! In this student-led community service program, you’ll team up with others to brainstorm big ideas, plan projects, fundraise, and turn your plans into action in St. Johnsbury and beyond. From creating care packages and organizing food drives to volunteering and spreading holiday cheer, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact while having fun along the way. Build your leadership skills, work as a team, and see what happens when students come together to make a difference.
WEDNESDAYS
Tales from the Pet Shop (GRADES 1-2): Join us at the Athenaeum for stories about our four-legged (and scaly) friends and animal-themed crafts from stuffies to Sculpey!
Wildlife in Winter: The Science of Survival (GRADES 1-2): When the snow begins to fall and the nights get longer, folks enjoy their coziest pajamas and toastiest blankets to stay warm. While we enjoy the comforts of modern living, we'll explore how our four-legged and winged neighbors survive the winter. We'll investigate fur, feathers, tracks, and animal shelters to uncover the amazing adaptations that help wildlife brave the cold. Involving outdoor games, hands-on nature investigations, and creative crafts, students will explore the different strategies of survival in the natural world. Bundle up for a gelid adventure into the wild wonders of winter wildlife!
Cross Stitch (GRADES 3-5): Join Ms. W for a fun and relaxing introduction to cross-stitch! Students will learn basic stitching techniques and use colorful thread to create their own designs, patterns, and mini masterpieces. Work at your own pace, explore your creativity, and enjoy the satisfaction of watching your project come together one stitch at a time. Whether you're brand-new to stitching or already love making things, this is a great chance to unwind, learn a new skill, and create something special to take home!
Mobile STEM Lab (GRADES 3-5): Ready to turn big ideas into real-world creations? Join WMSI for a hands-on adventure into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM)! Through fun, project-based challenges, students will experiment with robotics, animation, coding, and other creative tools while learning to design, build, test, and improve their ideas. Work with others, solve problems, explore new technology, and discover what’s possible when creativity meets innovation. Whether you're a curious beginner or a budding engineer, get ready to experiment, think outside the box, and bring your ideas to life!
Healthy Brains & Bodies (GRADES 5-8): Your mind and body do a lot for you every day, but how much do you know about what keeps them running at their best? In this interactive program, we’ll explore how everyday choices, habits, and behaviors affect your energy, mood, focus, and overall well-being. Through videos, hands-on activities, real-life scenarios, and open conversations, you’ll learn how to spot risks, make informed decisions, and take charge of your health. No lectures or judgment—just useful information and skills you can actually use in real life!
THURSDAYS
Chess Club Jr. (GRADES 1-2): Ready to become a chess champion? No experience needed! In this fun, beginner-friendly program, students will learn how the chess pieces move, discover simple strategies, and practice playing one move at a time. Through games, challenges, and plenty of practice, students will build problem-solving skills, sharpen their thinking, and learn good sportsmanship. Come learn something new, make friends, and discover just how much fun chess can be!
LEGO Friends (GRADE 1-2): Love building, creating, and spending time with friends? Join us for a relaxed, hands-on building program where students can let their imaginations run wild! Explore LEGO, K’NEX, and other building materials through open-ended building time, fun challenges, and collaborative projects. Build whatever inspires you, team up with friends, or try a new design idea. With a mix of creative freedom and optional building challenges, there’s plenty of time to experiment, problem-solve, and enjoy making things together. Come build, create, and see where your imagination takes you!
DANCE Party (GRADES 3-5): Get ready to move, groove, and have fun! Students will explore exciting dance styles, learn fun routines inspired by Zumba and other upbeat dances, and build confidence through movement and music. Work together with friends, learn new moves, and help create an energetic dance performance for the Winter Showcase. No dance experience needed...just bring your energy, creativity, and best dance moves!
Ready. Set. Cook! (GRADES 3-5): Get ready to think like a chef! In Ready, Set, Cook!, students will work together to turn a mystery assortment of ingredients into delicious creations. Each class begins with a brainstorming session where we explore the ingredients, share ideas, and develop a cooking plan as a group. As the session progresses, students may team up for friendly cooking challenges, putting their creativity, teamwork, and kitchen skills to the test. Who can dream up the tastiest creation? Let the cooking competition begin!
Catamount Jam (GRADES 5-8): Join Catamount Jam and explore the exciting world of music! Students will get hands-on experience with drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, and other instruments while learning the basics of playing in a band. Work together to learn songs, build musical skills, and best of all come up with a name for your very own band! As you find your sound and grow in confidence, you’ll prepare for a live performance at the CatCH Winter Showcase. No experience is necessary...just bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to jam!
FRIDAYS
Arts & Crafts (GRADES 1-2): Get ready to imagine, create, and get a little messy! Students will explore their creativity through fun, hands-on art projects using a variety of materials, colors, and techniques. From painting and drawing to cutting, gluing, building, and crafting, each activity is a chance to try something new and bring big ideas to life. Whether you love making masterpieces or just enjoy creating, there’s something for everyone. Come ready to have fun, express yourself, and show off your creativity!
Catamount CHEER (GRADES 1-2): Get ready to cheer, dance, and show your Catamount pride! Students will learn the basics of cheerleading, including jumps, chants, dance moves, and age-appropriate stunts. Together, they’ll build strength, flexibility, confidence, and teamwork while creating and practicing their own cheer routine. Students will have the opportunity to perform at the CatCH showcase and may even get the chance to cheer at a St. Johnsbury basketball game!
Beads & Bling (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!
Wild Animals, Wild Weather (GRADES 3-5): As severe weather and natural disasters now occur with greater regularity and intensity, humans have adapted and innovated new methods to weather these adverse conditions. But what about animals? In this series, we'll discuss how animals detect natural disasters, prepare for them, and the evolutionary adaptations they've developed to navigate our ever-changing, volatile climate.
Speech & Debate (GRADES 5-8): Ready to find your voice and make an impact? This program helps students become confident, persuasive speakers while developing skills in research, argumentation, critical thinking, and public speaking. Students will explore issues they care about, practice making compelling arguments, and prepare for local and state competitions. *St. Johnsbury School is proud to host the championship again this year! Whether you're new to Speech & Debate or ready to take your skills to the next level, come join the team and make your voice heard!
Open Gym- HOOPS (GRADES 5-8): Love basketball? Hit the court for some hoops, friendly competition, and fun with friends! Open Gym HOOPS gives middle school students the chance to shoot around, practice their dribbling and passing, play pickup games, and work on their skills in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you're looking to improve your game, try out new moves, or just enjoy some time on the court with friends, there's no pressure with Open Gym HOOPS.
Winter Wellness (GRADES 5-8): Winter Wellness is an engaging, hands-on after-school program where middle school students can unwind, express their creativity, build friendships, and explore healthy self-care habits. Through creative arts, sensory projects, mindfulness, and team challenges, students will build resilience and learn practical strategies for managing stress. The program culminates in a collaborative Wellness Sanctuary Escape Room, a reflection activity, and a winter celebration. Students will also create their own Wellness Kit to take home!
*The titles and descriptions below also appear on the registration form.
MONDAYS
Afterschool WorkZone (GRADES 5-8): Supported by Ms. Smith, the AWZ offers a quiet, comfortable space where students can receive homework support. Students are welcome to drop in as needed or attend regularly on Mondays. Registration is required for all students.
Beat Lab (GRADES 6-8): Through drumming, vocals, movement, improvisation, and collaboration, students will develop rhythm, coordination, vocal confidence, and stage presence while exploring singing, chanting, spoken word, and vocal percussion. Students will learn basic drumming techniques, create original material individually and in groups, and strengthen teamwork, leadership, active listening, and positive feedback skills. The program culminates in a supportive, low-pressure environment where students can build confidence and express themselves creatively. No prior experience is required!
VermontHER (GRADES 6-8): Ready to build confidence, make new connections, and try new things? VermontHER is a space for girls to lead, grow, and have fun together! Throughout the year, you’ll have opportunities to: *Empower yourself through leadership, mentorship, and wellness activities *Explore through field trips, outdoor adventures, community events, and new experiences *Elevate your skills through entrepreneurship, service projects, and leadership opportunities. With twice-weekly meetings plus some weekend activities, you’ll have plenty of chances to make friends, discover your strengths, try something new, and help shape what VermontHER becomes...Your voice. Your ideas. Your journey. Your VermontHER.
Chill Zone/HUB Club (GRADES 6-8): Ready for a change of scenery? Middle schoolers will head down to the St. Johnsbury Community HUB to explore and enjoy its new space! This youth-led, staff-supported program gives middle school students a chance to hang out, socialize, play games, explore activities, and unwind in a welcoming environment. Whether you want to connect with friends, try something new, or just relax, you help shape the experience. Come check out the new space, make it your own, and be part of building community beyond the school walls!
TUESDAYS
Kamishibai-Japanese Paper Theater (GRADES 6-8): Love drawing, storytelling, anime, or manga? Discover the art of kamishibai, a traditional Japanese form of paper theater that brings stories to life through illustrated cards and live performance! In this program, artist, storyteller, and Japan scholar Tara McGowan will guide students through creating, illustrating, and performing their own original stories. Explore the connections between Japanese storytelling, anime, manga, theater, and film while building creative skills, developing your storytelling voice, and gaining confidence as a performer. Whether you love making art, inventing characters, or sharing stories, this is your chance to create something original and bring it to life for an audience! *Please note: Students must register and commit to attending both days of the program. The project builds sequentially, with each session building on the work completed in the previous one, so participation in both days is essential to completing the project.
Sunshine Squad (GRADES 5-8): Have ideas for making your community a better place? Bring them to life! In this student-led community service program, you’ll team up with others to brainstorm big ideas, plan projects, fundraise, and turn your plans into action in St. Johnsbury and beyond. From creating care packages and organizing food drives to volunteering and spreading holiday cheer, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact while having fun along the way. Build your leadership skills, work as a team, and see what happens when students come together to make a difference.
Open Art Space (GRADES 6-8): Need a creative outlet? Open Art Space is a relaxed, come-as-you-are studio where you can unwind, experiment, and make whatever inspires you. Sketch, doodle, paint, color, create paper crafts, sculpt, or explore a completely new idea. Follow a tutorial, work on a personal project, try out different materials, or simply create for the fun of it. There are no assigned projects or pressure to make a masterpiece...just space to express yourself, explore your style, and let your creativity take the lead!
Game Club (GRADES 6-8): Love games, strategy, and hanging out with friends? Game Club is a relaxed, social space where students can play what they love...from Chess, D&D, and Magic: The Gathering to classic and modern tabletop and board games. Whether you want to continue an existing campaign, return to a favorite game, or try something completely new, there’s always room to jump in and play! CatCH staff will provide guidance and facilitation, but the club will be mostly youth-led, giving students opportunities to choose games, organize activities, teach one another, and build independence, leadership, and teamwork skills. Bring your strategy, creativity, and game spirit, and help make Game Club your own!
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! *Students should plan to commit to attending both days of the program to get the most out of the practice, build their skills, and prepare for upcoming team challenges and competitions.
WEDNESDAYS
Jr. Iron Chef (GRADES 6-8): Think you have what it takes to become the next Junior Iron Chef? Join Ms. Teresa and Ms. Priest for a semester of creativity, teamwork, and delicious challenges! Students will form teams, choose a signature recipe, and spend the semester practicing, experimenting, and perfecting their dish with hands-on cooking time and coaching along the way. Work together, sharpen your culinary skills, and get ready to show off your creations in the Junior Iron Chef Competition!
**Important Commitment: Students must register for and participate in the Junior Iron Chef Competition on March 20, 2027. Participation in this program requires a commitment to attend and fully engage in practices, work collaboratively with teammates, and prepare for competition day. Come ready to work hard, get creative, and bring your best recipe to the table!
Studio & Portrait Design (GRADES 6-8): Explore the creative side of photography! Students will experiment with studio lighting, portrait photography, backdrops, props, costumes, and set design to bring their ideas to life. Whether behind the camera or helping create the perfect scene, students will build photography skills, express their creativity, and collaborate to create unique images.
VermontHER (GRADES 6-8): Ready to build confidence, make new connections, and try new things? VermontHER is a space for girls to lead, grow, and have fun together! Throughout the year, you’ll have opportunities to: *Empower yourself through leadership, mentorship, and wellness activities *Explore through field trips, outdoor adventures, community events, and new experiences *Elevate your skills through entrepreneurship, service projects, and leadership opportunities. With twice-weekly meetings plus some weekend activities, you’ll have plenty of chances to make friends, discover your strengths, try something new, and help shape what VermontHER becomes...Your voice. Your ideas. Your journey. Your VermontHER.
Healthy Brains & Bodies (GRADES 5-8): Your mind and body do a lot for you every day, but how much do you know about what keeps them running at their best? In this interactive program, we’ll explore how everyday choices, habits, and behaviors affect your energy, mood, focus, and overall well-being. Through videos, hands-on activities, real-life scenarios, and open conversations, you’ll learn how to spot risks, make informed decisions, and take charge of your health. No lectures or judgment—just useful information and skills you can actually use in real life!
THURSDAYS
Kamishibai-Japanese Paper Theater (GRADES 6-8): Love drawing, storytelling, anime, or manga? Discover the art of kamishibai, a traditional Japanese form of paper theater that brings stories to life through illustrated cards and live performance! In this program, artist, storyteller, and Japan scholar Tara McGowan will guide students through creating, illustrating, and performing their own original stories. Explore the connections between Japanese storytelling, anime, manga, theater, and film while building creative skills, developing your storytelling voice, and gaining confidence as a performer. Whether you love making art, inventing characters, or sharing stories, this is your chance to create something original and bring it to life for an audience! *Please note: Students must register and commit to attending both days of the program. The project builds sequentially, with each session building on the work completed in the previous one, so participation in both days is essential to completing the project.
Catamount Jam (GRADES 5-8): Join Catamount Jam and explore the exciting world of music! Students will get hands-on experience with drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, and other instruments while learning the basics of playing in a band. Work together to learn songs, build musical skills, and best of all come up with a name for your very own band! As you find your sound and grow in confidence, you’ll prepare for a live performance at the CatCH Winter Showcase. No experience is necessary...just bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to jam!
Community Construction (GRADES 6-8): Get ready to roll up your sleeves and build something awesome! In this hands-on program, students will team up to build and promote a Little Free Library® for the school grounds. Students will learn and practice safe use of hand tools to assemble the pieces of a prefabricated kit, develop a design and paint their creation, work with community organizations to fill the library with donated books, and promote their efforts through school communication channels (and maybe a newspaper article!) Our Community Construction projects aren't just about wood and tools - they are also about making a difference. By the end of the program, students won’t just walk away with new skills - they’ll leave their mark on the community (and have a lot of fun doing it).
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! *Students should plan to commit to attending both days of the program to get the most out of the practice, build their skills, and prepare for upcoming team challenges and competitions.
FRIDAYS
Speech & Debate (GRADES 5-8): Ready to find your voice and make an impact? This program helps students become confident, persuasive speakers while developing skills in research, argumentation, critical thinking, and public speaking. Students will explore issues they care about, practice making compelling arguments, and prepare for local and state competitions. *St. Johnsbury School is proud to host the championship again this year! Whether you're new to Speech & Debate or ready to take your skills to the next level, come join the team and make your voice heard!
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 games, activities, fidgets, and more available, students are free to choose how they spend their time. This flexible, come-as-you-are program encourages connection, fun, and a strong sense of community, all while letting students take the lead.
Open Gym- HOOPS (GRADES 5-8): Love basketball? Hit the court for some hoops, friendly competition, and fun with friends! Open Gym HOOPS gives middle school students the chance to shoot around, practice their dribbling and passing, play pickup games, and work on their skills in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you're looking to improve your game, try out new moves, or just enjoy some time on the court with friends, there's no pressure with Open Gym HOOPS.
Winter Wellness (GRADES 5-8): Winter Wellness is an engaging, hands-on after-school program where middle school students can unwind, express their creativity, build friendships, and explore healthy self-care habits. Through creative arts, sensory projects, mindfulness, and team challenges, students will build resilience and learn practical strategies for managing stress. The program culminates in a collaborative Wellness Sanctuary Escape Room, a reflection activity, and a winter celebration. Students will also create their own Wellness Kit to take home!
The Bus schedule will be posted here by November 20th.