Enrichment News/Updates (07/26/24)

Visit for updates on after-school Enrichment programs including new program registrations and club news. As always, please check the Enrichment Calendar on the stemk12.org website for the most up-to-date information on event locations, cancellations, and time updates.

Please Consider Donating to STEM’s Enrichment Programs

Donations will enable Enrichment to provide much-needed program scholarships for STEM families in need of financial assistance, update equipment, like Spike Prime kits for our First LEGO League, and offset expenses for our low to no-fee clubs and activities, like Battle of the Books and Craft Club. Click the button below to donate to STEM Enrichment today!

Elementary Chess Club provided by PALS Chess Academy 

Mondays or Thursdays 2:30 – 3:30

Starting August 12 or 15 | Register here!

Chess has been so popular at STEM that last year we had to add a second day! In this club, first-timers, beginners, and recreational players will learn the rules of chess, opening fundamentals, the most common checkmating patterns, and beginner-level tactics. Club time includes a weekly lesson followed by structured playtime with other students with one-on-one encouragement and instruction. PALS lessons include engaging storytelling and humor, and beyond just chess skills, focus on building good character, sportsmanship, and self-esteem. Checkmating and tactics lessons vary from quarter to quarter, so there will always be something new for kids to learn!

Advanced Chess provided by PALS Chess Academy

Mondays 2:30 – 3:30

Starting August 12 | Interest Form

Because we have so many excellent chess players at STEM, this fall we’re piloting a separate during the Monday session for the more advanced students who have mastered the basics and want to learn more! Advanced Chess will be gated by a qualifying event: any interested students will need to demonstrate strong enough play to be considered for the club. Advanced Chess will be taught by Griffin McConnell, son of PALS owner Kevin.

Griffin McConnell is a National Master and a three-time Colorado State Chess Champion who has been teaching chess since he was 12. He is currently ranked as the top player on Team USA for People with Disabilities. Read more about Griffin and his chess journey here. Advanced Chess will build on basic tactics and checkmates and students will learn classic openings for both black and white as well as advanced tactics and captures. Students will use notation to track the moves of the game and learn from mistakes and successes. Students applying for Advanced Chess should already be competing in tournaments or working towards that skill level.

Fencing provided by Fencing Academy of Denver

Wednesdays 2:30 – 3:30

Starting August 14 | Register here! 

En garde! Try out the elegant and exciting Olympic sport of fencing with world-class champion instructors from Fencing Academy of Denver. The fencing program includes an introduction to the history of fencing, weapon use and safety, target areas, and fencing technique. Fencing is a centuries old art with a new following that continues to grow. Fencing improves agility, strength, and stamina, while building new confidence in oneself. This is a mental and physical sport that teaches competition, respect, and self-discipline in a safe and fun environment.

Theater (Beauty & the Beast) provided by Mountain Performing Arts

Wednesdays 2:30 – 3:30

Starting August 21 | Register here! 

In theater this season, kids will be coached in a medley of songs and scenes from Beauty & the Beast. They’ll learn acting technique, singing, and dancing, as well as stage movement. They’ll memorize lines, understand scene work, and experience the importance of working as a group for a shared goal. NO experience necessary: excitement and willingness to learn are all you need! This club culminates in a presentation for family and friends at the nearby St. James Church.

Yoga provided by Mountain Performing Arts

Thursdays 2:30 – 3:30

Starting August 22 | Register here!

In yoga, students will learn basic yoga poses through a playful, fun class experience with games, props, and music. Classes focus on building self-confidence, strength and concentration, and introducing the practice and benefits of mindfulness. Children are encouraged to express themselves and become more aware of their body and movement while learning the basic yoga principles of respect for self and others.

Coming Soon – Registration Opens August 2nd

Craft Club

Craft Club is run by our own 1st-grade teacher team at STEM, and is a perfect hands-on creative outlet for after-school energy! Each week students will make and take home a unique self-made craft to display at home or give as a gift. Every week is different and surprising: learn skills like painting, papercrafting, jewelry-making, and more! Make friends and enjoy a supportive creative space where imagination rules. 

LEGO Challenge (Grades 4-5)

An intermediate First LEGO League program, LEGO Challenge challenges students to design and build a robot that can compete in a timed obstacle course. Teams prepare all season for a regional competition event where their robot will perform for a panel of judges and be scored on various aspects including design, performance, teamwork, and a presentation. Students build skills in teamwork, programming, critical thinking, communication, and imagination.

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where girls can join our sisterhood of supportive peers and use computer science to change the world. Students will read excerpts from our books Learn to Code and Change the World and The Friendship Code, practice skills by completing fun and simple online coding tutorials, and build community through interactive activities with other club members.

Club Rush  – HS 8/14, MS 8/15 

During their Access period on August 14 or 15, students will attend a club fair and have the opportunity to learn about all the after-school programs STEM offers. 

New Secondary Enrichment Programs – Registration opens next week!

MS Fencing

Provided by Fencing Academy of Denver

Wednesdays 2:30 – 3:30 | Starting August 14

En garde! Try out the elegant and exciting Olympic sport of fencing with world-class champion instructors from Fencing Academy of Denver. The fencing program includes an introduction to the history of fencing, weapon use and safety, target areas, and fencing technique. Fencing is a centuries old art with a new following that continues to grow. Fencing improves agility, strength, and stamina, while building new confidence in self. This is a mental and physical sport that teaches competition, respect, and self-discipline in a safe and fun environment.

Advanced Chess

Provided by PALS Chess Academy

Mondays 3:30 – 4:30 | Starting August 28

Because we have so many excellent chess players at STEM, this fall we’re piloting a separate session for the more advanced students who have mastered the basics and want to learn more! Advanced Chess will be gated by a qualifying event: any interested students will need to demonstrate strong enough play to be considered for the club. Advanced Chess will be taught by Griffin McConnell, son of PALS owner Kevin.

Griffin McConnell is a National Master and a three-time Colorado State Chess Champion who has been teaching chess since he was 12. He is currently ranked as the top player on Team USA for People with Disabilities. Read more about Griffin and his chess journey here. Advanced Chess will build on basic tactics and checkmates, and students will learn classic openings for both black and white as well as advanced tactics and captures. Students will use notation to track the moves of the game and learn from mistakes and successes. Students applying for Advanced Chess should already be competing in tournaments or working towards that skill level.