Inside the Stanley Elementary School cafeteria yesterday, lunch tables became workstations, boasting a variety of activities from pasta art to active volcanoes made from dough and baking soda.
Parents and teachers were treated to students performing a musical based on the Eric A. Kimell's book "Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock."
With the help of 20 Brandeis University students, the first installment of Junior Brandeis Achievers program came to an end yesterday.
For the past eight weeks, children chosen from a lottery were able to take part each Wednesday in a variety of after-school activities, mentored by Brandeis students.
"I'd say the most rewarding thing is just seeing the relationships developing between the students and the volunteers," said Brandeis student Heather Bernstein, who helped coordinate the program. "We've heard positive responses through (Principal) Marcia (Pertuz) but it's nice to see the parents be responsive today."
Pertuz said the club filled a vital need at the school.
"Our families have been asking for enrichment classes after school," she said. "This fulfills a big need and the kids have fun all the while they are learning."
The students were divided into five clubs in the program. The Creative Writing club taught children grammar and built on their reading comprehension skills. The final project was a compilation of the students' poems and stories.
In the Build It club, children used a range of materials from marshmallows to Lego blocks to construct boats, buildings and bridges. Their final project was an architecture exhibition where all of the creations were assembled into a miniature town.
The Wacky Science club had students conducting experiments which concluded in a science fair. Students explored musical theater in the Magnificent Musical club and the Cool Arts club allowed students to learn origami and created sculptures.
Ryan Power, 7, chose the Cool Arts club.
"We made origami and we put them on clips. They're supposed to be mobiles. Then we made sculptures out of clay and the next week we painted them," he said. "(Normally) I would be at home playing video games and drawing."
Lucas Malo, director of community service at Brandeis University, said university officials were approached by the school's Parent Teacher Organization asking them to help create an after-school program for elementary school students.
Stanley Parent Teacher Organization member Christine Power said parents wanted more learning opportunities for their children.
"This gives the kids a chance to have some challenge opportunities in an after-school setting," she said. "Brandeis has been instrumental. We basically gave them the idea and they ran with it."
Brandeis University student Cecelia Watkins also coordinated the activities at the school.
"The program is funded through the school district and through Brandies," she said. "It's completely free for the kids."
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or jgilbrid@cnc.com
