Enrichment Programs

Program Descriptions:

1. Coding

Computer science is an expansive field that includes a way of thinking, planning, and problem solving in addition to
programming. This approach, called computational thinking, is the foundation of our curriculum. Club students don’t
just learn how to code but also cultivate strengths that help them succeed in whatever they pursue including: bravery,
activism, curiosity, resilience, passion, playfulness, and resourcefulness.

2. Grizzly Gazette

Grizzly Gazette School Newspaper is a great way for students to practice their writing skills. Specific topics to be
discussed include plagiarism, editing, revising, current events, word choice, as well as reporting and interviewing. The
program will run in a 4-phase cycle: Week 1: Brainstorming and researching possible topics. Week 2 & 3: Writing the
articles and adding pictures, captions, etc. Week 4: Editing/Revising and publishing

3. Lacrosse

Come join coaches Ackerman and Walsh on Wednesdays and be part of one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
Lacrosse is a team sport that is played on a field with a stick and ball that is similar to hockey and soccer. You will learn
the necessary skills such as catching and throwing a ball with a lacrosse stick as well as the rules of this team sport.

4. Filmmaking sponsored by Reel Works

At the end of this course, you will know the elements of film, view short films from international filmmakers, and
ultimately create your own short film that will be screened at our end of year film festival. During the workshop you
will also learn to use your smartphone/ tablet like a professional camera, use natural light in creative ways, ask
questions that get the best interviews, make your shots more cinematic, make your sound more professional, and edit
your video together. Since Reelworks is an outside organization running the filmmaking course, no fee will be collected. 

5. Yearbook

Yearbook club would like to welcome all participants grade 6-8. As a student involved in the yearbook you would be
joining others to create a special yearbook for the 8th grade graduating students. Your job would include formatting
yearbook pages to represent the theme chosen for the yearbook. Students would sort data from student surveys to show
student voice in choice categories. Students will create pages from special events, spirit days and other school related
activities. Pictures are not all we need though. We will have sections for writing blurbs, labeling seniors baby pictures
and more. Not a senior, not a problem, gain experience for when it is your turn. Hope to see you there!

6. Jazz Band (Audition and/or teacher approval from Mr. Wolf is required)

The 172 Jazz Band club provides an opportunity for students who play a wind instrument, piano, guitar, bass or drums,
to study and perform jazz, latin, funk, and blues music. Students will learn jazz terminology, a variety of jazz styles,
and basic improvisation techniques. The 172 Jazz Band requires an increased level of commitment by students who
have consistently demonstrated superior levels of knowledge, enthusiasm, self-direction, and skill. All members
(except guitarists, bassists, pianists and drummers) are required to be enrolled in band for GS. Daily home practice and
participation in all scheduled concerts is required. **Interested students should see Mr. Wolf in room 140 for more
information.

7. Chess Club

Calling all chess players! Please join us for some casual, tournament style chess. Whether you are a beginner or a
skilled player, all are welcome.

8. Digital Photography/Moving Image

This is an enrichment class for students who will observe and create different photographs using their imagination and
a camera and/or their phone. Students usually continue with their creativity when they have left school and see different
and interesting things that they would like to photograph and bring back to our after school class and share with the
other students. Students have also used their photographs to create portfolios for high school.

9. Crotchet

Let’s crochet together and learn a lifetime skill! Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet or have just
recently begun to yearn for the magical workings of hook and yarn, welcome! We will be creating several basic fun
projects such as a scarf and a hat. All projects will be taken home at the end.

10. Mighty Milers 

Rising New York Road Runners, which is also called Mighty Milers, is a running club for 6th, 7th and 8th grade
students of all fitness levels.. This club promotes a physically active lifestyle while having fun at the same time.
Participation in this club will help build self-esteem, and help you learn to make and reach personal goals. T-shirts and
marathon medals will be distributed as part of this program.

M.S. 172 Beacon Program

Free After School Program for students in grades 6-8.

Program Director:    Sarah Maniff

(718) 347-3279

 -