Voyagers After School Program
September - December 2019 (Semester 1 Offerings)
Welcome back to another school year!
Thank you for your interest in the Voyagers After School Program. Voyagers takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the regular school day. We offer homework help as well as a wide selection of classes where students can make new friends and get involved in a variety of fun activities outside the traditional classroom.
Voyagers is part of the Cardinal Community Learning Center (CLC), which offers many other programs to students and the community. Our programs include:
- Voyagers After School Program (Middle School)
- Student Connections (Middle School)
- Cardinal Community Education
- B-Free Puppetry and Protecting You, Protecting Me (AODA Programming)
- Special Community Events
Registration Information
We recommend registering early since some classes fill quickly.
We will be available for registration assistance during the Middle School Open House on August 22. Click on the link below to register.
If the cost of a class is a hardship for you, please contact our office so we can help! Scholarships are available but you must contact us at (715) 726-2402 BEFORE 8/22 to make arrangements.
Snack 3:45 - 4:00
Pre-programming 4:00 - 4:30
All students have a choice of Homework Central or Indoor and Outdoor Games. If your student is enrolled in an extended session enrichment class, they will go directly to that session and not choose a pre-programming option.
Enrichment Classes 4:30 - 5:30
SCHOOL PLAY: ROBIN HOOD - TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 3:45 - 5:30
Limit: 25
Directed by Logan Toftness and Jake Pritchard
*Students enrolled in the school play must be able to commit to attending the class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students will report directly to the auditorium after school.
He steals from the rich and gives to the poor! Follow the adventures of Robin Hood and his Merry Men (and Women!) as they fight against the excessive taxation of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham with an archery contest to win a golden arrow (and to impress Maid Marian too).
Do you want to participate in the SCHOOL PLAY this fall?
The community and your school would love to see you perform!
- All students must audition for a part, but all who register will participate in the play.
- Rehearsals will be held after school during Voyagers from 3:45-5:30 pm on TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. Students with a role must commit to attend ALL rehearsals.
- The public show time for family, friends and community members is scheduled for Friday, November 22. Doors will open at 6:00 pm. Performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Class Options:
Choose Pre-programming AND Enrichment Class
OR Extended Session
4:00 - 4:30
- Homework Central
- Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Enrichment Classes
4:30 - 5:30
- Cheftastic
- Introduction to Guitar (Tue)
- Grab Bag
- String Art
- Basic Self Defense
- American Sign Language (Tue)
Extended Sessions
4:00 - 5:30
- Robin Hood School Play (Tue & Thurs)
- VEX Robotics (Tue & Thurs)
- Weighted Blankets
- Machines Behaving Badly (Robotics)
- Dungeons and Dragons
Thursday Class Options:
Choose Pre-programming AND Enrichment Class
OR Extended Session
Pre-programming
4:00 - 4:30
- Homework Central
- Indoor and Outdoor Activities
4:30 - 5:30
- Multicultural Paper Art
- Graphic Novels
- Introduction to Guitar (Thurs)
- American Sign Language (Thurs)
Extended Sessions
4:00 - 5:30
- Robin Hood School Play (Tue & Thurs)
- VEX Robotics (Tue & Thurs)
- Archery
- Machines Behaving Badly (Robotics)
- Fabulous Fashion
- Magic the Gathering
Programming Dates/Special Events
Tuesdays:
September 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 29
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10, 17
No Voyagers October 22
(Parent Teacher Conferences)
No Voyagers November 26
(Thanksgiving Break)
Thursdays:
September 19, 26
October 3, 10, 31
November 7, 14, 21
December 5, 12, 19
No Voyagers October 17
(Parent Teacher Conferences)
No Voyagers October 24
(No School)
No Voyagers November 28
(Thanksgiving Break)
Showcase Night
Thursday, December 19. Students will get to "show off" what they have been doing in Voyagers.
Machines Behaving Badly Competition
November 16
Robin Hood Play Performance
November 22
Pre-Programming 4:00 - 4:30
6th Grade Homework Central
Fee: Free
Limit: Unlimited
Instructor: Ms. Dulmes / Ms. Degenhardt, CFMS Teachers
Quiet classroom environment with opportunity for one-on-one help with homework if needed.
7th/8th Grade Homework Central
Fee: Free
Limit: Unlimited
Instructor: Ms. Schotz / Ms. Degenhardt, CFMS Teachers
Quiet classroom environment with opportunity for one-on-one help with homework if needed.
Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Fee: Free
Limit: Unlimited
Instructor: Varies
Students will have a choice of indoor or outdoor activities such crafts, painting, Legos, KUBB, frisbie, football, jump rope and board games.
TUESDAY ENRICHMENT CLASSES 4:30 - 5:30
Introduction to Guitar
Limit: 4
Instructor: Jeff Jarowski, Eau Claire Music School
From Prince to Hendrix all the way to John Mayer, they all had to start somewhere! Pick up the guitar and give it your best shot, maybe you're Chippewa Valley's next big star! We will start with the basics and walk away being able to play a full song. Guitars are available in class however, if you have your own, you may bring it to class. Students will be allowed to check out guitars to bring home to practice.
Grab Bag
Limit: 12
Instructor: Varies
It's so much fun selecting a grab bag and then anticipating what you might find inside! Maybe it's a crisp $10 bill or a pair of movie passes. Maybe a gigantic bag of candy and fresh pack of your favorite gum. Maybe it's a juicy piece of gum already chewed. EWW!
We promise no "ABC gum" in this class but there will be plenty of fun and surprises! Each week you'll experience something new. Could it be cooking? Will we build something? You must be patient because you won't find out what's in the grab bag until the start of class each week. The anticipation of finally knowing what will be explored will be worth the wait! If you like surprises mixed with interactive, hands-on fun and creativity, you won't be disappointed!
String Art
Limit: 8
Instructor: Barb Dulmes, CFMS Teacher
Using colored thread, boards and nails, students will make geometric designs that transform into beautiful works of art. You don't need any previous experience to create a design that you will be proud of.
Basic Self Defense
Limit: 10
Instructor: Travis Melville, Martial Arts Sensei Volunteer
In this class students will be introduced to various martial arts and defensive techniques through class incorporated self defense. The techniques are defensive in nature and will not include offensive techniques (ex. strikes). Pressure points and passive restraints are also taught. The fee includes a dragon kanji t-shirt you get to keep.
American Sign Language (Tue)
Limit: 15
Instructor: Samantha Bleskachek
Learning American Sign Language (ASL) takes time, patience and practice. While individual signs are relatively easy to learn, this class will take you beyond the alphabet and teach numbers, basic signs and phrases for everyday communication.
TUESDAY EXTENDED CLASSES 4:00 - 5:30
Cheftastic (Please note this class has been changed to 4:30-5:30)
Fee: $20
Limit: 12
Instructor: Megan McHenry, Cardinal CLC Educational Assistant
Weighted Blankets
Limit: 10
Instructor: Bonnie Phillips
Weighted blankets are beneficial to people who struggle with anxiety, insomnia and ADHD. The most awesome benefit of a weighted blanket is that it reduces stress as it recreates a hug. Students will initially be taught sewing basics including how to make straight and zigzag stitches on a sewing machine. Our first project will be burp cloths so they get comfortable with the machines. The end goal will be to complete a weighted blanket which will be donated to community members.
Machines Behaving Badly (Robotics)
Fee: $30
Limit: 12
Instructor: Dr. Tim Wolter
Students registering for Machines Behaving Badly must be genuinely interested and committed to attending all sessions of this class because of the demand and limited space for the Robotics classes.
This is the longest running class in the Voyagers Program! Each student will build a small (3 pound) but hopefully ferocious combat robot. The "final exam" is a full on robotic combat event. This is fairly low tech with the emphasis on safety, creativity, quality of work and of course, fun! Machines Behaving Badly Tournament will be held on Saturday, November 16 where family and friends can cheer on your robot! Note that this class will not meet after the November 16th tournament.
Dungeons and Dragons
Limit: 8
Instructor: John Baker, Game Master
Adventurers are extraordinary people, driven by a thirst for excitement into a life that others would never dare lead. They are heroes, compelled to explore the dark places of the world and take on the challenges that lesser women and men can't stand against. This class is the primary definition of what your character can do.
VEX Robotics - TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
Limit: 18
Instructor: Sergei Raspail, CFMS Teacher/UWEC Blugold Beginnings Volunteer
For those ready to step up to more complicated robots than Lego EV3's, we have a new offering this year. Vex Robotics is a competitive robotics program where students build and program larger robots to perform complicated tasks. Some of it will be under human control, some of it autonomous programming. We expect to attend a regional competition in Wausau on Saturday, December 7th. For more details on the Vex Robotics program, have a look at http://www.vexrobotics.com Note that this class meets both Tuesday and Thursday...there's so much to get done before competition!
THURSDAY ENRICHMENT CLASSES 4:30 - 5:30
Multicultural Paper Art
Limit: 8
Instructor: Lucianne Boardman
Explore paper art creations from many different cultures throughout the world. During this four week session you will be creating German papercuttings called scherenschnitte. Hear the amazing story of how a young Japanese girl found hope in paper art by creating over 1,000 paper cranes, which we will also be creating in this class. In addition we will learn about many paper cut folk arts from Mexico, Poland and other countries.
*This class will run September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 31.
Graphic Novels
Limit: 8
Instructor: Lucianne Boardman
Graphic novels, or sequential art, are one of the world's greatest storytelling media. Starting with a few bound journals and writing exercises, we are going to explore what makes a great story. At the end of this class, you will have your very own graphic novel.
This class will run November 7, 14, 21 and December 5.
Introduction to Guitar
Limit: 4
Instructor: Jeff Jarowski, Eau Claire Music School
From Prince to Hendrix all the way to John Mayer, they all had to start somewhere! Pick up the guitar and give it your best shot, maybe you're Chippewa Valley's next big star! We will start with the basics and walk away being able to play a full song! Guitars are available in class however, if you have your own, you may bring it to class. Students will be allowed to check out guitars to bring home to practice.
American Sign Language (Thurs)
Limit: 15
Instructor: Samantha Bleskachek
Learning American Sign Language (ASL) takes time, patience and practice. While individual signs are relatively easy to learn, this class will take you beyond the alphabet and teach numbers, basic signs and phrases for everyday communication.
THURSDAY EXTENDED CLASSES 4:00 - 5:30
Archery
Limit: 12
Instructor: Mr. Mosel, CFMS Teacher
Archery will provide a chance to engage in some target shooting and friendly competition! You will learn archery safety, professional techniques and enhance your skills so you can hit the "bullseye" every time! All equipment will be provided.
Fabulous Fashion
Fee: $20
Limit: 10
Instructor: Bonnie Phillips
Calling all tailors and fashionistas! Join us for a very hands-on class that starts with sewing basics and conclude with a fashionable, wearable item made by YOU! Students will begin by learning hand stitching and basic sewing machine use, including stitching options for buttons and zippers. We will then move on to reading patterns, learn to cut and pin fabric, to piece together fabric, and stitch seams to complete an article of clothing. Patterns will be available for students to choose from and then the class will go on a field trip to a fabric store where each student will have the opportunity to pick out material and then create and complete the finished piece.
Machines Behaving Badly (Robotics)
Limit: 12
Instructor: Dr. Tim Wolter
Students registering for Machines Behaving Badly must be genuinely interested and committed to attending all sessions of this class because of the demand and limited space for the Robotics classes.
This is the longest running class in the Voyagers Program! Each student will build a small (3 pound) but hopefully ferocious combat robot. The "final exam" is a full on robotic combat event. This is fairly low tech with the emphasis on safety, creativity, quality of work and of course, fun! Machines Behaving Badly Tournament will be held on Saturday, November 16 where family and friends can cheer on your robot! Note that this class will not meet after the November 16th tournament.
Magic the Gathering
Fee: $20
Limit 16
Instructor: John Baker, Game Master
In the Magic game, you play the role of a planeswalker-a powerful wizard who fights other planeswalkers for glory, knowledge, and conquest. Your deck of cards represents all the weapons in your arsenal. It contains the spells you know and the creatures you can summon to fight you.
Join us in both casual play and battles, all skill levels welcome. This class will be broken down into two tournaments. Class fee includes a deck built from the bottom up for you to keep!
*Students MUST be able to attend the first day of this class.
Important Program Information
Transportation - Safety is our number one concern! All Students MUST exit out Door #1 (7th grade locker bay) and check out with the Voyagers staff before leaving. Parents have the option of picking up their student at the Middle School or at the locations listed below:
Parent Pickup - Parents picking up their student at 5:30 pm should park in the parking lot in view of Door #1. Please do not park along the curb as buses will need to get through to pick up students. Once parents arrive and the student can identify the vehicle, he/she will be released.
Bus 1 - Hillcrest, Parkview, Jim Falls Cenex Station, Boys & Girls Club (students must be enrolled at the Boys & Girls Club in order to be transported there).
Bus 2 - Southview, Halmstad, Stillson, Bateman, and Cindy Lake mobile home court.
Parents will be asked to indicate which transportation method they will use when they register their child. If student is registered as a bus rider, he will be expected to ride the bus each night unless we receive a call from a parent that he/she will be picked up.
Attendance - Students attending after school classes will have attendance taken in the commons during snack time. Students arriving late to Voyagers must check in at the Voyagers office before joining class to avoid being marked absent. Please call the Voyagers office 715-726-2402 if your student will be absent from Voyagers.
Refund Policy - Refunds will not be issued to those who drop from a class; however, if a class is cancelled due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be issued.
Disclamer - Voyagers reserves the right to use any photography/video taken at any Voyagers class without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video for social media purposes. If you prefer your student not to be photographed, please contact the Voyagers office.
Teaching Opportunities
Do you have a talent or hobby that you would be interested in sharing with students? Consider teaching a class or assisting in the After School Program at Middle School. Sharing your time and talent with students can be fun and rewarding. Contact Savannah Smith, Voyagers After School Program Coordinator if interested at smithsc@chipfalls.org
THANK YOU to all our Instructors, Sponsors and Volunteers!
Thrivent Action Team
Women of the Moose Chapter 770
Community Foundation of Chippewa County
Contact Information
Voyagers office
715-726-2402
Debbie Patzoldt, Voyagers After School Administrative Assistant
Megan McHenry, Cardinal CLC Educational Assistant
Andrea Smith
Director, Cardinal Community Learning Center