Extracurricular Programs
The extracurriculur programs are chosen to supplement the School in the Hills experience. These programs are coordinated through the school. The age requirements, days of the week and cost vary by program.
Purpose N Motion
Bethany Dougherty is a Cum Laude graduate of Texas Woman's University. She relocated to the Austin area after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, a Secondary Dance Teaching Certification, and a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Early Childhood Education in 2008. She also holds an EC-4 Generalist teaching certification. Bethany currently is pursuing her Master in Business Administration from Concordia University in Austin, TX. She currently dances in Borealis Dance, a contemporary modern dance company based in Austin, Texas. Dance and Yoga have been a lifelong passion for her.
Purpose N Motion’s Little Yogis class teaches children vital skills needed to calm the energy of a fast-paced and competitive generation. Little Yogis children will learn techniques which will guide them toward inner peace and fulfillment. The noncompetitive physical activity of Yoga enhances children’s flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness; while the meditative techniques develop their sense of concentration, calmness and relaxation. Little yogis will attain the valuable gift of lessons that promote compassion and love, rather than opposition. The students will also learn in a way that fosters individual creativity, Montessori principles, meets the needs of various learning styles, and also builds at a challenging pace.
Harmony Tree Music
Becky Reilly brings her passion for music to each and every class or lesson that she teaches. She has played the piano for over 30 years; studied music, composition and piano at Mannes College of Music in New York City; teaches children's music classes, piano and composition lessons in Steiner Ranch.
Harmony Tree Music offers an exciting music experience for toddlers 18 months to 3 years of age. Classes combine singing, dancing, rhythm instruments, music games, world music and familiar songs to spark a lifelong love for music. Harmony Tree Music focuses on teaching rhythm through dance, clapping, playing and singing to toddlers who already possess the ability to easily pick up on these skills. Parents also receive materials and ideas on how to incorporate music that the entire family can enjoy into their daily lives.
Handwriting Without Tears
Sharon Wisnieski , MS-OTR, is a master level occupational therapist, who has enhanced children’s handwriting and underlying foundational skills for the past 9 years. Sharon has completed the highest level of training with the Handwriting Without Tears program and has enjoyed bringing it to life with her pediatric patients over the course of her career. Her Sensory Integration and Praxis Test training has also provided a more holistic backbone for her handwriting groups. Children enrolled in the Handwriting Enrichment Program will engage their entire sensory system while learning correct letter formation.
Handwriting Without Tears a multi-sensory rich handwriting curriculum. The use of various tactile textures and fine motor manipulatives embodies the Montessori method. Music, movement, and various textures and materials will be utilized to help your child feel, motor plan, and form lowercase letters. Wooden pieces, chalk/chalk boards, sponges, and roll-a-dough are just a sample of the many tools utilized with this dynamic program. Children enrolled in this program will gain increased pencil grasp skills, fine motor skills, visual motor skills, motor planning, and letter formation skills.
Imagine Tomorrow® Computer
Every Imagine Tomorrow® class combines a fun learning adventure with sophisticated technology concepts in a creative way that teaches children to use computers as a tool for learning and self-expression. The children become computer detectives to solve the problem of the day using the skill or technology concept presented at circle time. Each mission is designed to ensure success…reinforcing our motto, ”I can do anything, if I put my mind to it”
Children work on their own wireless laptops using Imagine Tomorrow® software that is custom built for each lesson and adjusts to your child's academic and technical ability levels. Small classes are led by a certified Imagine Tomorrow® teacher. Parents receive an online password to access lessons learned each class and software activities for reinforcement at home!
Imagine Tomorrow® classes are offered through Tyke Bytes, LLC. The owner and main teacher, Shelia Bendele, lives in Steiner Ranch with her husband, 13 year old daughter and 2 year old son. Shelia spent many years as an RF engineer in the wireless communications industry and was looking for a more personally rewarding career that would have a positive impact on children and use her technical knowledge and skills. Providing Imagine Tomorrow® classes are a great fit!
Ernie Reyes West Coast World Martial Arts
Ernie Reyes West Coast World Martial Arts began in Santa Clara, California over 30 years ago. The association boasts schools and thousands of students throughout the United States. Its founders, Master Ernie Reyes and Master Tony Thompson, are world class champion competitors, and have been recognized for developing a premier mixed martial arts curriculum for all ages. The Steiner Ranch facility is the only Ernie Reyes school in Texas. Owners and master instructors Andrá and Cindy Allen have nearly 50 years’ martial arts experience between them. Whether you are training for black belt, want to learn practical self-defense, or are just interested in getting in better shape, you and your family can expect professional, skilled, high energy, and caring instruction.
In our special School in the Hills "pre-Dragon" program, students will be exposed to the basics of martial arts in a fun and age-appropriate environment. Students will learn beginning punching, kicking, and martial arts etiquette, as well as play games to further develop coordination. Classes are designed to support parents' daily efforts through teaching their students respect for themselves and others.
JW Tumbles
At JW Tumbles, we understand that exercising young minds and bodies is very important and so is having fun! Our goal is to create the foundation for a healthy lifestyle by introducing kids to our program at a young age. Our Tumblers practice physical skills, fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and sports preparation. We accomplish all this in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere that allows each child to grow in his or her own way, at a comfortable pace. Our Tumblers emerge happier, healthier and better prepared to grow into young adults.
Our mission is to make learning not only a great experience, but also a rewarding one. Our unique programs will help your child develop a more confident, capable mind and body. It’s really what we’re all about—creating a fun environment that helps parents fulfill their children’s physical, social and personal potential.
Abrakadoodle Mini-Doodlers Art Class
This Fall in Mini Doodlers class we will have a multi-cultural experience for our artists exploring new materials, contemporary and master artists from around the world including Korean and American art forms! Matisse, Diego Rivera and Norman Rockwell inspired projects will be introduced. Children use multi-media to create their own unique masterpieces in 12 classes. Come join us for a creative adventure as we learn about the many ways people around the globe express themselves through art and design!
Art fans and families alike recently voted Abrakadoodle Austin Central Texas’ “Best Place to Learn Art” for the 2nd year running (2009 and 2010) through an independent ballot conducted by Austin Family Magazine. Abrakadoodle art programs are designed for children ages 20 months to 14 years old. From single day art workshops to ongoing art classes, integrated and after school art instruction in schools, as well as vacation camps and arty parties, Abrakadoodle offers highly regarded programs at convenient locations throughout the community. To find programs near you, go to www.abrakadoodle.com/tx03. You can also find them on Facebook.com/AbrakadoodleAustin or call Abrakadoodle-Austin at 512-380-7555.
Story Time
Story Time is a program that will guide your child to better listening skills, using their imagination and being a part of a group. Their communication skills, posture, eye-contact and manners will also be improved through their participation in this class.
Children will listen to, sing along with and interact as a group to a story with a relevant life experience. This is a very spontaneous class that encourages your child to “tell it their way”.
Rudy Roberson received his BFA degree in Drama/Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory of Music and a MFA degree in Acting from Rutgers University/Mason Gross School of Arts. He is a singer, songwriter and musician. He entertains with piano, guitar and vocals.
Think Espanol Spanish Program
Ms. Aidee is a Spanish native speaker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language Teaching as well as a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from the Univeristy of Texas.
Research has shown that the best years to learn a second language are from birth to six. During this time children learn a second language easily, in the same way they learn their native language, and it is fun!
Aprendamos Jugando is a Spanish program in which your child will be exposed to the language and will learn new vocabulary through songs, rhymes, games, etc. Ms. Aidee will lead each session in Spanish, providing translation to English as needed.