For many students at Elmwood School, the school day doesn’t end at 2:30.  In the course of a week, nearly 200 students stay after the buses pull away to participate in extracurricular classes offered by the HPTA.

Earlier this month the fall session began, offering students a way to extend their learning and explore new interests.

“Extracurricular programs at Elmwood School provide our students with a wide variety of activities from which to choose,” says Elmwood Principal Ilene Silver. “There is sure to be at least one that appeals to every student.”

For those looking for sports, the Elmwood HPTA offers instruction in both specific sports, as well as an all-around “Super Sports” class that touches on a new sport each week, such as soccer, basketball, flag football, dodgeball, baseball and kickball.

Third grade teacher, Tom Keane and Henry Edwards

For those looking for a more specialized class, they can enroll in basketball, karate or flag football.
Aspiring artists can take the stage with “Amazing Actors,” or create original artwork in the clay or painting classes.

The extracurricular programs are extremely popular, and all but one of the classes were filled to capacity for the fall session.

“We wish we had more space at the school so we could offer additional classes,” says Kim Cooper, an Elmwood extracurricular coordinator.

HPTA members have a distinct advantage if they want to enroll in the classes. Not only are the classes $15 less expensive, but HPTA members are eligible for Early Bird registration, which opens up one week before the general registration.

Students enjoy a karate class

During the fall, most of the classes were filled during the Early Bird enrollment period.  In September, the basketball class, taught by third grade teacher Tom Keane and members of the Hillers team and coaching staff, was filled by 8:45 a.m. on the first day of Early Bird registration. Elmwood art teacher Bonnie Muir’s clay class also filled on the first day.

Classes for the winter session will not begin until the week of Jan. 18. Early Bird registration for the winter session will open on Dec. 8, with general registration following a week later on Dec. 15.

Clay Creations with art teacher Bonnie Muir

Make sure you have paid your HPTA membership in order to take advantage of savings and early enrollment. Both HPTA membership and class enrollment are available online at the HPTA website.

Aside from the enjoyment the kids get from participating the classes, HPTA extracurricular programs are also a great way to support the Hopkinton schools. The revenue generated from extracurricular programs at the three elementary schools last year was nearly $13,300.