Dwight School Central Park West Campus (2024)

Fall 2024 Bentley House Grades 5-8

After-School Programs

Key dates and our after-school timeline are listed here.

Registration opens Sunday, August 18, at 12 pm, and closes Sunday, August 25, at 12 pm.

After-school programs run from 3-4 pm.

Please note: Programs are subject to change before registration opens, as schedules are finalized.

Program Descriptions

If you have questions about Music Conservatory lessons, please email our Conservatory Coordinator, Emma Mooradian; and for questions about performing arts activities, please email Head of Performing Arts Eric Novod.

If you have questions about athletics teams (seprate from the sports clubs below), please email our Director of Athletics, John Pelin.

Mondays

Model UN | Grades 6-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $650

Students act as United Nations (UN) delegates, collaborating in teams to develop policy recommendations and debating current global issues aligned to the UN’s sustainable development goals. Students enhance their research and communication skills, while gaining a solid exposure to debating international affairs, problem solving in a diplomatic context, and making persuasive presentations. Spark Business Academy

Mondays

Middle School Voices | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Mr. Ferrari

Dwight Voices, led by Middle and Upper School music teacher Mr. Ferrari, is Dwight’s long-standing choral program. This weekly choral group will explore a wide range of material, from classic choral selections, to modern acapella songs. Unique performances are planned, including a winter caroling performance in December, and a Spring Concert in May. This activity requires attendance at each session. Stay tuned for placement information and concert dates/additional rehearsal schedule information. Dwight Voices is prepped for another successful and exciting year!

*Middle School Dwight Voices is open to all Middle School students, and there are no auditions to participate. Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, these are year-long groups that prepare for performances and concerts throughout the year.

Mondays

Basketball Club | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4 pm

The Basketball After-School Club is an exciting and dynamic program designed for students who are passionate about basketball or want to learn more about the sport. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this club provides a fun and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills, improve your fitness, and make new friends.

Mondays

Kicks Run Club | Grades 5-6 | 3-4 pm | $650

Kicks Run Club is NYC's leading running experience for children ages 4-18. The primary goal of Kicks is to help young athletes become better runners and happier, healthier kids! Each session will include a warm up, brief lesson, running game, age-appropriate distance run in varied locations, and lots and lots of fun! Each season, runners will train in a fun and supportive environment and participate in exciting community races. Running is scientifically proven to make children physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. Through team running, children begin to set and achieve goals while learning the importance of sportsmanship. Studies have shown that children who run outdoors experience reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and gain focus and concentration in their everyday lives. In a time where screens take center stage, it is more critical than ever to get our children outside, breathing fresh air, and running! Most importantly: it’s super fun!

Tuesdays

Budding Entrepreneurs | Grade 5 only | 3:15-4 pm | $750

This program empowers students with an entrepreneurial mindset to run their very own “business” — drawing from such disciplines as marketing, finance, and strategy, in a supportive environment fostering teamwork. From designing marketing flyers to estimating profits, students have fun while developing business savvy! Spark Business Academy

Tuesdays

Makers Club | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4 pm | $25 Materials Fee

Join us for the after-school Makers Club in the Innovation Lab with Mr. Harp and Mr. Wang! Learn how to 3D print, laser cut, and program robots.

Tuesday

Ping Pong Club | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4 pm

Are you ready to bring your A-game to the table? Join us at the Dwight Ping Pong Club, where we celebrate the fun, fast-paced world of table tennis. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to learn the basics, our club offers a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. The Ping Pong Club is open to students who are interested in playing some ping pong after school with our very own Middle School teachers!

Tuesdays

Pickleball | Grade 5-6 | 3-4 pm | $675

Pickleballers NYC Children's/After-School Program is designed to teach children the game of pickleball in a fun and interactive environment. Children learn the basic skills and rules through games and drills that teach students to play and keep score in games by the end of the program. The course's emphasis is on having fun and improving each and every session.

Tuesdays

Intro to Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty
If you’d like to join a band for the first time… this is the place for you! Intro to Middle School Rock Band is accepting any students wanting to learn an instrument in a collaborative and supportive ensemble environment. Singers, guitarists, pianists, bassists, drummers, and percussionists are all welcome, and if you play a different instrument and would like to join, please reach out to us and confirm it is possible. We’d love to have you! This group will learn fundamentals and instrumental/vocal exercises, and gradually prepare for an end-of-year concert that showcases all they have learned throughout the year. This activity requires attendance at each session. Stay tuned for additional information and concert dates/additional rehearsal schedule information.

*Intro to Middle School Rock Band is open to all Middle School students, and there are no auditions to participate. Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, these are year-long groups that prepare for performances and concerts throughout the year.

Wednesdays

Instrumental Music: Strings/Winds/Brass Ensembles | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty

This is an opportunity for string/woodwind/brass musicians to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting throughout the school year. Students learn how to perform effectively in a chamber ensemble, and will prepare for performances at various events throughout the school year (including a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May). This ensemble requires attendance at each rehearsal. Note: Repertoire and curation of this group (or multiple smaller groups) will be determined based on instrumentation/experience level of interested students.

*Instrumental Music (Chamber Strings/Winds/Brass) is an auditioned group for students with previous experience on their chosen instrument. Audition videos will be requested from all students who sign up for these groups, so results will be known before these ensembles begin. Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, these are year-long groups that prepare for performances and concerts throughout the year.

Wednesdays

Debate Team | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm

Students on the Middle School debate club will have the opportunity to learn how to form arguments and have oral debates on current topics in the news and facing the world, led by our very own Model-UN coach, Mr. Goodin. This team will also facilitate ongoing development of critical thinking, articulation, and public speaking skills.

Wednesdays

Debate Team | Grades 7-8 | 4:15-5:15 pm

Students on the Middle School debate club will have the opportunity to learn how to form arguments and have oral debates on current topics in the news and facing the world, led by our very own Model-UN coach, Mr. Goodin. This team will also facilitate ongoing development of critical thinking, articulation, and public speaking skills.

Wednesdays

Chess Adventures | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4 pm | $520

Enjoy the ultimate class for grades 5-6 as we explore the exciting world of chess from U.S Chess Academy Dive into interactive lessons, learn from legendary battles, and master the strategies of chess greats like Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen. With practice tournaments and engaging play, every session is an adventure designed to enhance your skills. Ready to become a master strategist and have fun? Join us now!

Wednesdays

Chess Adventures | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4 pm | $520

Enjoy the ultimate class for grades 7-8 as we explore the exciting world of chess from U.S Chess Academy. Dive into interactive lessons, learn from legendary battles, and master the strategies of chess greats like Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen. With practice tournaments and engaging play, every session is an adventure designed to enhance your skills. Ready to become a master strategist and have fun? Join us now!

Wednesdays

Bentley House Theater Production | Grades 7 & 8 | Wednesdays & Saturdays | Ms. Guzowski

The Bentley House Theater Production will officially kick off early this year, with a grades 7 and 8 production that will rehearse on Wednesdays and Saturdays from September through January, with performances in mid-to-late January. Students may sign up as an actor, designer, director, or have more than one role. Please click here to sign up. If you have already signed up over the summer, you do not need to sign up again. Ms. Guzowski will choose the theater project(s) based upon who signs up. If you are interested, but have a schedule conflict, please sign up and put your conflict in the notes. Please note that additional rehearsals will be added in January to prepare for the performances.

Grades 5 and 6 students: Please stay tuned for more information about your Bentley House Theater production. Rehearsals will begin in January/February, with performances in late May 2025. In the meantime, if you are interested, sign up for “Theater Workshop” informal training sessions, which will meet on select Wednesday afternoons in the fall.

Wednesdays

Lion's Den: Strength & Conditioning | Grades 5-7 | 3-4 pm | $450

Unleash your inner athlete and get in the best physical shape of your life with Lion's Den: Strength & Conditioning! Designed specifically for students in grades 5-7, our sports preparation sessions are all about fun, teamwork, and results. Led by Mr. Higgins, a qualified strength and conditioning coach, Assistant Coach of the Varsity Rugby Team, and former college competitor in boxing and triathlon, our program offers expert guidance from someone who truly practices what he preaches. Mr. Higgins’s hands-on approach ensures that each session is tailored to maximize fitness and performance, with techniques grounded in real-world experience. At Lion's Den, our sessions are team-oriented and competitive, creating an engaging environment where every participant can thrive. Whether you’re an experienced athlete on a Dwight sports team or simply looking to train like one, we focus on delivering effective sports conditioning workouts that make fitness accessible and exciting for everyone. Our goal is to bring sports conditioning to the mainstream, helping children enhance their mental and physical health while becoming better athletes and valuable members of their community. Join us at Lion's Den and transform your potential into performance!

Thursdays

Math Cup 1 | Grade 5-7 | 3-4:30 pm | $605

This PreAlgebra class will introduce students to problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills. It begins with the fundamentals of arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, ratios, and exponents. It also covers basic concepts in number theory, such as divisors, common divisors, common multiples, primes and prime factorization. Additionally, the course introduces basic geometry and counting principles. In class, we will practice problems from introductory math competitions such as Math Kangaroo and MathCounts.

In order to sign up for this class, students must take the assessment test and report the score.

The link below leads to the respective assessment test. Click the "Solve" button at the top to start the test. You need to create an account on MathCup first. The test has no effective time limit, but it usually takes about 60 minutes to complete. Please report your score along with your MathCup username to us at [emailprotected] Please note that we will inform you about your acceptance into the program, and the fees will be charged afterwards. Financial Aid is available for this program.

Entrance Test: MathCup PreAlgebra Assessment Test

Thursdays

Math Cup 2 | Grade 6-8 | 3-4:30 pm | $605

This Introduction to Algebra class will introduce students to fundamental concepts of algebra, including systems of linear equations, graphing of linear equations, quadratic equations, quadratic factoring, quadratic formula, graphing of quadratics, exponents, and radicals. The class focuses on problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills. In class, we will practice problems from premier middle competitions from MathCounts and AMC 8.

In order to sign up for this class, students must take the assessment test and report the score.

The link below leads to the respective assessment test. Click the "Solve" button at the top to start the test. You need to create an acco

unt on MathCup first. The test has no effective time limit, but it usually takes about 60 minutes to complete. Please report your score along with your MathCup username to us.Please note that we will inform you about your acceptance into the program, and the fees will be charged afterwards.Financial Aid is available for this program.

Entrance Test: MathCup Algebra Assessment Test

Thursdays

Kicks Run Club | Grades 5-7 | 3-4 pm | $605

Kicks Run Club is NYC's leading running experience for children ages 4-18. The primary goal of Kicks is to help young athletes become better runners and happier, healthier kids! Each session will include a warm up, brief lesson, running game, age-appropriate distance run in varied locations, and lots and lots of fun! Each season, runners will train in a fun and supportive environment and participate in exciting community races. Running is scientifically proven to make children physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. Through team running, children begin to set and achieve goals while learning the importance of sportsmanship. Studies have shown that children who run outdoors experience reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and gain focus and concentration in their everyday lives. In a time where screens take center stage, it is more critical than ever to get our children outside, breathing fresh air, and running! Most importantly: it’s super fun!

Thursdays

Advanced Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty

The Dwight Rock Band is set for a big year of rehearsing and performing! After determining the band’s instrumentation and musical approach, students will select a setlist in collaboration with their instructor, learn about the theory and techniques of their chosen material, and train for live performances (including a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May, among possible others). This activity requires attendance at each session. Stay tuned for audition/placement information, and concert dates/additional rehearsal schedule information.

*Advanced Middle School Rock Band is an auditioned group for students with previous experience on their chosen instrument. Audition videos will be requested from all students who sign up for these groups, so results will be known before these ensembles begin. Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, these are year-long groups that prepare for performances and concerts throughout the year.

Thursdays

Co-Ed Soccer| Grades 5-6 | 3-4:30 pm | $605

This soccer program will focus on teaching your child to be comfortable with the ball by further developing soccer skills such as dribbling and shooting, and an introduction to passing. The soccer program from Super Soccer Stars includes partner activities to promote sharing, listening, respect, and cooperation. Physical activities include dynamic exercises like moving with pace, changing directions, and lateral agility.

Fridays

Dodgeball Mania | Grades 5-6 | 3-4:30 pm | $605

Duck and go! Mr. Presti and Mr. Panahi will offer this very popular game as an after-school activity. Whether your child likes to charge the line with an amazing throwing arm or prefers to hide and wait with the sneakiness of a chess master, a classic game of dodgeball offers fun and excitement to every style of player.

Fridays

Flag Football | Grades 7-8 | 3-4:30 pm | $605

Join in as students participate in structured games of flag football! Students will learn and practice strategies for gameplay on both sides of the ball (offense and defense), while participating in team games. Along the way, students will also learn the many rules that are practiced at the professional level so they have an overall understanding of the game. Weekly sessions will begin with proper warmup, individual and partnered drills, followed by a weekly matchup of opposing teams. Are you ready to play some football?

ACADEMIC SUPPORT:

WORLD LANGUAGE DROP-IN - NO SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED

Once a week students can drop in and receive assistance with their homework grammar content, access extra materials, or engage in language-related activities. We look forward to seeing all World Language learners and supporting them in their language learning journey! We will offer support in French, Mandarin, Spanish, and German. More information will be provided once school begins.

MATH LAB DROP-IN - NO SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED

Middle School Math Lab Drop-in offers students an opportunity to get a jump-start on their math homework. They will have the help and structure they need to complete their assignments. More information will be provided once school begins.