Spruce Street | PS 397 After-School Program

 

Welcome - At the end of the school day, classroom teachers dismiss all students registered for our program directly to our staff, who greet students with a healthy snack and a smile. Students eat and socialize with friends, decompressing from the school day and gearing up for after-school.

Class Time - The sports, arts and enrichment classes that you select when enrolling your child in the program are taught by certified teachers, teaching artists and activity specialists. Each day, your child is dismissed directly to our staff. After a healthy snack, Depending on our offerings students will have the option to attend an early class at 3:30pm or a late class at 4:40pm.

Before and After Class - Students choose from a list of structured and open play activities, set up by our team leaders. These activities include study hall, gym sports, yard play, indoor games, arts & crafts, music and more. This activity is built into your child’s daily schedule as a structured free play before and after their selected club for the day.

See below for our daily class offerings:


MONDAY

Monday 3:30pm

  • Art Explorers (Grade K– 1)
  • Chess (Grade K– 1)
  • Hip Hop (Grade K– 1)
  • Dream In Fabric (Grade 2–5)
  • Basketball (Grade 2–3)
  • Improv/Theater (Grade 2–5)
  • Mini Chefs (Grade 2–5)
  • Basketball (Grade 4–5)
Grade K– 1

Art Explorers

This creative hands-on class has students working on a new and very cool craft project every week with their favorite after-school staff members!

×
Grade K– 1

Chess

Never mind that chess is a great exercise for the mind that increases math and literacy abilities. Chess is a great game, and kids love it! We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced chess classes, as well as an annual tournament for students in our Manhattan Youth programs.

×
Grade K– 1

Hip Hop

A high-energy class for dancers of all experience levels. The dance studio will be hopping as students learn individual and teamwork skills that evolve into polished dance numbers. All students participate in a Manhattan Youth dance performance at the end of each semester

×
Grade 2–5

Dream In Fabric

Students will sketch fashion figures, design fabrics, and create full lines of clothing, producing their own style books. Students will work toward an end of semester Fashion show featuring the design pieces they've worked on.

×
Grade 2–3

Basketball

Students learn basketball skills, good sportsmanship, and sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson filled with drills and a game or scrimmage. 

×
Grade 2–5

Improv/Theater

Using games, quirky characters and ideas from the audience, students will learn the technique of building "short form" scenes on the spot.
×
Grade 2–5

Mini Chefs

Our mini chefs learn essential kitchen skills, from slicing and mixing to chopping and plating. We develop and encourage nutritious food choices while working together to prepare snacks and meals. Every class ends with a delicious treat!

×
Grade 4–5

Basketball

Students learn basketball skills, good sportsmanship, and sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson filled with drills and a game or scrimmage. 

×

TUESDAY

Tuesday 3:30pm

  • Fun With Science (Grade K– 1)
  • Puppet Masters (Grade K– 1)
  • Clubhouse (Grade K– 1)
  • Hip Hop (Grade 2–3)
  • Soccer (Grade 2–3)
  • D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) (Grade 2–5)
  • Soccer (Grade 4–5)
  • Photography (Grade 4–5)
  • DCC Confectionary Creations (Grade K– 2)
  • DCC Mixed Media Art (Grade K– 1)
  • DCC Green Science (Grade K– 2)
  • DCC World Drummers (Grade K– 2)
  • DCC E-Sports and Gaming (Grade 2–3)
  • DCC Basketball Skills & Drills (Grade 2–5)
  • DCC MY Influential Magazine (Grade 2–5)
  • DCC Ceramics (Grade K– 5)
Grade K– 1

Fun With Science

Students conduct hands-on experiments with materials from everyday life. A combination of kitchen and eath science, Students will work on projects including plants and animals, the solar system, balls and ramps, paper airplanes, rockets, weather systems.

×
Grade K– 1

Puppet Masters

×
Grade K– 1

Clubhouse

Responding to the need for students to have a safe and relaxed environment where they can reconnect with their peers under a well supervised environment, MY Clubhouse activities are always offered! From art to science activities that the group chooses. For little ones, this is a great opportunity to learn and develop social skills. All grades every day.

×
Grade 2–3

Hip Hop

A high-energy, intense class for dancers of all experience levels. The dance studio will be hopping to today's pop stars as students learn individual and teamwork skills that evolve into polished dance numbers. All students participate in a Manhattan Youth dance performance at the end of each semester

×
Grade 2–3

Soccer

Kids will learn the basic rules, skills, and sportsmanship to help improve their soccer game. All levels welcome!
×
Grade 2–5

D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself)

Children let their imaginations run free as they explore and experiment using clay, paint, found objects and other unusual materials to create their own masterpiece. This open ended class provides different stations with various art materials to help bring your child's vision to life!

×
Grade 4–5

Soccer

Kids will learn the basic rules, skills, and sportsmanship to help improve their soccer game. All levels welcome!
×
Grade 4–5

Photography

Students will hone their skills as photographers as they learn the basics of composition, lighting, exposure, and post production!
×
Grade K– 2

DCC Confectionary Creations

With a steady hand and a wild imagination, students will learn how to design and decorate palm-sized sweet treats. Ranging from cookies and cupcakes, to lollipops and jello molds, everything beautiful and wacky can be made here!

×
Grade K– 1

DCC Mixed Media Art

The power of paper will come alive in this interactive design fantasy class. Exploring the many different ways of using paper: sculpting, folding, 3D Origami, construction and Paper Mache creating everything from super heroes, animals, creatures, floral design, stage sets, pop up books and more!
×
Grade K– 2

DCC Green Science

Students will learn all about ecosystems and how we can preserve them. From worm composting and recycling to green energy and sustainable power, students will explore how the world works, and what it will take to keep it going! Upper grades will participate in service projects at their schools and in the community.
×
Grade K– 2

DCC World Drummers

Students will explore music and percussion from a new country every month, including Ghana and Guinea West Africa, Cuba, Brazil, India, Israel, Turkey, and the United States. Not only will we learn about the music of these countries, but many aspects of their cultures as well!
×
Grade 2–3

DCC E-Sports and Gaming

Computer programing meets gaming in this interactive club that explores the application of video game design through coding and play. Students will learn the technical basic skills of digital games while using art, design, and coding to create their own games! Students will also gain practical skills through planning, working independently, sharing ideas, and team building activities. 

×
Grade 2–5

DCC Basketball Skills & Drills

Do you want to take your child’s game to the next level? In the Basketball Skills & Drills class, students will take part in organized structured physical activities to help develop and strengthen their basketball skills. Throughout the course of the semester, students will learn new techniques by practicing drills and build their capacity to play as a team.

×
Grade 2–5

DCC MY Influential Magazine

Does your child love watching videos on social media? Your Mini Influencer is now a Manhattan Youth Journalist.  This class is an opportunity for students to learn how to write scripts, interview friends, and even our staff, record and edit videos. Students will also learn about internet safety and have the opportunity to create and operate a class fan page that can be shared, via private link, with family and friends.

 

×
Grade K– 5

DCC Ceramics

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

×

Tuesday 4:00pm

  • After-School Swim Lessons (Grade K– 5)
Grade K– 5

After-School Swim Lessons

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

×

Tuesday 4:40pm

  • After-School Swim Lessons (Grade K– 5)
  • DCC Mixed Media Arts (Grade 2–5)
  • DCC Chemistry Lab (Grade 3–5)
  • DCC Chopped Jr! (Grade 3–5)
  • DCC Pottery Wheel (Grade 3–5)
  • DCC E-Sports & Gaming (Grade 4–5)
Grade K– 5

After-School Swim Lessons

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

×
Grade 2–5

DCC Mixed Media Arts

The power of paper will come alive in this interactive design fantasy class. Exploring the many different ways of using paper: sculpting, folding, 3D Origami, construction and Paper Mache creating everything from super heroes, animals, creatures, floral design, stage sets, pop up books and more!
×
Grade 3–5

DCC Chemistry Lab

The science lab at the Downtown Community Center will be bubbling with curiosity as young scientists examine the curious reactions that everyday materials have when they combine or change state. This class will emphasize the fun of experimentation, while teaching the complexities of all matter, right down to the atomic level. Pick-up is at the Downtown Community Center at 5:50pm.
×
Grade 3–5

DCC Chopped Jr!

Each student becomes a culinary innovator with a challenging clash of ingredients presented. Creations will be judged by uniqueness, appearance and effort. The winner adds a mystery ingredient to the weekly draw box!

×
Grade 3–5

DCC Pottery Wheel

Encourage your child's creativity by introducing them to the world of ceramics! They can develop their motor skills and hone their problem-solving abilities through a variety of stimulating projects. From animal-themed sculptures to crafting their own favorite cup or bowl, there are endless possibilities for imaginative figurative work and beyond.

×
Grade 4–5

DCC E-Sports & Gaming

Computer programing meets gaming in this interactive club that explores the application of video game design through coding and play. Students will learn the technical basic skills of digital games while using art, design, and coding to create their own games! Students will also gain practical skills through planning, working independently, sharing ideas, and team building activities. 

×

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday 3:30pm

  • Ballet (Grade K– 2)
  • Mini Chefs (Grade K– 1)
  • Soccer (Grade K– 1)
  • Cartooning & Comic Book Art (Grade 2–3)
  • Homework Help (Grade 2–5)
  • Track & Field (Grade 2–5)
  • Fashion Art & Illustration (Grade 2–5)
Grade K– 2

Ballet

An introduction to ballet vocabulary and technique. Students develop strength, alignment, musicality, and the grace that is inherent in the form. Dancers in our ballet classes are prominently featured in each semester's dance performance.

×
Grade K– 1

Mini Chefs

Our mini chefs learn essential kitchen skills, from slicing and mixing to chopping and plating. We develop and encourage nutritious food choices while working together to prepare snacks and meals. Every class ends with a delicious treat!

×
Grade K– 1

Soccer

Kids will learn the basic rules, skills, and sportsmanship to help improve their soccer game. All levels welcome!
×
Grade 2–3

Cartooning & Comic Book Art

Inspired by their favorite comic book artists and armed with their imagination, student create characters and story lines, first in single panels, then in comic strips, and finally creating complete comic books at the end of each semester.
×
Grade 2–5

Homework Help

We offer a formal Homework Club, as a class choice for students who need extra help focusing on their assignments. 

×
Grade 2–5

Track & Field

Run like the wind in this fun fitness club! Children will learn all the basic elements of a track and field competition, including sprints, middle and long distance running, long jumps, shot put and relay races.

×
Grade 2–5

Fashion Art & Illustration

Students will sketch fashion figures, design fabrics, and create full lines of clothing, producing their own style books.
×

THURSDAY

Thursday 3:30PM

  • Cartooning (Grade K– 1)
  • Creative Drama (Grade K– 1)
  • DIY! (Grade K– 1)
  • LEGO Projects & Construction (Grade K– 1)
  • Flag Football (Grade 2–3)
  • Recipes for Results! (Grade 2–3)
  • Studio Art (Grade 2–3)
  • Spirit Squad (Cheerleading/Step Class) (Grade 2–5)
  • Cooking (Grade 4–5)
  • Flag Football (Grade 4–5)
  • Filmmaking (Grade 4–5)
  • DCC Animal Science (Grade K– 2)
  • DCC Ooey Gooey Art (Grade K– 2)
  • DCC International Kitchen (Grade K– 2)
  • DCC Ceramics (Grade K– 5)
  • DCC Graphic Design (Grade 2–3)
Grade K– 1

Cartooning

Armed with their imagination, student create characters and story lines, first in single panels, then in comic strips, and finally creating complete comic books at the end of each semester

×
Grade K– 1

Creative Drama

An introduction to the theater. Children develop their talents through role playing, theater games, songs and storytelling.
×
Grade K– 1

DIY!

Children can unleash their creativity and explore their imagination by experimenting with clay, paint, found objects, and other unique materials to craft their own unique masterpiece. In this open-ended class, there are different stations equipped with a variety of art supplies to bring your child's vision to life.

×
Grade K– 1

LEGO Projects & Construction

Kids will receive daily challenges of structures to build with Legos. There will also be time for students to explore on their own and in small groups, building creations of their own invention.

×
Grade 2–3

Flag Football

Students develop skills, good sportsmanship and a sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson, drills and a game or scrimmage.

×
Grade 2–3

Recipes for Results!

Join us for a fun science class where we'll explore DNA, chemical reactions, and osmosis while making yummy treats like gummy bears! We'll also conduct hands-on experiments using everyday items, including plant and animal projects, rocket and car building, and LEGO and Kinex structures. Don't miss out!

×
Grade 2–3

Studio Art

Our multidisciplinary art classes offer students a chance to explore different media from drawing and painting to collage and sculpture. Projects are selected to provide inspiration for free expression and to develop specific skills.Exploring drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and other methods through age-appropriate structured projects and free exploration, students have fun while learning the basic fundamentals of art.
×
Grade 2–5

Spirit Squad (Cheerleading/Step Class)

A co-ed school spirit squad that performs step routines and builds audience involvement at basketball games and other school events.

Students in cheer squad will learn and practice a variety of cheers that build strength, coordination, and teamwork.

×
Grade 4–5

Cooking

Our young chefs learn essential kitchen skills, from measuring and converting fractions to slicing and chopping to sauteing and plating. We develop and encourage nutritious food choices while working together to prepare snacks and meals. Every class ends with a delicious treat!

×
Grade 4–5

Flag Football

Students develop skills, good sportsmanship and a sense of team spirit. Players are divided into groups based on experience and skill level. Each class session includes a lesson, drills and a game or scrimmage.

×
Grade 4–5

Filmmaking

In this hands-on class, young filmmakers will conceptualize stories and bring them to life. Students will learn how to handle and use camera equipment, basic short composition, direction, collaboration, and basic editing skills in order to turn their story ideas into short films.

×
Grade K– 2

DCC Animal Science

In this course, students will explore the evolutionary history of various modern animals and their prehistoric counterparts, ranging from jellyfish to dinosaurs.

×
Grade K– 2

DCC Ooey Gooey Art

Every kid knows that you don't really learn anything unless you make a mess and get your hands dirty. This class lets the creativity thrive by allowing  everything oozy, grimy, slippery and slimy to work with while making beautiful art projects. 

×
Grade K– 2

DCC International Kitchen

In this class, students will have the opportunity to learn about culture, through food, from their favorite after-school counselors! Each month, Chef Sasha will be joined by a counselor who will share their culture through stories, pictures and most importantly, yummy recipes. Bon appetit!

×
Grade K– 5

DCC Ceramics

Introduce your child to the world of ceramics! Develop motor skills and learn creative problem solving through projects aimed at stimulating imagination and creativity. Projects range from animal themed sculptures, making a new favorite cup or bowl, figurative work and more!

×
Grade 2–3

DCC Graphic Design

As digital technology continues to make its way into all aspects of our lives, the need for effective graphic design has never been greater. This course is ideal for students who seek an introduction to graphic design or have a general interest in learning how to create and communicate through visual media. Through a comprehensive look at topics such as layout, typography, color, space, balance, and hierarchy, students will be exposed to the most effective uses of graphic design in today's visual world. Students will create projects such as posters, stickers and t-shirts.

×

Thursday 4:00pm

  • After-School Swim Lessons (Grade K– 5)
Grade K– 5

After-School Swim Lessons

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

×

Thursday 4:40PM

  • After-School Swim Lessons (Grade K– 5)
  • DCC Zoology & Animal Care (Grade 2–5)
  • DCC Pottery Wheel (Grade 3–5)
  • DCC Art School Prep (Grade 3–5)
  • DCC Cooking Around The World (Grade 3–5)
  • DCC Graphic Design (Grade 4–5)
Grade K– 5

After-School Swim Lessons

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

×
Grade 2–5

DCC Zoology & Animal Care

Emphasizing the central role of evolution in generating diversity, your child will explore the many kingdoms, behaviors and ecology of animal species! Your child will also become Zookeepers learning the basics of animal care from feeding to cleaning the habitats in our Science Lab.
×
Grade 3–5

DCC Pottery Wheel

Encourage your child's creativity by introducing them to the world of ceramics! They can develop their motor skills and hone their problem-solving abilities through a variety of stimulating projects. From animal-themed sculptures to crafting their own favorite cup or bowl, there are endless possibilities for imaginative figurative work and beyond.

×
Grade 3–5

DCC Art School Prep

Throughout the year, students will develop a diverse body of work, including drawings, painting, print making, collage and sculpture, adhering to the 5th grade benchmark laid out in the NYC DOE Blueprint for the Visual Arts. With guidance from their instructor, students will create and assemble an impressive portfolio of artwork with which they can apply to schools specializing in art throughout the city.
×
Grade 3–5

DCC Cooking Around The World

Learning about international food expands your culinary experience and knowledge. This class will highlight the many different cuisines around the world. Students will learn how to make the recipe but also learn what factors influence what we are cooking and why. Some examples of the recipes we will make are dumplings, shakshuka, quiche, apple cake, chickpea curry. We will also take student requests.

×
Grade 4–5

DCC Graphic Design

As digital technology continues to make its way into all aspects of our lives, the need for effective graphic design has never been greater. This course is ideal for students who seek an introduction to graphic design or have a general interest in learning how to create and communicate through visual media. Through a comprehensive look at topics such as layout, typography, color, space, balance, and hierarchy, students will be exposed to the most effective uses of graphic design in today's visual world. Students will create projects such as posters, stickers and t-shirts.

×

Thursday 5:20PM

  • After-School Swim Lessons (Grade K– 5)
Grade K– 5

After-School Swim Lessons

We are proud to offer Youth Swim Lessons as a choice in our After-School Programs. Children receive the same instruction and swim experience as our Youth swim lessons.  Your child will be picked up directly from their classroom at school dismissal, have a snack, and be transported to the Downtown Community Center for childcare activities provided by our After-school staff.

To find out more on our After-School programs, please click here.

Please note that swim offerings and schedules vary by school. 

 

If you attend a school that is not in our network, you may sign your student up for drop-off After School at the Downtown Community Center.

×

FRIDAY

Friday 3:30pm

  • Chess (Grade K– 1)
  • Sports & Games (Grade K– 1)
  • Studio Art (Grade K– 1)
  • Cooking (Grade 2–3)
  • Photography (Grade 2–5)
  • Clubhouse (Grade 2–5)
  • Hip Hop (Grade 4–5)
  • Intramural Sports (Grade 4–5)
Grade K– 1

Chess

Never mind that chess is a great exercise for the mind that increases math and literacy abilities. Chess is a great game, and kids love it! We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced chess classes, as well as an annual tournament for students in our Manhattan Youth programs.

×
Grade K– 1

Sports & Games

Most children entering kindergarten are not ready for full-on team sports. We use active games to introduce young children to fundamental sport skills, and get their bodies moving by running, jumping, throwing, and catching.
×
Grade K– 1

Studio Art

Our multidisciplinary art classes offer students a chance to explore different media from drawing and painting to collage and sculpture. Projects are selected to provide inspiration for free expression and to develop specific skills.Exploring drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and other methods through age-appropriate structured projects and free exploration, students have fun while learning the basic fundamentals of art.
×
Grade 2–3

Cooking

Our young chefs learn essential kitchen skills, from measuring and converting fractions to slicing and chopping to sauteing and plating. We develop and encourage nutritious food choices while working together to prepare snacks and meals. Every class ends with a delicious treat!

×
Grade 2–5

Photography

Students will hone their skills as photographers as they learn the basics of composition, lighting, exposure, and post production!

×
Grade 2–5

Clubhouse

Responding to the need for students to have a relaxed environment where they can reconnect with their peers under a well supervised environment. MY Teambuilders activities are always offered! From Sports to Arts to Homework the student chooses!

×
Grade 4–5

Hip Hop

A high-energy, intense class for dancers of all experience levels. The dance studio will be hopping to today's pop stars as students learn individual and teamwork skills that evolve into polished dance numbers. All students participate in a Manhattan Youth dance performance at the end of each semester

×
Grade 4–5

Intramural Sports

Students develop fundamental sport skills, concentration, and sportsmanship while playing sports and games.

×
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