Winter 2027 Bentley House Grades 5-8
After-School Programs & Clubs
Key dates and our after-school timeline are listed here.
Registration opens Sunday, October 25, at 12 pm, and closes Sunday, November 1, at 12 pm.
After-School programs run from 3:05-4:05 pm.
Please note: Programs are subject to change before registration opens, as schedules are finalized.
If you have questions about one-on-one Music Conservatory lessons, please email our Conservatory Coordinator, Emma Mooradian; and for questions about Performing Arts activities (CLICK HERE), please email Head of Performing Arts Eric Novod.
If you have questions about athletics teams (separate from the after-school sports clubs listed below), please contact our Director of Athletics, Ger Flood, or Roxanne LaRaia, Associate Director of Athletics and Athletic Trainer.
* = Yearlong Commitment — Registration Closed
Advanced Rock Band & 7th/8th Grade Dwight Voices groups continue from the fall term; registration is closed and current members do not need to re-register. If interested in joining mid-year, please contact [email protected] directly.
Programs
LEGO League Team | Grades 6-8 | Cycle Days 2 & 4 | 12-1 pm | Mr. Coker | $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.
The price of the program includes competition & material fees.
Wednesdays
Open Art Studio | Grades 6-8 | 12-1 pm |
Join Middle School art teachers for Open Art Studio! Explore your creative side in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Thursdays
WISER Club | Grades 7-8 | 12-1 pm | Ms. Nieto
WISER (Women’s Institute for Secondary Education and Research) is a non-profit NGO, which opened the first girls’ boarding school in Muhuru Bay, Kenya, to provide girls with the opportunity to overcome life obstacles through education. Dwight works with WISER through its Partner Program to build global relationships, create an international exchange of ideas, and assist in providing scholarships for girls. Members of Dwight’s WISER group, led by our teacher, Ms. Nieto, will work on continuing and building relationships with the girls and teachers in Muhuru Bay, as well as further promoting WISER within our Dwight community.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
World Language Drop-In | Grades 5-8 | Tuesdays | 3-4 pm
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.
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.
Wednesdays
MS EAL Extra Help Drop-In | 3-4 pm
Join other Middle School students for homework support, extra help from an EAL teacher, and a relaxed space to learn together. Open to both current and former EAL students.
Grades 6-8: No sign-up required — just drop in whenever you need support!
Grade 5: Please sign up by emailing Christina Kim at [email protected]
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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
Debate | Grades 7-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $100
In this interactive program, 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. Brought to you by ARDE.
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 learn the fundamentals of choral singing through engaging pieces that will help cultivate their musical skills, including folk music, Disney tunes and contemporary hits. 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. Students currently enrolled who wish to continue should register again.*
Mondays
Grades 5 and 6 Theater Production | Grades 5 & 6 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 3:15-5:15 pm | Ms. Greene
The Grades 5 and 6 Theater Production/Musical will begin in January 2027, with performances scheduled for early June 2027. Students work collaboratively on a pre-existing musical, learning all of the music, choreography, and acting, which will culminate in a final performance for family and friends. This opportunity is great for any students who have loved taking theater during the school day and want to grow their skills, confidence, and have some fun! Please be on the lookout for sign-up and audition information sent via email/Google Form from Ms. Greene.
Tuesdays
Makers Club | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $150 Materials Fee
Join us for the after-school Makers Club in the Innovation Lab with Ms. Wang, Mr. Harp, Mr. Schultz, and Mr. Gilson! Learn how to 3D print, laser cut, and program robots.
Tuesdays
Strength & Conditioning | 3:15-4:15 pm | Grades 6-7 |
This course is designed to help young athletes build a strong athletic foundation, enhance overall sports performance, and reduce the risk of sport-related injuries. Structured specifically for growing Middle School students, the curriculum emphasizes proper movement mechanics, functional strength, movement efficiency, and cardiovascular conditioning.
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 a cappella 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. Students currently enrolled do NOT have to re-register. If you wish to join mid-year, contact [email protected].*
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 on multiple instruments, and will build their skills by playing a variety of genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and beyond. 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. Students currently enrolled who wish to continue should register again.*
Wednesdays
Kicks Run Club | Grades 5-7 | 3:15-4:15 pm | $500
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! **This program runs outdoors, and takes place weather permitting.
Tuesdays
Strength & Conditioning | 3:15-4:15 pm | Grades 6-7 |
This course is designed to help young athletes build a strong athletic foundation, enhance overall sports performance, and reduce the risk of sport-related injuries. Structured specifically for growing Middle School students, the curriculum emphasizes proper movement mechanics, functional strength, movement efficiency, and cardiovascular conditioning.
Wednesdays
Instrumental Music: Strings/Winds/Brass Ensembles | Grades 5-8 | 3:15-4:15 pm | Dwight Conservatory Faculty
This is an opportunity for string, woodwind, and brass musicians to rehearse and perform in an ensemble setting during the Winter term. Students learn how to perform effectively in a chamber ensemble, and may prepare a culminating performance at our Spring Concert later in the year. 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: *Instrumental Music is open to all Middle School students who have previous music experience on their instrument. Students currently enrolled who wish to continue should register again.*
Wednesdays
Hammer n’ Nails | Grades 5-8 | 3:05-4:30 pm | $570
Join Mr. Gilson and Mr. Schultz 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!
Dance Club | Grades 5-6 | 3:30-4:30 pm |
This year, we are piloting a new Grades 5 and 6 Wednesday After-School Dance Club opportunity. It is an experimental activity that is open not only to dancers of all levels and styles — from hip-hop, classical to break dance and modern styles — but also to students who like to learn about and partake in Dance production. The final product of this exciting activity will be presented at our annual Spring Dance Spark Showcase.
Wednesdays
Strength & Conditioning | 3:15-4:15 pm | Grades 6-7 |
This course is designed to help young athletes build a strong athletic foundation, enhance overall sports performance, and reduce the risk of sport-related injuries. Structured specifically for growing Middle School students, the curriculum emphasizes proper movement mechanics, functional strength, movement efficiency, and cardiovascular conditioning.
Thursdays
Strength & Conditioning | 3:15-4:15 pm | Grades 6-7 |
This course is designed to help young athletes build a strong athletic foundation, enhance overall sports performance, and reduce the risk of sport-related injuries. Structured specifically for growing Middle School students, the curriculum emphasizes proper movement mechanics, functional strength, movement efficiency, and cardiovascular conditioning.
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 | $100
In this interactive program, 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. Brought to you by SPARK Business Academy.
Thursdays
Advanced Middle School Rock Band | Grades 5-8 | 3:05-4:05 pm & 4:05-5:05 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.
*Please note that, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, Advanced Middle School Rock Band(s) is a year-long group that prepares for performances and concerts throughout the year. Registration is closed and students currently enrolled do NOT have to re-register. If you wish to join mid-year, contact [email protected].*
Fridays
Dodgeball Mania | Grades 5-7 | 3-4:30 pm | $456
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
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
Strength & Conditioning | 3:15-4:15 pm | Grades 6-7 |
This course is designed to help young athletes build a strong athletic foundation, enhance overall sports performance, and reduce the risk of sport-related injuries. Structured specifically for growing Middle School students, the curriculum emphasizes proper movement mechanics, functional strength, movement efficiency, and cardiovascular conditioning.