Berkshire Country Day School

The goal of BCD’s after-school programs is three-fold: 1) to provide extended opportunities for our students to stay connected as a community, 2) to provide opportunities to experience and develop new skills and interests, and 3) to grow as individuals and as a group. In addition, whether through enrichment, extended care, theater, film or sports, programs aim to nurture our children in several areas. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering respect of self and others, developing a spirit of cooperation, group work and good sportsmanship as a team or ensemble. Emphasis is placed on the importance of individual commitment, as well as commitment to the larger group. Programs are designed to help students develop confidence, self-expression and leadership potential. The Co-Curricular, after-school programs reflect our mission and philosophy as an institution and complement our core academic day.

The Stage and Film Ensemble at BCD allow students to become members of a team with a singular goal. The fun, excitement, and hard work involved in artistically challenging productions necessitates that each student play an integral role in the process, daring to contribute their own thoughts and ideas while placing a high value on the contributions of others. The rehearsal environment is safe and models both sound theatrical practices and positive group dynamics. The guiding principal of the ensemble is that everyone is “enough” from the moment they step onto the stage or into the film lab. The collaborative nature of the work demands that students discover both themselves and others. While reaching for a very high standard, each student must also feel free to answer his or her own questions in an honest manner and receive vigorous direction within a space of acceptance. The director presents a clear vision and is both proactive and highly energetic so that specific advances may arise out of each student’s own tenacious exploration. In the end, this very personal work is made public in the form of a wide variety of high quality theater and film productions throughout the year. Theater and film rehearsals are held after-school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with additional rehearsal days and times to be added to the schedule. A Middle School theater program is offered for students in Grades 5 and 6, as well as an Upper School Theater Program for Grades 7-9.

At BCD after-school sports are required for all students in Grades 4 - 9. Middle School students are required to participate in fall and spring sports. Upper School students are required to participate in at least two seasons of sports. For students in Grades 8 and 9 participating in theater or film, options may include participation in P.E. classes, school sports teams, or alternative sports activities outside of school as approved by the Athletic Director.

An Extended Day Program is available Monday through Friday, from the end of the school day until as late as 5:30 p.m., for those families needing to extend the school day on either a regular or as-needed basis. The Extended Day program is open to all age students. Activities include supervised outdoor play, games, a project, afternoon snack, and for older students, study hall.

Recognizing that learning does not stop at the classroom door, BCD offers students in Kindergarten through Grade 4 or 6 (depending on the trimester) a variety of activities on campus from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our enrichment programs are offered to continue developing a sense of community after school. Programs may include Introduction to Music & Dance, Art, Science, Tennis, Movie Making, and more. The programs vary from trimester to trimester.

During the second trimester, a variety of after-school enrichment options are offered to our Middle School students (Grades 4-6). These offerings may include art, music, science and film. These classes run from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.