Enrichment Programs
Circle Times
Circle Times are school-wide assemblies on Friday mornings. The whole community gathers to sing, dance, showcase curriculum and projects throughout the clusters, and watch outside speakers and special guest performances. Participating in Circle Time is an important part of a student’s education in developing public speaking skills and an appreciation for the performing arts.
Book Breakfast
The school community is invited to the library once a month to enjoy a bagel breakfast and listen to a VIP reader share a favorite story.
PSRun
Any student at the level of grade three and above can participate in weekly fitness training that includes runs in the neighborhood and culminates in the team running together at local events.
Chorus
Students, grade three and above, who love to sing and enjoy exploring new genres of music with performance opportunities are welcome to join the PS1 Chorus.
Instrumental Music (Sounds Like LA)
Our students may participate in instrumental music lessons through our partnership with Sounds Like LA (formerly Santa Monica Youth Orchestra). Classes take place during the week, before school, and many students enjoy participating with the Orchestra on the weekends as well. Choices include Violin, Cello, Bass, Trumpet, Clarinet, Flute, Percussion, Guitar, Improvisation, and Chamber Ensemble.
PS Serves
PS Serves is PS1’s partnership with the Ocean Park Community Center in Santa Monica (OPCC) intended to enhance and strengthen our commitment to community service. Initiated by volunteer PS1 parents in collaboration with teachers and staff, PS Serves meets after school for a series of three-week sessions. Hands-on activities included preparing and serving a full course dinner for the homeless, decorating hand-painted lunch totes packed with baked goods and fresh fruit, organizing a donation drive to collect pet items, and planting an array of potted plants to decorate OPCC’s residential facility.
Graduate Leadership Opportunities
Our graduating students participate in four focus areas to concentrate their leadership involvement. The areas are: PS1 Ambassadors, Service Learning, School Spirit, and Fundraising for the Class Gift. Their work enriches the school community and prepares them for future leadership endeavors.
Parent in Residence
Parents share a hobby, a talent, or some aspect of their career in an afternoon workshop. Past Parent presentations included: Scrap booking, pastry making, sailing, and jewelry making.
Extended Care
Aftercare
Led by a team of skilled and experienced childcare associates, Aftercare is a vibrant daily extracurricular program open to all students after classes end, until 6:00pm. Rich with variety and opportunity for supervised rambunctious or quiet play, students choose from several planned activities featured each day. In addition, students have options to participate in our PS1 Chorus, Clubhouse enrichment classes, and Parent-in-Residence program.
Before school childcare is also available in order to accommodate families’ busy schedules.
Clubhouse Enrichment
Outside vendors are invited to conduct workshops every trimester in our aftercare program. Recent workshops included: Ballet, Professor Egghead Secret Agents, Basketball, LEGO Engineering, Chess Wizards, Theatre 31, Santa Monica Youth Orchestra, Soccer, and Spanish.