Middle School Enrichment Clubs

We are excited to offer a variety of enrichment clubs. These clubs are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and passions. Our goal is to provide a fun, engaging, and safe environment where students can explore new hobbies, develop skills, and make lasting friendships. Each club is led by experienced instructors who are passionate about their field and dedicated to inspiring and guiding participants. Join us and discover the joy of learning and growing together! First semester clubs run September to December and second semester clubs begin in late January/early February and end in May.

Class sizes are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and available on your My CCDS Portal.
Payment in full is due at the time of registration.
The club makeup date will be used when the instructor cancels a class. This does not include missed classes due to school closing or student illness.
Mini-Clubs run for fewer sessions or outside of the enrichment club calendar.
While we do our best to minimize scheduling conflicts by aligning youth sports practices with the enrichment club schedule, occasional overlaps may occur. It is important to understand that refunds or credits cannot be provided once clubs have commenced, should you opt out due to scheduling conflicts. Please be advised that the scheduling of youth sports practices is dependent on the availability of parent volunteers and practice locations, and as such, may not always be predetermined.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least two weeks before the club's start date to qualify for a refund.

FIRST SEMESTER
MONDAY Sept: 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct: 6, 20, 27 Nov: 3, 10, 17 Dec: 1, 8 Cancelled Class Makeup Dec 15 12 Classes (Soccer Gr 5-6 Girls)	TUESDAY Sept: 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct: 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov: 4, 11, 18 Dec: 2 Cancelled Class Makeup Dec 9 12 Classes (Soccer Gr 5-6 Boys)	WEDNESDAY Sept: 10, 17, 24 Oct: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov: 5, 12, 19 Dec: 3 Cancelled Class Makeup Dec 10 12 Classes	THURSDAY Sept: 11, 18, 25 Oct: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov: 13, 20 Dec: 4, 11 Cancelled Class Makeup Dec 18 12 Classes	FRIDAY Sept: 12, 19, 26 Oct: 3, 17, 24, 31 Nov: 14, 21 Dec: 5, 12 Cancelled Class Makeup Dec 19 11 Classes
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
DRAWN to Art	ArtVentures Studio		Chess Club	Off the Grid Gamers
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
		AI Creators: A Project-Based Artificial Intelligence Primer Quest and Legends Guild

The Gracious Group Mini-Club Grades 5-6
SATURDAY Oct: 18 Nov: 16* (Sunday) Dec: 13 Jan: 10 Feb: 21 Apr: 18

SECOND SEMESTER
MONDAY Feb: 2, 9, 23 Mar: 2, 9, 30 Apr: 6, 13, 20, 27 May: 4, 11 Cancelled Class Makeup 5/18 12 Classes	TUESDAY Feb: 3, 10, 17, 24 Mar: 3, 10, 31 Apr: 7, 14, 21, 28 May: 5 Cancelled Class Makeup 5/12 12 Classes	WEDNESDAY Feb: 4, 11, 18, 25 Mar: 4, 11 Apr: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May: 6 Cancelled Class Makeup 5/13 12 Classes	THURSDAY Feb: 5, 12, 19 Mar: 5, 12 Apr: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May: 7, 14 Cancelled Class Makeup 5/21 12 Classes	FRIDAY Feb: 6, 20 Mar: 6, 13 Apr: 10, 17, 24 May: 1, 8, 15 Cancelled Class Makeup 5/22 10 Classes
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
DRAWN to Art	ArtVentures Studio		Chess Club	Off the Grid Gamers
	Debate Club (Gr 5 - Gr 6)
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
		AI Creators: An AI Project-Building Program

Club Offerings

Monday Clubs

Tuesday Clubs

ArtVentures Studio
GRADES 5 - 8
TIME: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
FEE: $350
FACILITATOR: Mrs. Verticchio
DESCRIPTION: This open studio art club is ideal for those who love creating and want to bring their ideas to life. Students will enjoy the freedom to choose their own projects—whether it's painting, drawing, or another form of art—while receiving guidance and support to help turn their vision and inspiration into reality.

Debate Club
GRADES 5 - 6
TIME: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
FEE: $350
FACILITATOR: "Hirsch"
DESCRIPTION: Step into the world of persuasive speaking and critical thinking! In Debate Club, students will learn the fundamentals of argumentation, research, and public speaking. Students will explore techniques such as building strong claims, using evidence effectively, countering opposing arguments, and delivering confident speeches. The club will culminate in a Mock Debate on the topic “Uniform vs. No Uniform,” giving students the opportunity to showcase their skills in a lively and structured competition.

Wednesday Clubs

AI Creators: An AI Project-Building Program for Middle Schoolers
GRADES 5 - 8
TIME: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
FEE: $770
FACILITATOR: Inspirit AI
The program is led by Stanford, MIT, and Ivy League alumni and graduate students who will Zoom in to work with students in this completely synchronous and highly interactive program. A CCDS facilitator will be in the room for support and group management.

DESCRIPTION: In AI Pioneers, our emerging engineers will learn how to create projects for social good with Python programming language. Through hands-on Python coding, students will learn how computers can use data to solve complex problems like natural language processing and computer vision. Students will explore the ways they can meaningfully use AI to predict heart disease, create social robots, assist with disaster relief, and navigate autonomous vehicles.

The curriculum emphasizes ethical responsibility, career paths in artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary applications! From beginner to advanced coders, the program inspires students of all backgrounds to contribute to a bright future of inclusivity and technological advancement.

Machine Learning Talks
Learn about machine learning algorithms and techniques in a uniquely interactive, engaging format, before you apply that knowledge in live coding labs.

Hands-On Python Coding
Develop valuable skills in Python, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in our hands-on coding labs, using cutting-edge research to solve real-world problems like heart disease prediction, assistive technologies, and more.

Project-Based Learning
In our final capstone project, students will be able to apply their newly acquired talents in a collaborative, challenging environment, applying AI to an in depth project. Examples include allocating resources for disaster relief, sketch recognition, or creating a website to recommend movies.

Thursday Clubs

Chess Club
GRADES 5 - 8
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $350
Instructor: Nico Rumboll
Description: This club is for new or experienced chess players. Participants will celebrate a new chess tactic each week and participate in chess clock tournaments. Chess enhances creative thought, improves concentration, develops critical thinking skills, boosts memory and retention, and builds confidence.

Friday Clubs

Off the Grid Gamers
GRADES 5 - 8
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Fee: $300
Instructor: Nico Rumboll
Description: This club offers a fun way to unplug, roll the dice, and enjoy time with friends. Each week, students will explore exciting strategy games that challenge the mind and inspire creativity. Participants will build skills in teamwork, planning, and negotiation while playing favorites such as Catan, Bonanza, Carcassonne, 7 Wonders, and The Resistance, along with a few surprises. Friendly competition, epic trades, and plenty of laughs are guaranteed.

Mini-Clubs

SATURDAYS
The Gracious Group Club (a.k.a. Etiquette Club)
GRADES 2 - 4
TIME: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
DATES: 10/18, 11/16*, 12/13, 1/10, 2/21, 4/18
FEE: $375 *
FACILITATOR: Ms. Schoeny and Mrs. Hetrick
DESCRIPTION: The Gracious Group Club is an exclusive gathering dedicated to the art of refined living and impeccable manners. Running October through April (with a break in March), one Saturday each month the club meets from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am to delve into the nuances of etiquette.

Each session offers a fresh focus on an essential etiquette topic, ensuring that students are well-versed in the sophisticated skills needed for personal success. Engaging topics include

Social/Communication Etiquette
Theater etiquette
Dining and Table Manners
Digital Etiquette
The Art of Giving and Receiving
Personal Responsibility

Whether looking to polish existing skills or learn new ones, The Gracious Group Club offers a supportive and engaging environment to refine etiquette skills.

*Price includes a special November outing on Sunday, November 16 to the Aronoff Center for a performance of A Christmas Story: The Musical, featuring one of our very own Country Day parents. This trip also offers students the opportunity to practice theater and show etiquette.

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