Class descriptions | mendotapta

Session 1 Class Descriptions

Monday Courses - Classes meet 6 times

Read & Run (Grades K-4), $30

Looking for a fun and enriching after-school program for your child? Read & Run class is the perfect way to give your child a balanced boost for both their body and mind. We kick things off with some fun physical activity to get their energy flowing and their hearts pumping. After a good warm-up of stretching and running, they'll enjoy a healthy snack to refuel before we dive into some awesome story time with our experienced teachers. It’s the perfect way to help your child improve their physical health, build healthy habits, and fall in love with reading! Taught by Ms Munson & Ms Christiansen

Younger Kids Floor Hockey (Grades K-2), $30

Come have fun playing floor hockey with classmates in the gym!

Taught by parent Tina Hurley

Outside Flag Football (Grades 3-4), $30

Is your child ready to get outside and play? This class is an excellent opportunity to learn the rules of the game and get outside and play with friends. Taught by Mendota paraprofessional, Mr. Nick Kronschnabel.

Perler Beads! (Grades K-4), $30

Join friends each week to create perler bead designs! Taught by Mendota Tech Specialist, Mr. Vitiritti

Perler Beads 2! (Grades K-4), $30 *will meet 3:15-4:15 if filled

Continue the fun from 3:15-4:15. You do NOT need to be in perler beads 1 to join perler beads 2. Join friends each week to create perler bead designs! Taught by Mendota Tech Specialist, Mr. Vitiritti

DIY Musical Instruments (Grades 2-4), $30

In this fun, hands-on class, kids will create their own musical instruments using simple materials! They'll make, decorate, and then take home their very own instruments to play and enjoy. Taught by Mendota Music Teacher, Mr. Hayes

The Sketch Pad, Junior (Grades K-1), $30

Welcome to The Sketch Pad, where young artists learn to put their imagination on paper! In this introductory drawing class, students will explore fundamental art techniques using a variety of materials, including pencils, charcoal, and markers. We'll focus on the basics of line, shape, and shading to bring characters, landscapes, and their own creative ideas to life. With fun, hands-on projects and supportive guidance, every child will build confidence in their artistic skills and leave with a gallery of masterpieces. (This class will be offered on Tuesday for older grades!) Taught by Mendota staff, Kristine Cantey

Tuesday Courses - Classes meet 6 times

Kids Yoga (Grades K-4), $30

Kids yoga classes are fun, inspirational, educational, and unique
every time. We learn about our bodies, our emotions, and our energy

through age appropriate yoga poses, creative movement, games, breath exercises, and stories. Students learn physical skills such as strength, balance, and flexibility as well as universal concepts such asstrength, balance, and flexibility as well as universal concepts such as cooperation, compassion and gratitude. Taught by Grace from Green Lotus.

Board Games (Grades k-3), $25

Do you like to play games? Come join Ms. Flies and Ms. Struzyk for an afternoon of games and fun! Practice games such as: Candyland, Sorry, Mancala, Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four and on! Taught by Mendota teachers, Ms. Flies & Ms. Struzyk.

Dungeons & Dragons - (Grades 3-4), $30

Kids will learn collaboration, problem solving, and storytelling, in the safe to “fail” environment of their imaginations while playing the most popular role playing strategy game in the world. Here they will create characters and be put in environments in which they will need to solve problems, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies while working toward a common goal. Taught by previous Mendota student, Kari Bruestle.

3D Pen (Grades 3-4), $30

A 3D pen is a fun and useful tool for “drawing” three-dimensional objects! 3D pens are similar to hot glue guns but, instead of glue sticks, 3D pens melt plastic filament allowing students to use their imagination and creativity to create in three dimensions. Taught by Mendota Staff, Mr. Vitritti.

3D Pen 2 (Grades 3-4), $30 *meets 3:15-4:15 if class fills

A 3D pen is a fun and useful tool for “drawing” three-dimensional objects! 3D pens are similar to hot glue guns but, instead of glue sticks, 3D pens melt plastic filament allowing students to use their imagination and creativity to create in three dimensions. Taught by Mendota Staff, Mr. Vitritti.

The Sketch Pad (Grades 2-4), $30

Welcome to The Sketch Pad, where young artists learn to put their imagination on paper! In this introductory drawing class, students will explore fundamental art techniques using a variety of materials, including pencils, charcoal, and markers. We'll focus on the basics of line, shape, and shading to bring characters, landscapes, and their own creative ideas to life. With fun, hands-on projects and supportive guidance, every child will build confidence in their artistic skills and

leave with a gallery of masterpieces. (This class will be offered on Monday for younger grades!) Taught by Mendota staff, Kristine Cantey

Winter Wonderland Crafts (Grades K-1), $30

Come create winter-themed crafts from snowflakes to snowmen & more! Cool crafts for cool Mendota kids! Taught by Meredith Eddins.

Wednesday Courses - Classes meet 5 times

Junior Great Books: (Grades K-2), $30

Jr. Great Books incorporates listening skills, critical thinking and sharing ideas and/or

interpretive art or projects based on the rotating sets of classic stories and poems presented

each week. Taught by Ms. Killian, who has a passion for literacy.

Gleason’s Gymnastics (Grades K-4), $30

Come have fun with Sasha from Gleason’s Gymnastics and other Gleason Instructors. Mendota’s gym is transformed into a mini Gleason’s Gymnasium! Taught by Gleasons Gymnastics.

Outside Kickball (Grades 2-4), $30

Come play kickball after school in a fun competitive way with your friends! Be prepared to play outside Taught by Mendota staff, Mr. Kronschnable

No Bake Desserts & Snacks (Grades 3-4), $30

Get ready to whip up some delicious salty and sweet treats in 30 minutes or less and then of course try them! Taught by parent, Tina Hurley.

Creative Geography: Flags, Maps, games, and crafts (Grades 3-4), $30

Geography enrichment combines geography and fun through activities like arts and crafts, flag games, and Geoguessr.. Taught by Mendota staff, Mr. Vitritti

Crochet Corner (Grades 2-4) $30

Welcome to The Crochet Corner, a cozy and fun class where students will learn the magical art of crochet! This beginner-friendly course covers everything from holding your hook and yarn to mastering basic stitches like the chain and single crochet. With patient guidance, young crafters will learn to create their own unique projects and turn simple yarn into colorful creations. We'll focus on fun, achievable projects that build confidence and spark a lifelong love for this delightful craft.Taught by Kristine Cantey

Thursday Courses - Classes meet 5 times

Amateur Authors (Grades 1-4), $30

Come write, edit, illustrate and create a real book from your imagination in amateur authors! We will brainstorm ideas for our books and over the weeks of enrichment go through the process to create a book you will take with you on the last day! Taught by Mendota Teacher, Ms. Landmark

Volleyball Skills & Drills (Grades 2-4), $30

This fun class introduces young players to a fast-growing sport! Led by an experienced volleyball coach, kids will learn basic skills like passing, setting, and serving through age appropriate games and drills that build coordination, confidence, and teamwork. Taught by volleyball coach, Eryn Myles & a high school setter!

GarageBand (Grades 3-4), $30

Learn how to create and record your own beats and songs using GarageBand. Taught by Mendota Music Teacher, Mr. Hayes.

Construction Paper Crafts (Grades K-2), $30

Come create a new construction paper project each week with friends! Taught by Mendota teachers Ms. Flies

Chill & Create: Brain Teasers and Drawing (Grades K-4), $30

Chill out and do activities like sudoku, riddles, spot it, and drawing. Each week will have a new challenge and guided drawing activity. Taught by Mendota staff, Mr. Vitritti

Read & Draw (Grades 2-4) $30

Each session we will read and talk about a different picture book. Then we will do a directed drawing that connects to the story and have time to color our illustrations. Taught by Mendota teacher, Ms. Dyson.

Imagination Builders (Grades 2-4) $30

Join the Imagination Builders class and let your creativity soar! In this fun, hands-on class, young builders will use hundreds of LEGO bricks to design, construct, and bring their most inventive ideas to life. Forget the instructions—we focus on open-ended challenges that encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and storytelling. Your child will strengthen problem-solving skills and see their visions come to life in a supportive, creative environment. (This class will be offered for the younger grades on Friday!) Taught by Kristine Cantey

Friday Courses - Classes meet 5 times

Diamond Art (Grades 3-4), $30

Come make diamond art projects - stickers, magnets, key chains and relax with friends. Taught by Mendota parent, Natalie Dunphy.

Older Kids Floor Hockey (Grades 3-4), $30

Come have fun playing floor hockey with classmates in the gym! Taught by Mendota paraprofessional, Mr. Nick. Kronschnabel.

Chess (Grades K-4), $30

Want to amaze your friends and impress your opponents? Want to increase your IQ while having fun playing Chess and compete for various prizes? Learn from Twin Cities Chess Club instructors who have years of teaching experience. All chess levels are welcome. Taught by Twin Cities Chess Club.

Dungeons & Dragons - (Grades 3-4), $30

Kids will learn collaboration, problem solving, and storytelling, in the safe to “fail” environment of their imaginations while playing the most popular role playing strategy game in the world. Here they will create characters and be put in environments in which they will need to solve problems, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies while working toward a common goal. Taught by Armondo Ronconi.

Ukulele for Beginners (Grades 2-4), $30

Students will learn the beginning skills of playing Ukulele; tuning, strumming, chord shapes, and basic melodies.. Taught by Mendota Music teacher, Mr. Hayes.

Junior Imagination Builders (Grades 2-4), $30

Join the Imagination Builders class and let your creativity soar! In this fun, hands-on class, young builders will use hundreds of LEGO bricks to design, construct, and bring their most inventive ideas to life. Forget the instructions—we focus on open-ended challenges that encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and storytelling. Your child will strengthen problem-solving skills and see their visions come to life in a supportive, creative environment. (This class will be offered for the older grades on Thursday!) Taught by Kristine Cantey