Loving The Now. Ready For Next.
Our campus is host to a variety of after-school activities that extend the interests and talents of our students in wholesome, exciting ways.
Since its founding in 1982, Almaden Country Day School has understood and embraced the importance of experiential learning. Children learn and thrive when they are engaged in activities that are relevant, enjoyable, and meaningful to them. After-school activities can play a crucial role in this type of learning.
Please contact Meghan Anderson, our Student Life Coordinator - Clubs & Activities, with any questions.
We are thrilled to announce our Trimester 3 Clubs & Activities offerings for our Kindergarten - Grade 8 students below. Feel free to filter the list by the day of the week that works best for your child and/or their grade level.
Trimester 3 clubs generally run from the week of March 18 to the week of May 27, 2024 with the week of June 3 as a make-up week for cancelled sessions. A couple clubs will start the week of March 13 and end the week of May 20, 2024. Club leaders will email parents directly regarding the start date.
Who: Students in grades 2-8
When: Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Joanne Papini
Cost: $340 (includes $40 materials fee)
Is it magic or is it science? With all of the crazy materials in the Makerspace we will be building projects that answer this question! From Ms. Papini's favorite money-machine project to the Disney hologram, curious minds and makers will take home projects to dazzle the entire family.
Who: Students in grades 6-8
When: Tuesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Daya Karam
Cost: $325 (includes technology fee)
Work as a team to create a full-length podcast. The club will begin by covering the basics of what podcasts are, how they engage with their audience, and what makes storytelling in this media special. We will share ideas, our favorite examples, stories we'd like to create, and more. During the trimester, we will design, produce, and edit our very own ACDS student podcast. Each student will have a turn to direct, record, write, and shine in the process. The final result will be a fully produced podcast created entirely by the club students.
Who: Students in grades 3-8, all levels
When: Wednesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. (starts March 13, ends May 22)
Teacher: Weronika Zaluska
Cost: $375 (includes $45 materials fee)
If you enjoy painting, sculpting, and crafts, this is the club for you! Join us on a creative journey through a range of processes and techniques, including watercolor, ceramics, glass fusing, and paper marbling. The club will meet for 10 weeks on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 pm. All levels welcome!
Who: Students in grades 1-4
When: Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Paul Justiniano
Cost: $300
Join our ACDS Chess Club for an exciting journey into the world of strategy, critical thinking, and fun! This club is designed for students who are eager to learn and play chess, whether they're beginners or have some experience on the board.
Who: Students in grades 5-8
When: Fridays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Paul Justiniano
Cost: $300
Join our ACDS Chess Club for an exciting journey into the world of strategy, critical thinking, and fun! This club is designed for students who are eager to learn and play chess, whether they're beginners or have some experience on the board.
Who: Students in grades 6-8 (NOTE: this club is for 6-8 graders, not 5-8 as was listed in the Student Life newsletter.)
When: Tuesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Jim McCanny
Cost: $325 (includes technology fee)
Students with no or limited coding experience are welcome to join the Coding with Python which will focus on an intro to the Python programming language. Beginner coders will learn to use many of the basic coding constructs including how to design simple programs. Each class will include small projects with the final goal of development of a simple game.
Who: Students in grades K-8
When: Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Tiffany Tamboury
Cost: $325 (includes $25 materials fee)
Discover the Magic of Embroidery!
Have you ever wanted to try embroidery? Dive into the vibrant world of stitching with your fellow classmates. No experience is needed! If you can hold and manipulate a needle and embroidery hoop with a bit of grip and control, you're ready for a stitching adventure. We're all about celebrating the creative process, making it a joyful and imaginative experience for our crafters.
Who: Students in grades 6-8
When: Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. (Note the later ending time)
Teacher: Chris Laine
Cost: $300
Dungeons and Dragons is a fantasy adventure role-playing game where players take on the role of adventurers, working together to explore a magical and fantastical realm. Also referred to as D&D, this game that exists in our collective imagination encourages theater of the mind, improvisational acting, creativity, social interaction, collaborative problem solving as well as building basic math skills and probabilities. More information about the benefits of playing D&D can be found here.
A single group of 4-5 is ideal and is led by a "Dungeon Master." The number of DMs will depend on total registration.
Who: Students in grades 3-5
When: Tuesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Hyunju Lee
Cost: $300
Students will engage in various mathematically based art/design activities that will help improve motor skills, creativity, and cognition. The course activities include tessellations, origami, lettering art, and more. Students will use their cumulative physical creations in a video project.
Who: Students in Kindergarten - grade 2
When: Wednesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. (NOTE: this club is on Wednesdays, not Thursdays as noted in the Student Life newsletter.)
Teacher: Daya Karam
Cost: $300
Do you have a strong desire to explore your creativity? Do you love color, shapes and assembly? Have you ever made a picture of a tiger out of confetti? Ever wanted to cut a picture out of a book or magazine and make it into something new? How about a tiger with wings? A robot climbing Mt. Everest? Clouds made out of whip cream? Your dreams and imagination are all you need to enjoy this class.
Collage is a great way to easily create instant works of art that anyone can excel at.
Each week enjoy the art of collage with a variety of materials and techniques. We will cover different themes, techniques, and materials. We will reference artists who have utilized found images and materials in the world to create works of art. We will make silly things. We will make discoveries! We will explore, create, and giggle.
Let’s make some art!
Who: Students in grades 5-8
When: Wednesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Coach Meghan Anderson
Cost: $300
Join one of the fastest-growing sports crazes in the Bay Area. Our Pickleball Club promises to be filled with laughter, learning, and discovering the joy of this really fun sport! We will focus on the basics of pickleball in a fun and supportive environment. Students will develop fundamental pickleball skills through games, drills, and playful challenges that make learning the sport tons of fun! Open to all skill levels, this club is not just about mastering pickleball techniques—it's also about building friendships, teamwork, and having a ton of fun.
Students should wear comfortable athletic shoes and clothing suitable for movement. All necessary equipment will be provided, so just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
Who: Students in grades 1-3
When: Wednesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Dr. Xin Ai
Cost: $300
Join Ping Pong for an exciting opportunity to engage in a fun and active pursuit while honing hand-eye coordination and sportsmanship skills. Whether you're a seasoned table tennis player or just looking to try something new, our club welcomes all skill levels. The participants will learn the fundamentals of Ping Pong, from mastering the basic strokes to advanced techniques. Beyond that, our club fosters a sense of teamwork, promoting friendships and healthy competition among peers. Join us for an exhilarating experience that combines fitness, strategy, and plenty of smiles and cheers after school!
Who: Students in grades 4-8
When: Fridays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Dr. Xin Ai
Cost: $300
Join Ping Pong for an exciting opportunity to engage in a fun and active pursuit while honing hand-eye coordination and sportsmanship skills. Whether you're a seasoned table tennis player or just looking to try something new, our club welcomes all skill levels. The participants will learn the fundamentals of Ping Pong, from mastering the basic strokes to advanced techniques. Beyond that, our club fosters a sense of teamwork, promoting friendships and healthy competition among peers. Join us for an exhilarating experience that combines fitness, strategy, and plenty of smiles and cheers after school!
Who: Students in grades 1-4
When: Thursdays, 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. (Note the later time)
Teacher: Paul Justiniano
Cost: $300
Step into the captivating world of Pokémon with our Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Club, where trainers of all ages and skill levels come together to embark on thrilling battles, challenge rivals, make new friends, and become masters of the Pokémon TCG!
Who: Students in grade 5-8
When: Fridays, 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. (Note later time)
Teacher: Paul Justiniano
Cost: $300
Step into the captivating world of Pokémon with our Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Club, where trainers of all ages and skill levels come together to embark on thrilling battles, challenge rivals, make new friends, and become masters of the Pokémon TCG!
Who: Students in grades 4-7
When: Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Teacher: Cady Burstein
Cost: $300
Learn the tools of the trade to get money-wise! This club is tailored to students in grades 4-7 who will learn the fundamentals of financial literacy. Learn the secrets to savvy money management and you’ll be ready to make informed financial choices today and tomorrow. Students will learn finance vocabulary, budgeting, saving, the ins and outs of market price fluctuations, and how businesses make pricing decisions. Students will also utilize simulations on an online platform that will include stock markets, investing, and budgeting in college.
Be sure to check out our Clubs & Activities Calendar where you can view the club and activity dates and sign up for reminders.
ACDS Speech and Debate Team | Gr 6-8 | 2023-24 School Year
Who: Middle School students interested in joining the squad must take the Competition Speech elective during the first trimester.
When: 2023-24 school year, during the Competition Speech elective class
Contact: Coach Chris Wardner
How to Join: The 2023-24 school year will include a middle school speech and debate team. Students interested in joining the Middle School Speech & Debate team must take the Competition Speech elective during the first trimester. Returning team members can request permission to be on the team without taking the elective. Not everyone will be able to exercise this option and it is handled on a case by case basis. For more information, please contact Coach Chris Wardner.
For more information on our speech and debate program, please visit this page. Do you have questions about competition Speech and Debate Team? We hope we answered them here.
Little Cougars Track & Field Clinic | Gr 1-4 | 3/22/24 - 5/17/24
What: Six-week clinic on Fridays
Who: Students in grades 1 to 4
When: Fridays on March 22, 29, April 5, 19, May 15 (Weds), 17
Time: 3:15 - 4:15 pm
Cost: $170
Coach: Derek McIntyre
This is a six-week clinic one day a week on Fridays for students in grades 1 to 4. At the end of the clinic, students will participate in the ACDS Clinic Track Meet on Friday, May 17, from 3:15-5:15 p.m. on the ACDS blacktop. The track meet will be just for ACDS students in the clinic at various events. Students will compete by grade level. Events will be 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m Relay, Long Jump and Javelin Throw. Students will receive a t-shirt for participating in the clinic. If you have further questions, please contact Athletic Director Derek McIntyre at dmcintyre@almadencountryday.org.
