After School programs
After School
After school programs are extensions of experiences offered in classrooms during the school day. They provide an opportunity for elementary school children to explore areas of interest in the sciences, engineering, and the arts. Children are led by professionals in these fields. Secondary school students participate as mentors helping to guide the young students through their explorations.
Half Day SMArt Workshops
Flying Cloud uses early dismissal days at local schools to provide children with three hours of workshops in the arts, sciences and engineering led by area specialists. Although held at the schools, these half days resemble the Flying Cloud Summer SMArt Program where children have an extended time to investigate topics with a small group of like minded children. The professional leader gives them individual attention and inspiration. Children may be separated into age appropriate groups but often mixed ages work together. The workshops integrate science and art.
Girls Club
GIRLS! (Girls Intelligent Real Loving Science) is a weekly science club held at local public schools for girls in grades four through six. It was designed by women research scientists and science educators with the goal of reinforcing girls’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) before the challenges of puberty distract them from their enthusiasm. Women specialists design the experiments and work with the high school girl mentors who guide the younger girls in the laboratory. These mentors are graduates of other YWIS programs and are excellent role models for the younger girls. During the hour and a half laboratory sessions girls explore topics not usually presented to elementary students. There is a final exhibition for parents and friends at the end of the season where the girls demonstrate what they have learned.
In 2010 Flying Cloud has added GIRLS! Science Clubs at Lee and Monument Valley for girls in grades 3/4 and 5/6, in addition to existing clubs at Undermountain and Mt. Everett.
Robotics
Flying Cloud Institute pioneered the robotics program at Southern Berkshire Regional Schools in 2004 by training staff and high school students in the LEGO robotics systems and the curriculum developed by the Tufts Engineering School. After school robotics clubs and competition teams have been sponsored by Flying Cloud until this year. At this time the school district has assumed full responsibility for most programs while Flying Cloud continues to support the Girlbots as part of the Young Women in Science program.
