Grades: 4-8

Students will read a high interest novel, discussing and completing activities related to the text. Participants will keep journals and work on various activities during our time together. Students will be able to share their perspectives and responses to the books. In addition, this course will develop vocabulary, broaden imagination, improve writing skills, and increase reading stamina.

Grades: 5-8

We will build a shared understanding of what it means to be kind and how to implement showing kindness to others. We will explore kindness through role playing/problem solving, keeping a daily kindness journal about kindness students have observed and/or what they did to promote kindness, practicing empathy for others, creating a kindness interactive wall, baking for our families, and reading books about kindness. We will work together to create ways that we could spread kindness to others through collaboration with different organizations (dog shelters, homeless children, to other students and teachers around West, etc). .

Grades: 7-8

This advanced section challenges students to create more sophisticated mixed-media pieces by blending digital photography and collage. Students will use their iPads to capture high-quality images, and then digitally manipulate them to enhance colors, add effects, or create digital collages. From there, they will print their edited photos and combine them with a variety of found materials to make expressive, multidimensional art. They'll explore how photography and collage can work together to communicate emotions, tell stories, or reflect personal experiences.

Grades: 1-4

Get ready to plan the ultimate parties in this fun and creative summer class! Each week, we’ll design a new party with an exciting theme—from spa parties to tea parties and carnival extravaganzas. You’ll choose the decorations, music, party favors, and snacks to make each event unforgettable. Along the way, you’ll unleash your creativity, work as a team, and learn what it takes to throw a fantastic party. Join us for a summer full of fun and imagination at the party-planning palooza!

Grades 1-4

Unlock creativity and calm with Zen Masters, the ultimate Summer Explorations class! From crafting personal Zen gardens and designing colorful mosaics to diamond painting and DIY fidgets, kids can choose projects that inspire them. With additional activities like journaling, coloring, puzzling and more, this class is designed to help students reduce stress and discover their inner peace—all while having fun and making new friends. Give your child the opportunity to master their Zen this summer!

Grades: 5-8

Become a roving reporter this summer for Explorations News! Learn the basic structure of newswriting and tackle a variety of articles including Exploration's news and happenings, local news, national news, weather, sports, book/movie/gaming reviews, interviews with staff and students, puzzles, cartoons, and more. There is something for everyone in this newsworthy class!

Grades: 6-8

Love comics and superheroes? This summer, dive into the exciting worlds of Marvel, DC, and indie comics as we read and explore action-packed stories, legendary heroes, and epic showdowns! From classic superheroes to unique indie adventures, there’s something for everyone. Bring your favorite comics to share, discover new ones, and geek out over amazing characters, artwork, and plot twists. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting started, join us for a summer of fun, fandom, and unforgettable stories!

Grades:1-4

Give your child the freedom to explore, create, and thrive with the Let Grow Play Club, inspired by our district’s work with The Anxious Generation. In this innovative indoor play experience, students in grades 1-4 will lead and direct their own activities, building confidence, flexible thinking, and problem-solving skills along the way. From imaginative games to creative projects, this class empowers kids to take charge of their play, fostering independence and resilience in a fun, supportive environment. Watch your child grow and shine through the power of play!