A Look Inside Westside’s Enrichment Program

If you walk through Westside right after dismissal, you’ll notice that the day isn’t over for a lot of our Wolves. Instead of heading home, many K–8 kids stay for enrichment classes, where they have opportunities to try something new, build skills, and just have a really good time with friends.

The afternoons have a different energy. Things feel a little more relaxed, and kids settle into projects in that focused, happy way that happens when they’re doing something they genuinely enjoy. You’ll see students from different grades working side by side, trying new skills, and getting completely absorbed in whatever they’re making or learning.

We offer enrichment for a reason. Research shows that after-school programs can boost academic confidence, strengthen social skills, improve attitudes about school, and even reduce risky behavior. 

 

A Snapshot of This Year’s Semester 1 Enrichments

Canvas & Cocoa (K–2) In Tina’s room, the smell of cocoa and the sound of paintbrushes on jars fill the air. Kids follow simple steps to create their own paintings, and almost every session, someone asks, “Can we do one more?”

Clown Skills & Theatre Sports (K–2) In the theater, Kylee’s students practice juggling, improv, and theater games. They move, think on their feet, and experiment with performing in ways that are both challenging and fun. You will often find them with red noses and fun costumes performing under the bright lights on stage. 

Bricks 4 Kidz: Amusement Parks (K–2) Kids build motorized LEGO® rides while exploring basic physics concepts like momentum and inertia. Each week, the “Loop-de-Loop test run” is a highlight, and every semester brings new themes and projects to keep the challenges fresh.

Clay Club (K–2) The clay room is lively and hands-on. Students work on hand-building projects from mugs to sculptures, learning both technique and patience.

Little Chefs (K–2) Even the youngest students are cooking, making snacks, simple meals, and desserts. Each student leaves with a recipe book filled with what they’ve made, and one recently said, “I’m making dinner this weekend.”

Parkour-Inspired Games (K–2) With Kong Academy, students work through movement challenges that also focus on cooperation, communication, and social skills. Sessions end with a reflection circle where students talk about how they worked together.

Story Workshop (K–2) McKenzie’s students use blocks, collage materials, and other hands-on tools to create stories. They record their ideas in journals, capturing the process of building and imagining.

Chess Wizards (2–4) This class is quieter and focused. Students practice strategy, play games, and work toward a mini-tournament. During the school day, younger students often challenge their Wolfpack buddies to quick matches to test what they’ve learned.

Archaeology (3–4) Students explore the past through hands-on projects like excavation sites, cave painting, and creating museum-style displays to take home. Enthusiasm is high; as one fourth grader put it, “This is the best day of my life!” more than once during class.

Creative Cooking (3–4) Cathy’s students are busy chopping, mixing, and tasting their way through themed projects like Campfire Creations and PNW desserts, learning kitchen skills along the way. One student recently told us they now have “signature dishes.” You always know when it’s their enrichment day with delicious smells wafting up from the kitchen. 

Sewing Workshop (3–4) Students practice hand and machine sewing on projects they choose, from pillows to tote bags. Everyone contributes to a collaborative quilt that will be donated to a local organization.

Dungeons & Dragons (5–8) In this long-running and popular enrichment, Middle schoolers gather around tables with character sheets and dice. Some are experienced players, others are trying it for the first time. Everyone gets involved in storytelling and problem-solving together.

Theatre Club (5-8) Middle school students also have the option to participate in the Theatre Club, which produces two musicals each year, offering additional opportunities for creative expression and performance. The current production is Descendants: The Musical, which concludes with two performances on December 10 & 11, 7:00 pm. 

 

The Heart of Enrichment

Even with all the variety, there’s a common thread: kids are trying things they don’t always get to do in a regular school day. They’re gaining confidence, practicing collaboration, and discovering that learning doesn’t have to look one particular way.

One parent put it perfectly:
“My child loves the archaeology class—thank you so much for all the work you put into it.”

The after-school hours give students space to explore their interests, make new connections, and unwind from the school day while still being engaged in something meaningful.

For families who are already part of enrichment—thank you for letting us share those afternoon hours with your kids. And if your child hasn’t jumped in yet, we hope they’ll join us for a future class.