Brownsville Elementary School PTO

Learn About Our BEE Program!

The BEE (Brownsville Elective Education) Program was founded in fall 2005 to bring elective after school education and activities to students of Brownsville Elementary School. Program goals include:

• Broad curriculum: Fun and educational classes not offered during the regular school day
• Convenience: Courses are offered right after school at Brownsville
• Affordability: Competitive rates with the availability of scholarships

Courses are open to all Brownsville Elementary students. For the 2011-2012 school year, we will offer over100 courses.

The BEE Program is sponsored by Brownsville’s PTO and is not operated to does make a profit.

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SAMPLE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

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A Year of Holiday Food
So you thought the holidays were over. Think again! "Nona" (a.k.a. Judy Drake), and her sous chef Juanita Wyant, will teach students easy to make recipes to celebrate holidays all year long. Remember, there are more holidays than the ones that come in December. Course fee includes supply charge of $10. Grades K & 1 and Grades 2-5. Maximum class size is 12.

African Drumming
Widely acclaimed educator and African percussionist, Darrell Rose, will expose students to percussion and rhythm from Nigeria, Senegal, Congo, and Trinidad. Drumming techniques developed include hand positions, correct posture, pattern repetition, and how to achieve various sounds with the drums. Other skills utilized are counting, listening, being attentive, and contributing to a group. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 8 for K and 12 for 1-5.

Art of Letters and Words
Young students, along with art teacher, Susan Patrick will explore the careful forming of letters in a simple hand. Other activities will include writing their names with colorful wire, designing letter forms with cray pas on paper, making a collage with cutout standing letters, and a stitched lettering project. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 1-3. Maximum class size is 12.

Basketball
Come join Mrs. McCartney and Mrs. Henry for basketball and shoot some hoops!! Your child will have a lot of fun and expend plenty of energy while learning fundamental skills from these energetic teachers who all have experience in playing and coaching organized basketball. The class will cover the basics of dribbling, passing, and shooting by working in large and small groups. Beginning and experienced basketball players welcome. Grades K-2 and 3-5. Maximum class size is 20.

BEE Glee
Does your child love to sing? Create music? Perform? Brownsville’s music teacher Blair Jones can’t wait to build a special Brownsville music club made up of children eager to make the extra effort to sing out, create and learn challenging material, and perform for our community. Singing and making music provides a number of benefits for children beyond the fun factor such as boosting brain power, providing an outlet to express emotions, building confidence, appreciating other arts, and learning teamwork. Sing out! Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 60.

BEE On the Run
Train to run a 2 mile race with Ms. Witt and Mr. Sacra! Students will learn the basics of training for longer distances, and meet twice a week for 7 weeks, in preparation for the Kelly Watt Memorial Run on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Panorama Farms. Young runners will learn about stretching, pacing, proper nutrition while training and on race morning. They will learn about different types of training to work on speed, endurance, and strength. We hope to have all the participants in the race at the end of the session as a celebration of all their hard work! Must commit to attending both Monday and Wednesday classes. Additional race entrance fee may be required. Grades 1-5. Maximum class size is 60.

Birding
Former Brownsville dad, Cricket Barlow, is a birding enthusiast and hopes to make you one, too. This class will teach various aspects of bird study and appreciation including: what makes a bird a bird, habitats that birds live in, behavior and songs, local species, and identification basics. Students will talk about what they can do to attract and protect birds, too. In addition to work in the classroom, the class will get outside as much as possible to see what birds are found around school. If possible, there will be a field trip to a local birding hotspot. Kids should bring binoculars, if they have them; if not, several pairs will be available. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 8.

Chicken All Day
Chicken is good and good for you. Imagine chicken as the main ingredient in recipes from breakfast to dessert. Dessert??? Take this class from "Nona" a.k.a. Judy Drake and her accomplice in the kitchen, Juanita Wyant, and learn more about the wonders of chicken. Course fee includes a supply charge of $10. Grades 2-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Drawing--What Do You See?
Experienced art teacher Susan Patrick returns to Brownsville’s BEE Program this year to teach this drawing class and others. This class is designed for older students who will begin by drawing a cartoon bird while studying the character of line. Students will become aware of lines and exactly what they are doing as they make contour and grid drawings. Students will finish with a realistic portrait, possibly a self-portrait. Media employed will be pencil, ink, colored pencil, and markers. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Dynamite Dancers
Designed for the young dancer, this class develops gross motor skills, coordination, and movement imagination to boys and girls while having a blast introducing basic ballet concepts and jazz dance skills in a fun environment. Students expand their creativity through utilizing props, and exploring dance education through creative avenues. Lea Moore, Dance Explosion Studio Director, teaches this class. Grades K & 1. Maximum class size is 10.

Eating Around the World
You can stay at Brownsville and yet travel the world in the culinary kitchen. Join "Nona" and Juanita Wyant as they introduce students to recipes from many different countries. Course fee includes food supply charge of $10. Grades 2-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Engineering
Do you like to create and build things? This is your chance to show your engineering skills. With guidance from Analisa Herring and Mary Dettmann, you will be part of a design team. Utilizing the Technology Design Loop, your team will hypothesize, design and test the design of your project. Design projects might include bridges, roller-coasters, flight, or vehicles, using a combination of recycled and new materials. Course fee includes supply charge of $10. Grades 4 & 5. Maximum class size is 14.

Fine Handwriting: Calligraphy (Beginning)
This beginning calligraphy class, taught by Susan Patrick, will provide basic information and guidelines for the development of one simple Roman handwritten alphabet using a flat nibbed pen. We will begin with pen orientation and basic letter strokes, and continue to lower and upper case letters. Our final piece will be a lettered short statement decorated with colored pencil. Students receive and keep their own pen sets. Course fee includes supply charge of $12. Grades 4 and 5. Maximum class size is 10.

From Italy With Love
Italian native Silvia Dupont will take your children on a fantastic imaginary voyage through the wonders of Italy. In each class, your children will learn something about Italian culture and something about a specific region. They will also learn to speak some Italian in a fun and interactive way. Some classes may include music and games, and if weather permits, outdoor activities. Course fee includes supply fee of $5. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 12. Ciao!

Golf
Old Trail Golf Club's Bill Hutchinson will teach golf to Brownsville students. The course will include work on full swing, pitching and chipping, and putting. In addition, Mr. Hutchinson will cover course management, proper etiquette, and the basic rules of the game. Students will be checked in at Brownsville and take a school bus to Old Trail. Mr. Hutchinson will meet the bus. Parents must be pick up their children at Old Trail promptly at 3:45 PM. Clubs will be provided (if you would like to bring your own, contact Mr. Hutchinson). Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Gymnastics (Beginning)
Returning to us from Classic Gymnastics in Charlottesville, Kelly-Ann Rayle, brings over 20 years of teaching experience. She is USA Gymnastics safety certified, a USA Gymnastic professional member, and a Level 5 through National Gymnastics Official. This Beginner Youth Gymnastics class provides participants with overall developmental bodybuilding and coordination activities basic to all sports while developing skills specific to gymnastics. Classes will follow strict gymnastic progression, which will enable the participant to learn skills and techniques, while developing strength and flexibility. Classes are specifically designed to develop fine and gross motor skills, confidence, and an awareness of beginning tumbling skills, single bar, balance beam, and vaulting. Grades K-2 and 3-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Gymnastics (Intermediate/Advanced)
(See above for information about instructor Kelly-Ann Rayle.) Students may enroll in this class in addition to Gymnastics (Team Preparation). The Intermediate/Advanced class is for students who have participated in two of more session of beginner gymnastics with Ms. Rayle or have had a previous year of gymnastics instruction and received her permission. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Gymnastics (3:30-4:30 Team Preparation)
This class meet from 3:30-4:30. This class is by invitation only from Ms. Rayle. Students will participate in an advanced level of gymnastics instruction with the goal to develop competitive routines in preparation for gymnastic competitions, including USA Gymnastics events. The BEE Program is involved with the practice only, and will not be associated with the off-campus gymnastic events. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Highland Dance (Beginning)
Scottish Highland Dancing is a traditional dance used to tell the Celtic story of the Scottish Highlands. Meaghan Gibson, Brownsville's own Highland dancer will show students that this way of dance is great fun and wonderful aerobic exercise. Dancers use the whole body while learning a wee bit of history along the way. Instruction includes traditional movements and the combination of those steps for choreography if there is time. Students must wear clothes they can move in and does not cover their feet. No jeans. Footwear can be ballet slippers, soft soled jazz shoes, or bare feet. Girls should have their hair pulled back. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Highland Dance (Advanced)
See above. To be eligible for Advanced Highland Dance, you must have taken Highland Dance previously. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Hip Hop Jazz
This upbeat class features the structure and technique of jazz along with the exciting, hip hop and jazz styled choreography that is age appropriate. Students will build skills weekly beginning with total body warm-up exercises, dance mini-combinations, across the floor work, and finishing with a choreographed dance and occasional freestyle! Students will improve their musicality, learn numerous named dance skills, and have a blast with Dance Explosion Studio Director, Lea Moore. Grades 2-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Jewelry Making
Join instructor Beth Saunders in learning the art of jewelry making! Children will explore their creativity through color and texture while designing handmade pieces of jewelry to call their own. Students will make necklaces, bracelets, and anklets with an array of beads and charms while learning easy-to-master techniques of bead stringing and crimping with clasps. Course fee includes supply charge of $20. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Karate (Beginning)
Classes will be taught by 5th degree black belt, Glenn Collier. Returning to Brownsville for his sixth year, Mr. Collier is an AIM USA certified instructor and has taught at numerous places including Boar’s Head and Venable Elementary School. The specific system taught is Saizen Kempo, which is a semi-traditional method and includes techniques from different systems. Beginners include all grades who have not taken a Karate class. Belt testing will occur as appropriate. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 25.

Karate (Intermediate)
Classes will be taught by 5th degree black belt, Glenn Collier. Returning to Brownsville for his fifth year, Mr. Collier is an AIM USA certified instructor and has taught at numerous places including Boar’s Head and Venable Elementary School. The specific system taught is Saizen Kempo, which is a semi-traditional method and includes techniques from different systems. Intermediate class level is for anyone who has completed the Beginner level course and received a Yellow Belt. Belt testing will occur as appropriate. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 20.

Karate (Advanced)
Classes will be taught by 5th degree black belt, Glenn Collier. Returning to Brownsville for his sixth year, Mr. Collier is an AIM USA certified instructor and has taught at numerous places including Boar’s Head and Venable Elementary School. The specific system taught is Saizen Kempo, which is a semi-traditional method and includes techniques from different systems. Advanced includes Orange Belts and above or by invitation. Belt testing will occur as appropriate. In the fall, students are encouraged to take both sessions, but they may just take one session. Grades K-5. Maximum class size is 20.

Keyboarding
Tickle the ivory with Dr. Jones! Class will introduce basic piano keyboard skills, including beginning ear training and note reading. Keyboards are provided. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 8.

Knitting
The “Needle Lady”, Mimi Hyde, returns to offer this class for beginners and intermediate students. Students will learn to cast on, knit, correct mistakes, bind off, and decrease. Students with previous knitting experience can increase their skills by working on a project of their choice. Course fee includes supply charge of $20. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 8.

Lacrosse for Girls
Hey, gals! Do you play lacrosse or are you interested in trying lacrosse for the first time? Get a jump on learning and practicing those lacrosse skills this spring with Mrs. Herring! Students will learn the rules and fundamentals of girls' lacrosse along with having fun! Class will be held during local lacrosse season to provide laxers with an extra boost. Please bring your own girl's lacrosse stick, lacrosse ball with your name on it, goggles, mouth guard, and a water bottle. Come on out! Grades K-2 and 3-5. Maximum class size is 14.

Lightfoot Club
Join Ms. Witt and Mr. Sacra for the return of this popular class. You don’t need to be a runner as the goal is to get students moving (walking and running). Class meets twice a week in the spring (If you can’t commit to two days, sign up for one and pay half price). While walking/running and playing games, you will build your endurance, learn stretching and breathing techniques, and the value of good nutrition to keep your body going. Most importantly, have fun!! Grades 1-5. Maximum class size is 70.

Lightfoot Club (Monday Only) See Lightfoot Club. You can sign up for Mondays only at half the price. Grades 1-5.

Lightfoot Club (Wednesday Only) See Lightfoot Club. You can sign up for Wednesdays only at half the price. Grades 1-5.

Origami
Frogs, penguins and other animals, plus origami gift boxes for the holidays. Learn basic origami–Japanese paper folding –techniques. Participants will make and take home several pieces, including their own decorated "jumping frogs" and gift boxes. We will use special origami paper from Japan for our last class. Teacher Susan Chase is an origami peace crane artist. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Painting-The How To's
Rembrandt, Monet, Hopper, and Warhol all produced masterpieces. Young artists will create three of their very own original paintings in this class. Instruction includes brief review of the color wheel, practice color mixing and many painting techniques. The last classes will involve looking carefully at a still life, drawing with the brush, and painting with colors the students mix, using any or all of the learned techniques. The medium is tempera. Veteran art teacher, Susan Patrick, will guide the students. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 4 & 5. Maximum class size is 12.

Pancakes & More Pancakes!
Who said pancakes are just for breakfast? Join Judy Drake (aka "Nona") and Brownsville Cafeteria's Juanita Wyant as this class explores the art of pancake making. Not just for breakfast - students will explore a variety of pancakes with different toppings and fillings. Course fee includes supply charge of $10. Grades 1-3. Maximum class size is 12.

Perspective Drawing--Into the Distance
Susan Patrick, retired art teacher, is introducing a new class based on interest of many Brownsville students. We will study and draw objects in space, creating aerial perspective, distance with placement and size changes as well as linear perspective, drawing with the aid of vanishing points. Students will draw dolls or monsters, ribbons, cylinders, and a tower, all in believable space. Grades 4 & 5. Maximum class size is 10.

Photography (Beginner)
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to taking a good photograph, and Lesli DeVito will teach young photographers the key principles for getting a good shot. Designed for beginners, the course provides students with an introduction to visual concepts, basic image capture, and camera functions with film and digital cameras. The students will also participate in collecting photographs for the Brownsville Yearbook. Bringing your own camera is preferable, but not required. Grade 3-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Photography (Advanced)
Let's get shooting! Back by popular demand, this class is for the 5th grade shutterbug that wants to get really serious about photography. Students will be introduced to the world of photojournalism and portrait photography, and explore advanced digital editing techniques. Participants will write and photograph a story for submission to a magazine or local newspaper, and take candid and portrait photographs of their classmates for a slideshow presentation during the 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony. Students must be responsible to work independently and with expensive equipment. Prerequisites: must have your own camera and completed a basic photography class or be approved by contacting the instructor Lesli Devito (lsdevito@gmail.com). Grade 5 only. Maximum class size is 8.

Printmaking-Pretty Close to Magic
Art teacher Susan Patrick, will teach younger students several printmaking techniques and encourage experimentation. The class will work with textured surfaces to make rubbings, monotype printing from a plexiglas plate; relief printing from a sheet of styrofoam, gadget printing, and our final printing will be with several techniques. The medium will be tempera paint. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 1-3. Maximum class size is 10.

QuickStart Tennis
What a fun, new format to teach kids, ages 10 and under, how to play tennis! Using a smaller court, lower net, smaller racquet, foam balls, and simple scoring, QuickStart includes drills that improve hand-eye coordination, agility, balance, footwork, and reaction times. It's so much easier to hit the ball, rally almost immediately, and see exciting results. With experience as youth tennis instructor for ACAC Summer Camp, UVA Summer Tennis, and Greene Hills Club, Tori Kuhn is especially excited to introduce QuickStart Tennis to the BEE Program. Class will be held at Western Albemarle High School’s tennis courts. Students will be checked in at Brownsville and take a school bus to WAHS. Ms. Kuhn will meet the bus. Parents must pick up their children at WAHS promptly at 3:45. Equipment is provided. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Sculpture for the Young
Secondary and elementary art teacher, Susan Patrick will teach a new unit in which students will create in 3D with papers, cardboard, clay, foam core, wood, pipe cleaners, and more. The end product goals include jewlery, a pizza, human figure, and a non-objective structure. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 1-3. Maximum class size is 10.

Sewing (Beginning)
Learn the life-long skill of sewing! Kelly-Ann Rayle will teach students basic sewing techniques using a sewing machine and pattern. Class projects will include making a tote bag and pillow. Note: Class ends at 4 PM. Course fee includes a supply charge of $15. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 8.

Sewing (Advanced)
Itching to be stitching? Are you a material girl? You sew, girl! This course is for students who have already taken sewing from Ms. Rayle. If you have not taken her class, but you are a more advanced sewer, please contact Ms. Rayle. Students will be challenged and hone their sewing skills with new, more advanced projects using sewing machine patterns. Note: Class ends at 4 PM. Course fee includes supply charge of $15. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 8.

Skateboarding
Come join a sport with more participants than Little League Baseball! Our own Brian Squires (a closet skateboarder) will teach you how to skateboard. Beginners will learn the fundamentals and basic maneuvers of skateboarding (proper falling, balance and safety as well as turning and stopping). Students with experience will hone their skills and learn tricks that are more advanced and maneuvers on a skate ramp and skate rail. Students should bring their own skateboards, pads (elbow and knee), and helmets. Grades 2-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Soccer for K-2
Tuesdays are Soccer Days! Come out and learn the FUNdamentals of the world's most popular sport. SOCA Staff Coach Craig Brannan who was a member of UVA’s 1989, 1991, and 1992 NCCA Championship teams will run training. Craig holds a USSF 'A' License as well as NSCAA 'Premier' Diploma, which are the top coaching credentials available in the United States. Players will learn how to dribble, pass, and shoot a soccer ball over the course of the six-week program. Each session will end with scrimmage games to allow the kids to practice their new skills! Grades K-2. Maximum class size is 12.

Soccer for 3-5
Come work on your soccer game with Brownsville's own soccer coach, Nancy Fiddner. Coach Fiddner will use drills to practice and hone all aspects of the game. Students will have fun, get better at soccer, and get a lot of exercise. Shin guards and a soccer ball are required. Bring cleats if you have them. Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 12.

Stamping & Paper Crafting
Come and see what you can create with cardstock, ink, and rubber stamps! Join Linda Morris, mother of a Brownsville student, and discover the fun of paper crafting while learning how to make your own handcrafted cards and gifts. Learn how many things you can do using this versatile craft. Course fee includes a supply charge of $10. Grades 2-5. Maximum class size is 10.

Sweet Treats for the Holidays
Join Brownsville's Nona and Juanita Wyant for a special two session BEE class. The goal will be to make some holiday candy and other sweet treats to enjoy with family and friends (don't eat it all right after class!). Course fee includes supply charge of $10--chocolate is expensive! Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. Maximum class size is 14.

Under & Over Fiber Basics
Stitch and weave with fibers to make unique creations in this class designed for younger students. Art teacher Susan Patrick will teach students to weave yarn and ribbons into warp on cardboard looms using a variety of weaving techniques. In addition, students will learn to stitch on burlap with the aide of embroidery hoops. If time remains, students will create a branch weaving. Course fee includes supply charge of $5. Grades 1-3. Maximum class size is 10.

Watercolor Painting & Ink Drawing
Young artists will be introduced to watercolor painting with a focus on controlling the mixing and flowing of this very wet medium. Several techniques will be used to produce art projects including a still life, a cityscape, a weaving, and an alphabet design. Students will be encouraged to elaborate with black ink drawing on dry paintings. Susan Patrick will teach this class. Course fee includes a supply charge of $5. Grades 1-3. Maximum class size is 12.

Yearbook
Calling all future publishers, editors, graphic designers, and photographers! Students in the yearbook class will learn how the Brownsville yearbook is produced and take part in its production and editing process. If you want to put your stamp on a timeless memory, this is the class for you. Brownsville mom and graphic designer Kathleen Capshaw is partnering with Brownsville teacher Analisa Herring to lead this popular class. There are two different class offerings. Take your pick or take both! Grade 4 & 5. Maximum class size is 14.

Yoga Kids
This is not your mom's or dad's yoga class! Yoga Kids is a fun and healthy way for kids to develop focus and physical awareness while fostering confidence and self-expression. Kids will learn basic yoga postures, breathing techniques, and visualizations that will help build a healthy mind and body. Melissa Miller is a yoga instructor and a Brownsville mom of a first grader. Melissa owns her own fitness company called M2 Personal Training and teaches classes and training sessions for all ages and abilities. No experience necessary. Please bring your own yoga mat. Grades K-2 and 3-5. Maximum class size is 10.