What can my kids do after school this fall?

When I am out in the community at events or just around town, I get asked tons of questions. I am always making connections and helping people find meaningful programs to attend, connecting them to services they may need and telling them where to find great food. 

So, after a hiatus, Ask Wendy is back! One question I am often asked is – what’s new at ‘The J’? Where do I begin – the Dwares JCC has so many wonderful programs going on that I thought I would give you a sneak peek at what will be going on for kids of all ages this fall!!

J-Space, our after-school program, has been a valuable offering for many years. This fall, it is going to be even better.

Upon arrival (anytime between 2:45 and 4:15 p.m., depending on when different schools let out), kids will be given a healthy snack while having some quiet time to do homework and participate in the education centers. After that, each afternoon will be broken up into two 45-minute sessions. One session will implement CATCH, coordinated approach to children’s health, a national wellness program teaching children about nutrition and exercise. The CATCH program will provide moderate to vigorous exercise activity instructed by our fitness professionals and trained staff. This will take place four days either outside or in the gym. On the fifth day, the children will have the opportunity to swim. The other 45-minute session will rotate between a focused project or art exploration incorporating a variety of art mediums, all based on monthly themes. Some examples include cooking, science experiments, singing, drama and more. There will also be special guests brought in from time to time based on the monthly theme. J-Space is now also available for children in pre-kindergarten, ages 4 and up.

A few other added perks of J-Space this year include transportation, for a nominal fee, from local schools if it is not provided through your bus company, as well as extended transition care hours. If your child wants to take a 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. enrichment class, your child can be at J-Space, working on homework, having a snack, participating in the activities offered and chaperoned to the class at the correct time.

Some of the enrichment classes that will be offered this fall are pottery (a personal favorite of my family), drama classes taught by instructors from the Wilbur Theater, chess, Dungeons and Dragons, Feasts and Fairytales (Jewish fairytales and traditional Jewish cooking), swim lessons, dance classes and more. 

For the little tots, ages 3-5, some new additions will include little chefs, dance class and sign language, as well as some of our popular regular programs like RI new moms groups and Rock a Baby. 

For more information about all of these fabulous programs, check out the fall guide at jewishallianceri.org or contact Michelle Cicchitelli at mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111 ext. 178.

Do you have a question for Wendy? Please email her at wjoering@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111 ext. 169.

WENDY JOERING is community concierge at the Jewish Alliance.