After-School Program

Fall Teams at CA 

All our teams are offered to our middle and upper school students. Lower school students' eligibility to join these teams is granted on a case-by-case basis. All other programs are offered to all our students. The athletic sports games and meets are all listed on the Sycamore calendar. The games are subject to change so make sure to recheck the schedule and be on the lookout for emails from the head coach with the week’s schedule. The esports teams (including chess) have games on the same days they practice.  The robotics event information will sent to the team once the season has started.

Healthy snacks including dried fruits and vegetables, goldfish, popcorn, cheese, protein bars, and other snacks are included for all our after-school programs. Student downtime and opportunities for physical activity are also integrated into each day of our academic support classes. If you have any questions or would like additional information please reach out to Mr. Paul Harrington at pharrington@commonwealthacademy.org. 

Team Practices
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
4:00 - 5:30	4:00 - 5:30	4:00 - 5:30	4:00 - 5:30	3:00 - 4:30
Cross Country	Chess	Cross Country	Rocket League	Cross Country
Robotics	Rocket League	Robotics	Soccer	Robotics
Soccer	Splatoon 3	Volleyball	Super Smash Bros	Soccer
Volleyball	Model UN		Model UN	Volleyball

 

---

 

Academic Support, Clubs, and Therapy Groups
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
4:00 - 5:30	4:00 - 5:30	4:00 - 5:30	4:00 - 5:30	3:00 - 4:30
Academic Support	Academic Support	Academic Support	Academic Support
	Strategy Games Club	Therapeutic DnD (lower and middle school)	Arts & Crafts Club
			Therapeutic DnD (upper school)

Dismissal

At 5:25 p.m., we will start dismissing students from the gym or the MPR door (by the parking lot). Please feel free to park in our parking lot or on the curb on Leslie Ave (like for normal MS/US dismissal) and a teacher will send your child out the MPR door.

If you arrive before 5:25 p.m. and would like your child to depart immediately, please park on the same curb and call the front desk (703-548-6912). We will radio your child's teacher so they can be released. If you arrive early and would like to wait until your child's enrichment ends please feel free to park in our lot.
 

*LATE DISMISSAL PROCEDURE*

If you arrive after 5:45 p.m. you will need to come inside to the MPR room to sign out your child which will include the time they are signed out. The campus closes at 5:30 p.m. and to make sure our teachers can leave on time, we have added a $5.00 charge per minute that a student stays after 5:45 p.m.

---

Chess, 8 weeks

In an age where digital skills and critical thinking are increasingly important, chess offers a unique opportunity for students to enhance their cognitive abilities while having a great time. Our team competes in online games through one of our esports platforms, allowing students to challenge their peers from other schools or engage in friendly matches with teammates without having to leave CA. With guidance from coaches and a supportive team environment, your child will develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, concentration, and strategic planning.

 

Cross Country, 8 weeks

Cross Country continues to be open to all middle and upper School students. We will be participating in four cross-country meets this season. The meets will be division-specific with a middle school and high school division. Students are not required to participate in the meets to be on the team. Families are invited to attend all our meets. Students should bring a water bottle and appropriate running shoes and clothing. CA provides bus transportation to and from all cross country meets. Seniors have the option to dismiss early and drive to games if necessary. The form for this accommodation is in the attached Athletic Handbook. 

 

Model UN, 18 weeks

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation or model of the United Nations (UN) where students act as delegates from countries around the world and debate topics like climate change, global security, global health, and many more. It's a popular extracurricular activity that helps students learn about the UN, international relations, and diplomacy and stresses public speaking, writing, negotiating, and leadership skills. While students learn about real-world issues, they also learn about countries of the world, how the past shaped the present, and how international diplomacy works. 

Practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. as well as Fridays during club time. We plan to attend the following events and families are responsible for transportation to and from these events as well as possible hotel fees:

• November 9th for an International Relations Conference in DC

• December 6-7 for MUN at Thomas Edison High School

• January 11-12 for MUN at Chantilly High School

• Either January 31 - February 2nd OR February 13-16 for our "big event" simulation where students will stay overnight in a hotel

• Possibly another date or two in the spring if available

If you think your child would be interested, speak with them and have them talk to Mr. Stanton or e-mail Mr. Stanton at: gstanton@commonwealthacademy.org

 

Robotics, 8 weeks

Our new robotics team will be designing and building a robot to compete at the two-day BEST Robotics competition in Grove City, PA. Students will work to understand the practical use of math concepts and applied physics. They will solve real-world science and engineering problems, training that is transferable to all academic disciplines and career pursuits, and also experience “design-to-market” product development. Through the course of the season, students will understand what engineers do - the engineering profession is “demystified”. 

In addition to competing in the robotics competition, students have the opportunity to compete in a marketing competition where they act like a company trying to sell their robot, similar to Shark Tank. They can also compete in a T-shirt design contest, show off their robot through a team exhibit, and participate in a video competition. On a weekend mid-way through the season, CA will transport the team to and from Grove City, PA for a mid-season practice session where they can get advice and insights from other teams and league affiliates. The season will wrap up at the end of October (10/25 and 10/26) with a two-day competition in Grove City. Families will be responsible for getting their student to the final competition events. This is a brand new endeavor for all of us and we will be passing along more information as we receive it.

 

Rocket League, 8-10 weeks

The Rocket League esports team offers students a thrilling and competitive experience in a game that combines soccer with high-octane rocket-powered cars. In this fast-paced, team-based game, students collaborate to score goals and outmaneuver opponents, all while developing skills such as teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking. Participating in online matches, students will have the opportunity to engage in a dynamic and supportive environment where they can excel in gaming while building friendships and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.

 

Soccer, 8 weeks

The soccer team consists of middle and upper school students and games are usually played at the high school varsity level. Our home games will continue to be held on one of the two soccer fields at Simpson Park. Families are invited to attend all our games. Students should bring a water bottle and appropriate soccer cleats and clothing. CA provides bus transportation to and from all soccer games. Seniors have the option to dismiss early and drive to games if necessary. The form for this accommodation is in the attached Athletic Handbook. 

 

Splatoon 3, 8-10 weeks

Our champion Splatoon 3 esports team offers students a vibrant and dynamic way to engage in competitive gaming with one of the most exciting and colorful games available. In Splatoon 3, players dive into team-based battles where they use ink to cover territory, outmaneuver opponents, and achieve victory in fast-paced matches. By joining the team, students will develop their strategic thinking, teamwork, and quick reflexes while participating in online tournaments and friendly competitions. This team provides a fantastic opportunity for your child to improve their gaming skills, make new friends, and be part of a supportive and enthusiastic community. 

 

Super Smash Brothers, 8-10 weeks

Super Smash Bros. Esports team offers students an exciting opportunity to dive into the competitive world of one of the most popular battle games. In Super Smash Bros., players select their favorite characters and battle it out in fast-paced, strategic matches that test their skills, reflexes, and teamwork. By joining the team, students will participate in online matches, develop their gaming strategies, and collaborate with peers to enhance their competitive edge. This team not only provides a platform for students to excel in their gaming abilities but also fosters camaraderie, critical thinking, and resilience.

Volleyball, 8 weeks

Girls volleyball has a league-sanctioned high school playoff tournament and league championship. Middle and upper school students can participate in volleyball and we usually play at the varsity level. Volleyball will have a total of three practices/games per week. Families are invited to attend all games. Students should bring a water bottle and appropriate athletic clothes and shoes to each practice. CA provides bus transportation to and from all volleyball games. Seniors have the option to dismiss early and drive to games if necessary. The form for this travel accommodation is in the attached Athletic Handbook. 

 

Academic Support, 8 weeks

After-school academic support will continue to be offered on Mondays through Thursdays. Mr. Dure will continue to lead each after-school class which has provided greater consistency with regard to monitoring student progress. After-school Academic Support is an extension of the Academic Support classes we offer during the school day. It is a time to complete academic work while practicing positive EF skills. Academic Support is like an independent learning class. Students will be facilitated in coming prepared to class, using their time wisely, not creating distractions for other students, and recognizing that any incomplete work will still need to be completed later that evening at home. The after-school academic support teacher will provide executive functioning support, help plan and prioritize work, break down large assignments, help set time goals for work, check in on the status of assignments, and answer questions or help students get the answers they need.

 

Art & Crafts, 8 weeks

Arts & Crafts will allow students to develop art skills in a relaxed environment. Students will use their creativity to create fantastic works of art that will range from 2D to 3D art. The projects will include painting, clay, photography, and using textiles to create embroidery, cross-stitch, and other fun projects. There will be a team-based activity where groups of students will work together to create a surprise work of art.

 

Strategy Game Club, 8 weeks

Strategy game club allows students to participate in strategic card, board, and dice games that can be completed in one session. The focus is on having fun while learning about strategic games from around the world. This club also involves discovering the historical, cultural, mathematical, and strategic aspects of the variety of games available.  Games would include (but are not limited to): Chess, Checkers, Set, Mancala, Nim, Monopoly, Stratego, and others of similar ilk.

 

Therapeutic Dungeons and Dragons, 9 weeks (5 student max for each group)

Therapeutic DnD will be division-specific with a lower and middle school group and an upper school group. While the CA DnD club has a faculty supervisor, the game itself is student-run. The faculty supervisor is there to help with behavior management but otherwise does not intervene. The game storyline is student-created and isn’t centered around any specific learning goals because the goal is to play the game and have fun. 

The DnD Therapeutic Social Skills Group is run by lower & middle school counselor Lindsay O’Keefe who has spent 18 hours training in the Game to Grow method (see all credentials below). The story content has been developed to reinforce specific developmental capacities like regulation, collaboration, and perspective-taking. Additionally, individual treatment goals will be developed in collaboration with participants, parents, and the facilitator to help guide each participant’s individual story. 

 

Facilitator Credentials - Lindsay O’Keefe Lower & Middle School Counselor

Master’s of Arts in School Counseling from George Washington University 

Virginia Licensed Professional Counseling Resident

Game to Grow Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Game Trained (Level 1, 2 & 3)

Ongoing Game to Grow Supervision and Training

 

What is the Game to Grow/Critical Core TTRPG method? 

“Critical Core invites children to enter a shared world of fantasy and social problem solving to build social confidence and empowers them to flourish socially on their own terms. Developed under the guidance of autistics, therapists, educators, and psychologists” (Critical Core).

Unlike many social skills groups, it does not teach neurodivergent youth to mask, but instead, helps them learn to shift perspectives and develop skills that help them connect more with the neurotypical world. 

 

How will this benefit my student? 

Critical Core’s TTRPG will help participants develop important self-regulation skills and improve perspective-taking skills. They will increase their ability to read emotions and facial expressions, learn how to build and maintain social relationships, develop social problem-solving skills, increase gray-area thinking, and learn to deal with change and disruption in routine. They will also build improved skills for self-reflection in a safe and supportive atmosphere. 

Additionally, TTRPGs can “provide a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem boost when the players succeed in completing a quest or defeating a monster. It also provides a way for players to safely explore and express emotion by role-playing their characters. Additionally, TTRPGs require teamwork and communication, which can help improve social skills, form resilience, and build relationships” (Bean & Connell, 2023). 

Critical Core is a tabletop role-playing game (TT-RPG) that is very similar to Dungeons and Dragons (DnD). It is a collaborative game where players must work together to solve problems and accomplish goals. This group is intended for students to build social confidence, communication, and collaboration skills, develop frustration tolerance, emotional resilience, and caring for others, all while rolling dice and having fun (Critical Core). 

 

The game is designed to teach, build, practice, and reinforce 5 core capacities that are necessary to develop effective social skills. 

• Regulation - the ability to be attentive and available in adverse conditions. This is the bedrock for perseverance, problem-solving, and patience, as it enables individuals to connect socially and maintain composure during stress.

• Collaboration - Neuroscience supports the importance of enjoying other people and shared social problem-solving. A robust capacity for interpersonal collaboration helps participants build and strengthen relationships.

• Planning - This is a skill that everyone needs. To plan effectively, one must use logic, sequencing, and critical reasoning. This planning must not only be analytical but also “out of the box.” 

• Perspective - To understand someone else’s perspectives, one must first understand your own personal feelings, beliefs, experiences, history, and knowledge. Understanding that these are different in other people takes time and practice.

• Pretend Play - Pretend play allows children to explore themes, roles, and power differentials. It also helps them develop their own internal sense of right and wrong. Play also releases feel-good neurochemicals and relieves stress.

 

The immersive gameplay is guided directly by a trained facilitator to help the group collaboratively create their story. It is designed specifically to help participants connect with other youth in a safe and supportive environment. 

Social Flourishing Model

The Critical Core system utilizes a “social flourishing model” instead of a “social deficit model” as its emphasis for their therapeutic social skills group model. The social flourishing model focuses on participant’s interactions with others and works to help participants understand and communicate complex emotions. It also focuses on building relationships and building confidence and negotiation skills. 

 

Individual Student Benefits

Critical Core’s TTRPG will help participants develop important self-regulation skills and improve perspective taking skills. They will increase their ability to read emotions and facial expressions, learn how to build and maintain social relationships, develop social problem solving skills, increase gray-area thinking and learn to deal with change and disruption in routine. They will also build improved skills for self-reflection in a safe and supportive atmosphere. 

Additionally TTRPGs can “provide a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem boost when the players succeed in completing a quest or defeating a monster. It also provides a way for players to safely explore and express emotion by role-playing their characters. Additionally TTRPGs require teamwork and communication, which can help improve social skills, form resilience, and build relationships” (Bean & Connell, 2023). 

• What is included in the enrichment classes?
  • Every enrichment class includes teacher/staff supervision, planned activities with associated supplies, and a daily snack.
     
• Will you be offering any programming before school starts?
  • No. There will be no early drop-off for students outside of what is offered by their division. Students should follow the arrival procedures designated by their appropriate division director.
     
• What if my child needs to be picked up before 5:30 p.m.? 
  • A student can be picked up at any time after school as we will have someone working the front desk until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. We ask that you park on the curb directly in front of the main entrance and call the front desk (703-548-6912) to have your child released. Session fees will not be prorated if a student leaves early. 
     
• Would there be any reason my child cannot attend a certain enrichment class if they are grade-appropriate?
  • Each of the enrichment classes have a minimum requirement of participants to operate. If a certain class does reach this requirement then we will have to cancel that class. You would receive a full refund for this type of cancellation. Additionally, each enrichment class will be capped at 10 students. 
     
• Can I give my child permission to leave early and/or on their own? 
  • Yes. We would need your written permission to release your child without adult supervision after their session. Those arrangements can be made directly with Paul Harrington through email (pharrington@commonwealthacademy.org). 
     
• My child has dietary restrictions, can they bring their own snacks?
  • Yes, a student can bring extra snacks to have after school. We encourage students to bring a snack on the days they have an activity after school. The snacks provided by the school are supplemental.
     
• What is the cell phone policy after school? 
  • Students are able to have their phones on with them set to vibrate. While they will not be accessing their phones during activities, students will be able to use their phones during breaks, downtime, or to communicate with their parents or their scheduled transportation contact. All activities conducted on a mobile device will need to adhere to the school’s Responsible Use Policy, which will be in effect.