Program Descriptions
Lego League Team (lunch club) — Cycle Days 3 & 6 | $550
Calling all Lego enthusiasts and makers! We're considering offering Lego League build sessions during lunch on cycle days 3 and 6 this year. This year's special challenge will include competing against Middle School teacher, Mr. Coker! It's a great way to perfect your skills for the NYC Lego League competition. Whether you're a master builder or beginner, there's a spot for you on our team.
Mondays
Grades 5 and 6 Dwight Voices | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 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 for grades 5 and 6 will explore a wide range of material, from classic choral selections to fun modern acapella songs. This Fall offering will culminate in a December winter concert performance, and students will have the option to sign up again for future trimesters of choir throughout the year. Dwight Voices is ready for another successful and exciting year — we hope you’ll join us!
*Grades 5 and 6 Dwight Voices is open to all interested students, and there are no auditions to participate.*
Mondays
Basketball Club | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 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 & Wednesdays
Grades 5 and 6 Theater Production | Grades 5-6 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 3:15-5:15 pm | Ms. Greene
The Grades 5 and 6 Musical is back this year! Rehearsals begin in January 2026, with performances scheduled for early June 2026. Sign-ups and auditions are already underway for this year’s musical, so there is no further registration at this time. This production is designed for students who are interested in exploring their love of theater through a full show. Putting on a musical takes a lot of hard work and dedication, so all cast members need to be available for both rehearsal days with no recurring conflicts. Reach out to Ms. Greene with any questions. Break a leg!
Tuesdays
Makers Club | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | $100 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.
Tuesdays
Pickleball | Grade 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
Pickleball is the world’s fastest growing sport, and is wildly popular with people of all ages. This fun and engaging program from PickleballersNYC begins with teaching students the basics of the sport, progressing towards a full understanding of all the necessary skills, game knowledge, and strategies to enjoy pickleball to its fullest. Our tailored approach of teaching the game through interactive drills and games ensures kids of all ages can engage in a fun and friendly environment. Our instructors are professionals who guide the students through the game's rules, scoring, and basic pickleball techniques.
Tuesdays
Dwight Voices | Grades 7-12 | Tuesday | 3:15-4:15 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, open to student singers from grades 7 through 12, will explore a wide range of material, from classic choral selections to modern acapella songs. Unique performances are planned throughout the year, including a winter caroling performance in December, community outreach performance opportunities, 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!
*Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, Dwight Voices is a year-long group that prepares for performances and concerts throughout the year.*
Tuesdays
Intro to Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4:15 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 — 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 will gradually prepare for an end-of-term winter performance. Students will then have the option to sign up again and continue with the group throughout the year.
*Intro to Middle School Rock Band is open to all Middle School students, and there are no auditions to participate.*
Wednesdays
Instrumental Music: Strings/Winds/Brass Ensembles | Grades 5-8 | 3-4 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty
This is an opportunity for string, woodwind, and brass musicians to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting during the Fall term. Students learn how to perform effectively in a chamber ensemble, and will prepare a culminating performance at our Winter Concert in December. Piano accompanists are also welcome to register. Students will then have the option to sign up again and continue with the group throughout the year.
Please note: This ensemble requires attendance at each rehearsal. Repertoire and curation of this group (or multiple smaller groups) will be determined based on instrumentation/experience level of interested students, with audition videos being requested from all students who register for this opportunity.
Wednesdays
Debate | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm
In this interactive program, ARDE debate students will learn how to form their own opinions, speak to each other peacefully with differing opinions, practice empathy, and regulate their nerves before speaking in a room. The art of speech and debate also addresses how to formulate speeches and rebuttals, and their importance in a mock trial. Students will learn mindfulness with breathing, how to use the diaphragm, and play interactive games, while learning key concepts like perspective and empathy.
Wednesdays
Hammer n’ Nails | Grades 5-8 | 3:10-4:10 pm | $495
Join Mr. Gilson as we learn to use real woodworking tools to make cool real projects. We'll cover all the safety we need to roll up our sleeves and use hammers, drills, and saws, combined with nails, screws, and a lot of elbow grease. We'll work on independent projects and collaborate on a large build for the community. Let's build something great together in Hammer n’ Nails!
Wednesdays
Grades 7 and 8 Bentley House Theater Production | Grades 7-8 | Wednesdays and Saturdays (and select added rehearsal times); production week in early February | Ms. Guzowski
The Grades 7 and 8 Bentley House Theater Production began rehearsing in September, with performances in early February 2026. Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, at the 566 Columbus Ave. Theater, with additional rehearsals TBD as the performances get closer. All performer slots are full, but there is limited room available for students who would like to design, stage manage, and help with backstage crew.
If you are performing in the production, you do NOT need to sign up again, but please understand that theater is your Wednesday commitment through February 11.
If you would like to join the production as a designer, stage manager, or backstage help, please email Ms. Guzowski.
Thursdays
Ping Pong Club | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm
The Ping Pong Club is open to students who are interested in playing ping pong after school with our very own Middle School teachers!
Thursdays
Debate | Grades 5-6 | 3:15-4:15 pm
In this interactive program from Spark Business Academy, students will learn how to form their own opinions, speak to each other peacefully with differing opinions, practice empathy, and regulate their nerves before speaking in a room. The art of speech and debate also addresses how to formulate speeches, rebuttals, and their importance in a mock trial. Students will learn mindfulness with breathing, how to use the diaphragm, and play interactive games while learning key concepts like perspective and empathy.
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, concert dates, and 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. 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.
Fridays
Dodgeball Mania | Grades 5-6 | 3-4:30 pm | $495
Duck and go! 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
Volleyball Club | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm
Back by popular demand, volleyball returns to Dwight! Learn the fundamentals of the game and dive into the mechanics and gameplay of volleyball. Players of all levels are welcome!
Fridays
Cheerleading | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $495
Show your spirit and build your skills in this fun and high-energy cheerleading class! Students will learn the fundamentals of cheer, including jumps, tumbling, chants, and dance routines, while practicing teamwork and stage presence. With guidance from enthusiastic instructors, students will gain confidence, coordination, and leadership skills as they create and perform their own cheer routines. The session concludes with an end-of-class showcase, where students get the chance to shine and share their new moves with friends and family. This class is the perfect mix of athleticism, creativity, and school spirit!
