Saturday Enrichment

Feb 3: The winter session has been canceled.  We'll try again next year.

Like the Summer Camp program, the Saturday Enrichment classes at Da Vinci are open to the public.  Typically we offer at least one session during the school year featuring classes in a variety of subject areas for a range of student ages.  Each session meets for six weeks.  Classes are designed to be small (usually 4-10 students) and hands-on so that students can explore the subject matter in great depth.

Please contact Jeff Oldham at 847-841-7532 ext 226 with any questions.

12/14: Class Descriptions and Registration for Winter Session Starting February 4th

We are pleased to offer five classes for a winter session that will begin February 4th:

  • Beginning Spanish for grades K-2

  • The Amazing Human Body for grades 2-4

  • Modern Marvels: The History of Technological Innovations for grades 3-5

  • Lego Robotics for grades 3-8

  • Print Mania: The Art of Serigraphy (Silk Screen) for grades 5-8

The session will meet for six weeks on the following dates: February 4/11/18/25 and March 3/10.  Classes will meet from 9am-12pm each week, and the cost for each class is $240 per student.  We need at least four students enrolled to run each class, and we will take registrations up to February 3rd.

Class Descriptions

Beginning Spanish (grades K-2)

Vamos!  Young students will enjoy a fun, exciting introduction to Spanish.  We will spend time learning the Spanish alphabet, numbers, basic greetings, colors, food, and so much more.  We will also talk about Spanish culture including music, art and cuisine.  This class is a a great opportunity for children to expand their language skills and have fun learning about a different culture.  Taught by Amber Readel, the assistant director of the Da Vinci Academy Summer Camp.

The Amazing Human Body (grades 2-4)

Discover the greatest and most complex machine ever created, the human body, and how it works from day to day.  Topics will include skin & bones, muscular system, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, and circulatory system.  Each week's activities will combine science, reading, math, and social studies.  Taught by Jamie Barbeau, B.A. in Elementary Education.  Ms. Barbeau is an experienced elementary school teacher and director of the Da Vinci Academy Summer Camp.

Modern Marvels: The History of Technological Innovations (grades 3-5)

How has our technology changed over time? Have you ever wondered what makes a cell phone work? Or how a roller coaster stays on track? This class will explore the evolution of technology through the ages.  Students will engage in hands-on activities to explore the inner workings of technology that are important to us today. Students will study a variety of innovations to discover who developed the technology, how it works, and the impact on society.  A perfect combination of science, technology, and history!  Taught by Kristen Conforti, middle school teacher and staff member of the Da Vinci Academy Summer Camp.

Lego Robotics (grades 3-8)

Turn your imagination loose with this hands-on class that combines creativity with engineering, problem solving, and teamwork. Students will work in small teams to build and program Lego Mindstorms robots to solve an array of design challenges.  Taught by Doug Pratt, a former Motorola engineer and current technology consultant, and his son, Andrew, a student at Elgin Community College.  The Pratts coach the middle school robotics teams at Da Vinci Academy.

Print Mania!  Explore the Art of Serigraphy (grades 5-8)

Students explore the challenging and rewarding printing medium of serigraphy (silk screen). This ancient printing process has been made popular with modern artists such as Andy Warhol (the Campbell's soup can posters) and rock band artists printing dynamic images on t-shirts. We will work on original designs that transfer well to paper and fiber. Students will work with direct and indirect methods of this engaging medium. Come prepared with original images and ideas.  Taught by Karyl Shields, the art teacher at Da Vinci Academy.