An After-school Enrichment Program
Spring TERM 2016
Kindergarten through Grade 5
Tuesdays and/or Thursdays
Course Catalog - Revised
Florence E. Smith STEM School
STEAM PM – Spring Term 2016
3:20 – 4:20
Tuesdays and / or Thursdays
Our spring term of STEAM PM offers students in kindergarten through 5th grade engaging
enrichment opportunities where they can continue to explore STEM related topics and the
Arts. Courses are designed to promote inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork,
and creativity.
STEAM PM is overseen by STEM Specialist, Sharon Zajack. Feel free to contact her if you have
any questions at (860) 236-3315, ext. 5763 or Sharon_Zajack@whps.org
Frequently asked Questions
Q: When do the courses begin?
A: Courses begin the week of March 15. Be sure to check the course description for exact
dates.
Q: When do the courses end?
A: End dates are NOT all the same. Courses run between 5 to 8 weeks. Be sure to mark the
end date on your calendars for any course your child is enrolled in.
Q: How much does a course cost?
A: STEAM PM is free to Smith STEM students and is part of our magnet school program.
Q: Is transportation provided?
A: No, adults must come to pick up their child at 4:20 or share information if their child is
already enrolled in the WHEE afterschool childcare program.
Q: Can a child register for more than one course?
A: Yes. In fact, with the high demand for many of our courses, we encourage you to register
for more than one class, in your order of preference. Students are placed in more than one
class if there is room AND if you have checked the box on the registration form. (This is new.)
Q: What if I only want my child to have one course?
A: Once again, you are encouraged to register for more than one so that your child has a
greater chance of participating in our spring term. Selecting one course does NOT improve a
child’s chances to get in a course.
Q: Can a child enroll in a course that he or she has taken during a previous STEAM PM
session?
A: Yes, but preference will be given to new students first.
Q: How are classes formed?
A: Many factors are reviewed when determining enrollment, such as course preference,
repeat enrollment in a specific class, and distribution among the grade levels/ genders
intended for the course. When all factors for a group of students are equal, we use a random
lottery to determine placement. Course confirmation notices are sent home to let you know
which course or courses your child is enrolled in.
Q: What if I miss the due date for registration?
A: All registrations that were received by the due date are processed first. If there is still room
available, then students who register late can be added. Due to the large volume of students
involved in STEAM PM, March 1st is the final date for late registrations.
Q: Can my child bring a snack?
A: We understand that students can be hungry after a full day of school. However, not all
children bring a snack, so to have a snack time before the instruction begins takes away from
the short time available for learning and fun. Please feel free to bring a snack at pickup time.
STEAM PM Course Registration
The registration form below is due on
Friday February 26, 2016.
Students can return this form to their classroom teacher.
Parents will receive a confirmation notice about STEAM PM
enrollment on Thursday, March 3rd
Please PRINT neatly
Child’s Name ______________________________________________
Grade ______ Classroom Teacher ____________________________
Preference
Order
Course name
Course
LETTER
1
2
3
4
☐ Please enroll my child in 2 courses if room is available.
Parent / Guardian ______________________________________________
Cell phone: __________________________ email: _________________________________________
.
A
Animal Adventures
Grades K - 3
Instructor: Museum Educators, The Children’s Museum
Maximum class size: 15 students
Museum educators from The Children’s Museum in West Hartford are back to join STEAM PM. Each week will
feature a different topic along with live animals, many of which can be touched. Topics include: animal
adaptations and habitats, cold-blooded creatures, endangered species, insects, and more!
 Thursdays (6 weeks) March 17 – April 28
B
Bee Bots – Early Robotics for KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten
Instructor: Ms. Katie Fournier, Science teacher
Maximum class size: 8 students
Using critical thinking, team work, and a lot of problem solving, students learn how to program the Bee Bot to
complete tasks using up to 40 commands. Tasks involve looking for treasure on an imaginary island, moving
on special mats to spell words and identify collections of money, and designing their own mazes.
 Tuesdays (5 weeks) March 15 – April 21
C
Bee Bots –Robotics for Grades 1 and 2
Grades 1 and 2
Instructor: Ms. Katie Fournier, Science teacher
Maximum class size: 12 students
Using critical thinking, team work, and a lot of problem solving, students learn how to program the Bee Bot to
complete tasks using up to 40 commands. Tasks involve looking for treasure on an imaginary island, moving
on special mats to spell words and identify collections of money, and designing their own mazes.
 Thursday (6 weeks) March 17 – April 28
D
Chess –Tuesdays
Grades 4 and 5
Instructor: Mr. Jeff Hall, 4th grade teacher
Maximum class size: 12 students
Chess is the world’s most popular board game! Whether you already know how to play chess or will just be
starting out, come learn moves, develop patience, use problem solving skills, and have fun with chess!
 Tuesdays (8 weeks) March 15 – May 10
E
Chess – Thursdays
Grades 2 and 3
Instructor: Mr. Jeff Hall, 4th grade teacher
Maximum class size: 12 students
Chess is the world’s most popular board game! Whether you already know how to play chess or will just be
starting out, come learn moves, develop patience, use problem solving skills, and have fun with chess!
 Thursdays (8 weeks) March 17 – May 12
F
Claymation
Grades 3 - 5
Instructors: Ms. Courtney Jacklin, 5th Grade Teacher and Ms. Sharon Courneen, District
Instructional Coach
Maximum class size: 12 students
Students use both their artistic and technological skills to create a clay animation in this STEAM PM class.
Students choose a scene from their favorite book, design a “claymation” with polymer clay, and take pictures
of the stop motion with a webcam connected to a laptop. Students learn how to enhance their scene using a
software program. Students add narration, text or music and transform their “claymations” into a movie file.
Students leave the class with a completed “claymation” movie!

Thursdays (8 weeks) March 17 – May 12
G
Creative Canvases – A Sculpture Course
Grades 4 and 5
Instructor: Miss Ashley Greco, Art teacher at Smith STEM School
Maximum class size: 10 students
How do art and caring for the environment go hand in hand? With sculptures made from recycled materials of
course! Students will work together to complete sculptural design challenges with materials not typically used
during regular art instruction. Due to the types of tools used to make the sculptures, responsible behavior
and attention to detail are essential.

H
Tuesdays (8 weeks) March 15 – May 10
Explore the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Grades 4 and 5
Instructor: Mr. Robert Felekey, B.S., M.S. Eng. and Physical Science teacher at King Philip
Middle School
Maximum class size: 10 students
What do microwaves, laser tag, x-rays, rainbows and cellphones have in common? They all use the
electromagnetic spectrum! Experience new sights and sounds and waves of energy. Join us to experiment
with the visible and invisible waves of nature that you may never have noticed before.
 Thursdays (8 weeks) March 17 – May 12
I
Games -- Unplugged
Kindergarten - Grade 2
Instructor: Ms. Ruth Luipold, Curriculum Specialist
Maximum class size: 10 students
In this class, we will learn about fair play, collaboration, and logic while playing many games without the aid of
batteries or electronics (“unplugged”). We’ll have fun with checkers, Crazy Eight, Uno, Jenga, Connect Four,
and many more. Come enjoy some classic “old school” favorites and some new winners. BYOUG! (Bring Your
Own Unplugged Game to share.)
 Thursdays (6 weeks) March 17 – April 28
J
Get Cooking!
Grades 2 and 3
Instructors: Ms. Lindsay Perkins, Chef Educator for Growing Great Schools and volunteers
Maximum class size: 12 students®®
Smith STEM is excited to offer this class from the Growing Great Schools organization. Students will have
hands-on opportunities to feel, taste and experience healthy local food. At the end of this 5 week course,
students and their families will understand the physical, social, and emotional benefits of healthy food and its
role in caring for the environment. [NOTE: This class does not begin until April.]

Tuesdays (5 weeks) April 5 – May 10
Ms. Lindsay Perkins is a 2005 graduate of the CT Culinary Institute and worked as a baker at Truffles Bakery in
Farmington CT for 10 years. Recently she was an instructor at Camp KO Culinary Camp. Ms. Perkins lives in
West Hartford with her husband and three children.
K
Lego™ Mindstorm Robotics
Grades 3 and 4
Instructors: Mrs. Kathy Hardesty, Quest Teacher and Mr. Peter Towey, parent volunteer
Maximum class size: 12 students
Students will work in teams, exploring robotics as they build projects using the Lego™ Mindstorm NXT®
microcomputer and sensors. Students will create programs using the light, sound, and ultrasonic sensors.
This is a great way to get familiar with the excitement and power of programming.

L
Thursdays (8 weeks) March 17 – May 12
Loco for Lego™ - Tuesdays
Grades 2 and 3
Instructor: Ms. Liz Harty, third grade teacher
Maximum class size: 12 students
Are you wild about Legos? If so, then this is the course for you! Students will have access to a variety
of Lego kits that vary in difficulty as well as a bunch of loose bricks for free-style creations. Students will set
personal goals, share building strategies, and use critical thinking and problem solving to make Lego
creations. Bring your imagination, the possibilities are endless!
 Tuesdays (8 weeks) March 15 – May 10

M
Loco for Lego™ - Thursdays
Grades 2 and 3
Instructor: Ms. Liz Harty, third grade teacher
Maximum class size: 12 students
Are you wild about Legos™? If so, then this is the course for you! Students will have access to a variety
of Lego™ kits that vary in difficulty as well as a bunch of loose bricks for free-style creations. Students will set
personal goals, share building strategies, and use critical thinking and problem solving to make Lego™
creations. Bring your imagination, the possibilities are endless!
 Thursdays (8 weeks) March 17 – May 12
N
Maps, Compasses, and Orienteering
Grades 4 – 5
Instructor: Ms. Mami Nishimune, parent volunteer and Boy Scout Troop 146 Volunteers
Maximum class size: 10 students
Have you gone hiking with a map and compass and tried to navigate your way through the woods? In this
class you will learn how to read different types of maps, how to use a map and compass for navigation, and
how to do “orienteering”. Orienteering is a cross-country sport in which you navigate yourself along a set
course through the woods with a detailed topographical map called an “orienteering map” and a compass.
After four hands-on navigation sessions at Smith STEM, students will have the opportunity to test their
navigation skills on a permanent orienteering course at Westmoor Park. Compasses are provided. Interested
students will also receive information about an optional Orienteering Meet.
 Thursdays (5 weeks) March 17 – April 28
** No class on April 21st due to Camp Jewell for grade 5**
Ms. Mami Nishimune is a member of the Western Connecticut Orienteering Club and is on the Committee of
Cub Scout Pack 46 in West Hartford.
O
Musical Minds!
Grades 4 – 5
Instructor: Mrs. Becky Saraceno, music teacher
Maximum class size: 5 students
Students will have the opportunity to use the Smith STEM School Recording Studio to work on a variety of
musical projects which may include (but are not limited to) creating theme music and jingles for Smith TV and
our monthly Pride Assemblies. Come explore your musical talents with writing and recording your own songs.
 Tuesdays (6 weeks) March 15 – April 26
P
Stage Right: Acting Through Improv
Kindergarten – Grade 2
(revised 2-22-16)
Instructor: Mrs. Katie Lorraine-Mace, Parent Volunteer
Maximum class size: 12 students
Each class will start with a physical and vocal warm up to get the creative juices flowing. Kids will build their
acting and public speaking skills through improvisation games including “Mirror,” “Boom Chicka Boom” and
more! We will explore the connection between storytelling and acting by using the text Why do Mosquitoes
Buzz in People’s Ears: A West African Tale by Verna Aardema to jump start our own theatrical rendition of this
tale. There will be a final performance on the last day for families and friends to attend.
 Thursdays (8 weeks) March 17 – May 12
Katie Lorraine-Mace is a graduate of the conservatory program at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in
Manhattan. After graduation she began teaching theater to kids in after school programs at public schools
and co-founded a small theater company in which she produced and acted in several plays in NYC.
Q
Tooling Around Smith
Grades 1 and 2
Instructor: Sharon Zajack, STEM Specialist
Maximum class size: 8 responsible students
Do you know the names of some tools? Do you know how to use them safely? Would you like to use tools to
look inside some machines? In this class, young Smith engineers will explore some simple tools, practice using
them, and with the aid of tools, look inside some household machines.
Note: Students will be using safety glasses when using hand tools.
 Thursdays (5 weeks) March 17 – April 28**
**NO Class on April 21
R
VEX IQ Robotics
Grades 3 and 4
Instructors: Mrs. Kathy Hardesty, Quest Teacher and Mrs. Allison Foley, Smith STEM Math
Specialist
Maximum class size: 12 students
You probably have heard about Lego™ robotics, but how about VEX IQ?
Students will learn how to build and program a VEX IQ robot and participate in a robotics game challenge.
This course is for students with a strong desire to learn how to program, to work with patience and creativity
through unfamiliar challenges, and to work as a member of a team.
 Tuesdays (8 weeks) March 15 – May 10
S
WeDo Lego™ Robotics & Coding
Grades 2-3
Instructors: Mrs. Sharon Zajack, STEM Specialist and Mrs. Angela Bottaro, second grade
teacher
Maximum class size: 12 students
Second and third graders will build robotic models using the WeDo™ Robotics kit. Come enjoy the excitement
and challenge of making and programming such projects as a dancing bird or a drumming monkey. Students
will learn about gears and sensors as well as block-style computer programming to tell the robot how to
function. (Please note, this course is not a free-building Lego experience.) Come join the excitement,
challenge, and collaboration that WeDo™ robotics has to offer!
 Tuesdays (8 weeks) March 15 – May 10