The school day does not have to end when the bell rings at 3 p.m. Bright Afternoons is an extended day program available to all grades. JPK and PK students begin Bright Afternoons at 1 p.m., and the other grades join after 3 p.m. Bright Afternoons lasts until 6 p.m. Special Bright Afternoons sessions are made available on selected half days throughout the year.
JPK and PK students have a nap or quiet time after 1 p.m. All students receive a snack when they arrive. Bright Afternoons staff oversee students in groups by grade.
Formerly known as Extended Care, Bright Afternoons is a structured program that extends the regular school day.
All fourth and fifth grade students who participate in Bright Afternoons will go to Homework Club in the library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Faculty from the Kilbride Enrichment Center will be on hand to help students. Third graders in Bright Afternoons will be given the opportunity to complete homework with their Bright Afternoons counselor.
Please use the online forms to sign up for Bright Afternoons. Click on the links below for each grade. Fill our a separate form for each child.
After school classes are offered by Bright teachers and outside organizations. Payment for spring is due December 13. Make checks payable to the instructor of the class and not The Bright School. Space is limited in some classes.
SOCCER SHOTS
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-in-class coaching, communication, and curriculum. Also included: an Adidas jersey and full access to our 4v4 matches (friendlies) throughout the season.
Instructors: Soccer Shots Staff
JPK – PK from 2:15 – 3:00
K - 2nd from 3:15 – 4
Dates: March 2 - May 11
Cost: $120 (Payment to Soccer Shots)
Call Leslie Bennett for more info: 423.333.5815
YOGA
Yoga infused with creativity and self-discovery. We will explore and play with creative movement, balance, purposeful breathing, art, and music. Each week will highlight a specific theme, focusing on creating with our mind, body, and breath. I'm excited to begin the week energized with your child!
Session 1: Yoga Winter Warm Up
Get warmed up for spring sports as we practice balance poses, breath work, and creativity. During this six-week session, we will focus on using our 5 senses to cultivate mindfulness.
Instructor: Noelle Coleman
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Dates: January 13 - March 2
Time: 3:05 - 4
Cost: $115 (Payment to Noelle Coleman)
Class limit: 12 students
Session 2: Spring Into Yoga
Start the week getting wiggles out as we explore movement through yoga poses, breath work, and art creations. During this six-week session, we will focus on using our five senses to explore nature.
Instructor: Noelle Coleman
Grades: 2nd – 5th
Dates: March 9 - April 20
Time: 3 - 3:45
Cost: $115 (Payment to Noelle Coleman)
Class limit: 12 students
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE JR.
Attention, builders! We need you to help us imagine and build places to live and work for everyone. Combine your problem-solving skills and creativity to help shape a better future together! You and your team will use the engineering design process during each session as they work to explore a problem, create a solution, test the solution, and share what you have learned.
Instructor: Rachel Blanton
Grades: 2nd – 3rd
Session 1 Dates: January 13 – March 5
Session 2 Dates: March 9 – April 23
Time: 3 - 4
Cost: $125 (Payment to Rachel Blanton)
Class limit: 12 students
BRIGHT BISTRO for K – 2 Grades
Maybe we aren’t ready to be chefs on Food Network, but Bright Bistro cooking and baking classes will get the rolling pin rolling. We’ll get down to the basics like seasoning and blending to measuring and kneading. Each week will bring new skills and new recipes. No sitting in chairs in this kitchen. Hands will be busy, and aprons will get dirty. Wash your hands and join Mrs. Howell in the kitchen!
Instructor: Susan Howell
Grades: K – 2
Session 1 Dates: January 21 - February 25
Session 2 Dates: March 3 - April 14
Time: 3:15 – 4
Cost: $105 (Payment to Susan Howell)
Class limit: 12 students
SPANISH CLUB: PEQUENOS (Tuesday Group)
Keep on practicing your Español through story listening and story asking. Learn about Hispanic culture in a fun way and broaden your knowledge of the world! There is evidence that early language learning improves cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem solving. Language learners develop a more positive attitude toward the target language and/or the speakers of that language. Help your child become a global citizen by learning about other cultures.
Instructor: Teresa Vidal
Grades: JPK - PK
Dates: January 21 – April 21
Cost: $100 (Payment to Teresa Vidal)
Class limit: 12 students
CHATTANOOGA BALLET
Creative Movement (PK)
Creative Movement is a great introduction to the world of dance designed especially for preschool students. Students will begin learning basic ballet positions and steps and will work to develop balance, coordination, and rhythm. Through the use of structured games and activities, each class will allow students to explore different ways of moving.
Dates: January 21 - April 21
Time: 2:25 - 2:55
Cost: $190 (Payment to Chattanooga Ballet)
Class limit: 15 students
Pre-Ballet (K- 5 and 6 years old)
Pre-Ballet is perfect for dancers who have already completed Creative Movement or who are new to ballet. Students will learn basic ballet steps and terminology while continuing to develop balance, coordination, flexibility and rhythm.
Dates: January 21 - April 21
Time: 3:15 - 4
Cost $200 (Payment to Chattanooga Ballet)
Class limit: 15 students
Grade 1 Ballet (First and up - 7+ years old)
Grade 1 Ballet is for first grade and up students who are interested in ballet and want to get moving! In addition to learning new steps and terminology, dancers will begin to focus on correct technique and alignment.
Dates: January 21 - April 21
Time: 4:15 - 5:15
Cost $220 (Payment to Chattanooga Ballet)
Class limit: 15 students
*All hair should be in a bun if possible. Boys should wear black shorts, a white t-shirt and black ballet shoes.
TECHNOLOGY CLUB
Do you love being creative while using technology? Then Bright School Technology Club is for you! The Bright School Technology Club is a group of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who will meet on Tuesdays to create projects and work with STEM challenges using a variety of technology tools and resources. Project ideas will include: green-screen films, coding, and 3-d design & printing.
Instructor: Renee’ Kropff
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Dates: January 21 - April 21
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Cost: $150 (Payment to Renee' Kropff)
Class limit: 16 students
WOODSHOP
This after-school class is designed to enhance students’ understanding of woodturning and operating a lathe. Fifth grade students may choose from one of six sessions, and may only enroll in one session per school year. Each session includes five one-hour classes, and the goal is for students to produce a different project during each class period. Each session is limited to four students to provide proper one-on-one support for each student.
Instructor: Richard Parks
Grades: 5th Grade
Session 1 Dates: January 21 - February 25
Session 2 Dates: March 3 - April 14
Time: 3 - 4:30
Cost: $100 (Payment to Richard Parks)
Class limit: 5 students
WORD CLUB for K – 2nd Grade Students
In K-2 Word Club, we will be focusing on the children of the Bible. It is exciting to see the emphasis that the Word of God places on children! We will begin each session with singing and sharing before we get into our lesson. There will also be opportunities for acts of service throughout our 12 weeks together. I look forward to having this wonderful opportunity to study the Word with your children.
Instructor: Karen Smith
Grades: K – 2nd
Dates: January 14 - March 17
Time: 3 - 4
Cost: $50 (Payment to Karen Smith)
Class limit: 12 students
ANGELA’S ATHLETES GYMNASTICS AND ATHLETIC PREP
Angela’s Angels and Athletes is an athletic and gymnastics program for preschool through third grade students. For the gymnasts, we cover skills such as handsprings, cartwheels, and rolls. For the athletes, we focus on skills to improve strength, agility and speed.
Instructors: Angela’s Athletes Staff
Grades: JPK – 3rd
Dates: January 15 - April 22
Time: 3:15 – 4 and 4 – 4:45
Cost: $200 (Payment to Angela's Athletes)
ARCHERY
After school archery will provide students with an opportunity to build upon the basic skills they have learned in P.E. with an emphasis on safety and competitive techniques. Archery, one of the fastest growing sports in the country, improves focus, hand-eye coordination, strength, social skills, and self-confidence.
Instructor: Bill Greene
Grades: 4th and 5th ONLY
Dates: Maarch 4 - April 8
Time: 3 - 4:30
Cost: $150 (Payment to Bill Greene)
Class limit: 12 students
BRIGHT BISTRO for 3rd – 5th Grades
Maybe we aren’t ready to be chefs on Food Network, but Bright Bistro cooking and baking classes will get the rolling pin rolling. We’ll get down to the basics like seasoning and blending to measuring and kneading. Each week will bring new skills and new recipes. No sitting in chairs in this kitchen. Hands will be busy and aprons will get dirty. Wash your hands and join Mrs. Howell in the kitchen!
Instructor: Susan Howell
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Session 1 Dates: January 22 - February 26
Session 2 Dates: March 4 - April 15
Time: 3 - 4
Cost: $115 (Payment to Susan Howell)
Class limit: 12 students
SPANISH CLUB: PEQUENOS (Wednesday Group)
Keep on practicing your Español through story listening and story asking. Learn about Hispanic culture in a fun way and broaden your knowledge of the world! There is evidence that early language learning improves cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem solving. Language learners develop a more positive attitude toward the target language and/or the speakers of that language. Help your child become a global citizen by learning about other cultures.
Instructor: Teresa Vidal
Grades: JPK - PK
Dates: January 22 – April 22
Time: 2:25 – 2:55
Cost: $100 (Payment to Teresa Vidal)
Class limit: 12 students
WORD CLUB for 3rd – 5th Grade Students
This Trimester the Word Club will meet in Mrs. Womack’s classroom from 3-4 pm. We will have a scripture memorization notebook, take prayer requests, and create snowmen to sell in the bookstore to sponsor a child to go to school at the Bright School in Eldergon, Kenya. We will also read about some major characters and events in the old and new testaments. Come join us! We have a great time learning, crafting, and working to help others!
Instructor: Cindy Womack
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Dates: January 15 - March 25
Time: 3 - 4
Cost: $50 (Payment to Cindy Womack)
Class limit: 12 students
AFTER SCHOOL ART
An opportunity for students who enjoy art to dig a little deeper and express their creativity in exciting new projects. During each session, we will be working with sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking. Each project will complement the classroom experience and challenge our students to think outside of the box. We will look at creative ceramic techniques, layered mixed media projects, and innovative printing processes.
Instructor: Thankful Davis
Grades: K – 5
Session 1 Dates (3rd - 5th): January 23 - February 27
Session 2 Dates (K - 2nd): March 5 - April 16
Time: 3 – 4
Cost: $95 (Payment to Thankful Davis)
Class limit: 12 students
BRIGHT BISTRO for PK
Maybe we aren’t ready to be chefs on Food Network, but Bright Bistro cooking and baking classes will get the rolling pin rolling. We’ll get down to the basics like seasoning and blending to measuring and kneading. Each week will bring new skills and new recipes. No sitting in chairs in this kitchen. Hands will be busy and aprons will get dirty. Wash your hands and join Mrs. Howell in the kitchen!
Instructor: Susan Howell
Grades: PK
Session 1 Dates: January 23 - February 27
Session 2 Dates: March 5 - April 16
Time: 2:15 – 2:45
Cost: $95 (Payment to Susan Howell)
Class limit: 12 students
INTRODUCTION TO JUGGLING
Juggling is an excellent activity which helps the development of fine motor skills. It is also great exercise and a lot of fun! In this club, students will develop the hand-eye coordination needed to perform basic patterns of toss juggling.
Instructor: Richard Parks
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Dates: January 23 - April 23
Time: 3 - 4
Cost: $75 (Payment to Richard Parks)
Class limit: 12 students
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE DISCOVERY
Welcome to Boomtown Build! Your town is growing, and people need more places to live, work and play. Can you design and create new buildings for your town? What new buildings will you need? In this program, children will work and behave like architects and engineers: developing their ability to observe, question, gather information, and ask more questions.
Instructor: Rachel Blanton
Grades: K – 1st
Session 1 Dates: January 16 – March 5
Session 2 Dates: March 12 – April 23
Time: 3 - 4
Cost: $125 (Payment to Rachel Blanton)
Class limit: 12 students
Please fill out an online registration form for each child. Payment is due on December 13. Click the grades to access the forms.
JPK and PK After School Classes
Minimum enrollment of five students is needed for each class. These classes are provided through a partnership with Chattanooga School of Languages. All scheduling and payments are made through an external website listed with each class.
Monday
Spanish
Children will develop a connection and basic understanding of the language and culture through play and interaction. Classes will be conducted primarily in Spanish, and the children will be given the tools to continue developing their Spanish vocabulary and knowledge of Spanish culture. Through storytelling and play, they will expand on their current knowledge of high frequency words and vocabulary that will enable them to develop their communication skills in Spanish. The class will provide a holistic approach to learning a language by focusing on body-kinesthetic, student-driven, and fun activities that make the language come alive.
Instructors: Chattanooga School of Languages
K – 2nd from 3-3:45
3rd- 5th from 4-5
Dates: January 27-May 4 (no class on 2/17, 4/6 or 4/13)
Cost: $112.50 (1st-2nd)
Cost: $150 (3rd-5th)
Click here to reserve a spot and pay directly to Chattanooga School of Languages
Tuesday
Mandarin Chinese
Children will develop a connection and basic understanding of the language and culture through play and interaction. Classes will be conducted primarily in Mandarin, and the children will be given the tools to continue developing their Mandarin vocabulary and knowledge of Chinese culture. Through storytelling and play, they will expand on their current knowledge of high frequency words and vocabulary that will enable them to develop their communication skills in Mandarin. The class will provide a holistic approach to learning a language by focusing on body-kinesthetic, student-driven, and fun activities that make the language come alive.
Instructors: Chattanooga School of Languages
1st - 2nd from 3 - 3:45
3rd -5th from 4 - 5
Dates: January 21 - April 2 (no class on 4/7)
Cost: $112.50 (1st-2nd)
Cost: $150 (3rd-5th)
Click here to reserve a spot and pay directly to Chattanooga School of Languages
Wednesday
French
Children will develop a connection and basic understanding of the language and culture through play and interaction. Classes will be conducted primarily in French, and the children will be given the tools to continue developing their French vocabulary and knowledge of French culture. Through storytelling and play, they will expand on their current knowledge of high frequency words and vocabulary that will enable them to develop their communication skills in French. The class will provide a holistic approach to learning a language by focusing on body-kinesthetic, student-driven, and fun activities that make the language come alive.
Instructors: Chattanooga School of Languages
K – 2nd from 3 - 3:45 (no previous experience required)
Dates: January 22 – April 15 (no class on 4/8)
Cost: $112.50
Click here to reserve a spot and pay directly to Chattanooga School of Languages
Joined Bright faculty in 2008
B.S., University of West Georgia
M.Ed., University of West Georgia
Ed.S., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Ed.D., University of West Georgia
