After-School Activities and Athletics

K-8 CHESS CLASS

Join Chess Coach Robin Altman for our very popular after-school chess. K-8 students of all levels are welcome to join in and challenge themselves by learning the ultimate game of strategy!

Chess Class is for anyone new to the game, anyone new to Heilicher, or veteran players who want to improve their skills.

Students who have mastered the fundamentals of the game are eligible to join Chess Club to play games and practice strategy. Eligibility will be determined by the chess teacher.

K-8 CHESS CLUB

Chess Club is for returning chess students. Students who have mastered the fundamentals of the game are eligible to join Chess Club to play games and practice strategy. Eligibility will be determined by the chess teacher based on skill level.

K-8 SWIM LESSONS at the JCC

Stingray Class
Stingray Class is the first level in the youth swim lesson program and is for children to build confidence and learn basic water safety skills through fun and games. Graduates will be able to kick on their front and back 25 yards, jump in the water and recover safely, elementary backstroke, front crawl for 25 yards, tread water, and swim underwater for 10 seconds or more.

Otter Class
Otter Class is the second level in the youth swim lesson program and introduces all four competitive strokes. Graduates will be able to swim 15 yards of freestyle with side breathing, backstroke, breaststroke kick, and dolphin kick.

Dolphins Class
Dolphins Class is the third level in the youth swim lesson program. Students will learn all strokes and treading water. Graduates will be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke, as well as 15 yards of butterfly and breaststroke.

Swimming is offered through the JCC. Email Laina Green if you have any questions.

Register for swimming

K-8 SWIM TEAM at the JCC

Swim team coaches prepare multifaceted season training plans to cultivate each swimmer to reach their full athletic potential. It offers children fun and motivation aerobic workouts focusing on stroke technique, endurance, strength, and general fitness. The Swim Club is open to children who can swim 25 yards of freestyle with side breathing and 25 yards of backstroke and demonstrate the breaststroke kick and dolphin kick. All swimmers will review the basic components of competitive swimming strokes, starts, turns, and training tactics.

Swimming is offered through the JCC. Email Laina Green for information on how to register.

K-2 ARTrageous Nature

Heilicher is happy to continue its partnership with ARTrageous Adventures this school year. Amanda Vallone and her team always bring creative and amazing projects to our students.

In the K-2 ARTrageous Nature class, students will explore the wonderful world of nature as they walk through the elements of art. They will create both 2D and 3D art inspired by the natural world around us, fostering creativity and a deeper appreciation for nature.

K-2 THEATER

Join "Theatre with Graceful Monsters," where students embark on a thrilling journey through the magical world of theater!

Our classes are designed to be student-driven, ensuring every young actor gets the chance to shine. Dive into theater basics and explore beyond with a focus on what YOU love most! Whether you're performing in an exciting play, honing your skills in our fun clinics, or exploring the many facets of theater, every day is a new adventure.

Exciting Class Activities Include:

Interactive Play Productions: Bring stories to life and star in captivating performances.

Skill-Building Clinics: Master acting techniques, voice projection, stage presence, and more.

Improv Sessions: Unleash your creativity with spontaneous and hilarious improv games.

Stagecraft Workshops: Learn the magic behind the scenes with set design, costumes, and makeup.

Character Development: Create and embody unique, memorable characters.

Collaborative Storytelling: Work with your classmates to write and perform original plays.

K-2 BEGINNER GUITAR

We are thrilled to welcome back Mike Salow from Ideal Music Lessons for his third year of teaching our second- through fifth-grade students guitar skills! This class is perfect for students who are new to guitar or started learning last year.

K-2 ARTrageous: Wonderful World of Water

Heilicher is thrilled to be partnering with ARTrageous Adventures again this school year. Amanda Vallone and her team consistently bring creative and inspiring projects to our students.

In the 3-5 Wonderful World of Water class, students will dive into the artistic exploration of water. Is your favorite element water? Do you love sea creatures? Do you enjoy boating? Do you drink water? Well, if you said yes to ANY of those questions, then this art class is for you!

3-5 THEATER

Join "Theatre with Graceful Monsters," where students embark on a thrilling journey through the magical world of theater!

Our classes are designed to be student-driven, ensuring every young actor gets the chance to shine. Dive into theater basics and explore beyond with a focus on what YOU love most! Whether you're performing in an exciting play, honing your skills in our fun clinics, or exploring the many facets of theater, every day is a new adventure.

Exciting Class Activities Include:

Interactive Play Productions: Bring stories to life and star in captivating performances.

Skill-Building Clinics: Master acting techniques, voice projection, stage presence, and more.

Improv Sessions: Unleash your creativity with spontaneous and hilarious improv games.

Stagecraft Workshops: Learn the magic behind the scenes with set design, costumes, and makeup.

Character Development: Create and embody unique, memorable characters.

Collaborative Storytelling: Work with your classmates to write and perform original plays.

4-5 MATH CLUB

The 4-5 Math Club will be returning this school year, led by Dr. Beverly Thorne. Dr. Thorne has a wonderful talent for getting all her students excited about math! All students are welcome to join the club. We hope to compete again in the Math Masters competition in the spring. However, Math Club is for students who are passionate about math, and competing is not a requirement. This class is designed for real math enthusiasts, not as a tutoring session. 

4-8 ADVANCED GUITAR

Join Mike Salow from Ideal Music Lessons for his third year of teaching as he takes our fourth- through eighth-grade students to the next level in guitar skills! This class is tailored for students who have been working with Mike over the past few years and are ready for advanced techniques.

6-8 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Grab your dice and get ready for another epic campaign!

Middle School Dungeons & Dragons Club is back, led by the adventurous Seth Swenson! Seth is thrilled to return and embark on fun D&D adventures with our middle schoolers. Whether you're new to the game or a returning member, you're welcome to join in the excitement.

6-8 MULTI-SPORT

This year, Heilicher is excited to partner with the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center to enhance our elementary school athletics program. We are thrilled to offer a Multi-Sport class for our kindergarten- through second-grade students.

While the weather is still beautiful, our soccer sessions will take place outdoors on our field. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice and play in a fun and collaborative environment.

K-5 PICKLEBALL

We are delighted to introduce Coach Liz as the new K-5 Pickleball instructor at Heilicher! Bringing her extensive experience and enthusiasm, Coach Liz is here to make learning pickleball a fun and rewarding experience for both new and returning athletes.

In her sessions, Coach Liz ensures that every student engages fully, learning the fundamentals of pickleball while enjoying the game. Her vibrant teaching style helps foster a love for the sport, making each class something to look forward to.

Thursdays will now be dedicated to exploring the excitement of pickleball under Coach Liz's expert guidance.

K-5 TENNIS

We are thrilled to welcome back Coach Liz for her third year of teaching tennis at Heilicher! Known for her passion and expertise, she skillfully engages both new and returning tennis players, ensuring that every session is both fun and educational.

Coach Liz offers a flexible schedule, allowing students to sign up for multiple days of tennis. And if a student misses a class, there's no need to worry — they can easily make it up on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. 

Adding to the excitement, we are also pleased to announce that Coach Liz will now be coaching K-5 Pickleball on Thursdays! Her versatile coaching will introduce students to this enjoyable sport, offering a unique opportunity to learn and play.

3-5 SOCCER

Heilicher is excited to partner with Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis to enhance the elementary school athletics program.

While the weather is still beautiful, our soccer sessions will take place outdoors on our field. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice and play soccer in a fun and collaborative environment.

4-5 BICYCLING CLASS

The MN Cycling Center bicycling class teaches the students individual and group bike riding skills. The class will include bike rides in the local area, leading up to a longer ride to a special destination. Before each ride, we review the ABC (Air, Brakes, & Chain) preride bike check as well as ensure that the students' helmets fit properly. Early sessions will focus on drills and instruction of basic bike skills on campus and on short rides near the school. These drills ensure that the students can control their bike in a safe manner and can ride safely in a group. During each ride, we teach and reinforce the rules of the road, including hand signals and how to ride on paths and roadways. We also explore the underlying scientific concepts that make bikes work, like air pressure, friction, leverage, and more. During inclement weather, we expand the scientific learning activities with indoor bike-centric experiments.

6-8 SOCCER LEAGUE

Former Athletic Director Hector Sztainer is returning as head soccer coach this fall. He is excited to get back to working with many of his former student athletes!

The 6-8 Heilicher Lions soccer team is part of the South Side Youth Organization (SSYO). Students will develop skills through drills and scrimmages in preparation for intra-league games. Both practices and games will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

K-2 ARTrageous ADVENTURES IN LITERATURE

Join us in an exciting blend of storytelling and art! Each week, we'll read a charming book and then create art inspired by its characters and illustrations. 

This program encourages kids to enjoy reading while also expressing their creativity through various art projects. We'll use different materials and techniques to bring the stories to life. Props and additional storytelling elements will make the experience even more engaging.

Perfect for young readers and budding artists, our class is a fun way for kids to explore their imagination and have a great time with books and art!

K-2 AWESOME ROBOTICS ADVENTURE

In this beginner robotics class, your inventor will begin to explore the world of robotics as they build simple models that teach the fundamentals of robotic design. Whether learning about motors while building drills and catapults or exploring how to use sensors while playing with a magic wand or a goal kicker, we're certain your child will have a great time while they are learning a ton about robots and how to work effectively with a partner!

K-2 THEATER

Join "Theatre with Graceful Monsters," where students embark on a thrilling journey through the magical world of theater!

Our classes are designed to be student-driven, ensuring every young actor gets the chance to shine. Dive into theater basics and explore beyond with a focus on what YOU love most! Whether you're performing in an exciting play, honing your skills in our fun clinics, or exploring the many facets of theater, every day is a new adventure.

Exciting Class Activities Include:

Interactive Play Productions: Bring stories to life and star in captivating performances.

Skill-Building Clinics: Master acting techniques, voice projection, stage presence, and more.

Improv Sessions: Unleash your creativity with spontaneous and hilarious improv games.

Stagecraft Workshops: Learn the magic behind the scenes with set design, costumes, and makeup.

Character Development: Create and embody unique, memorable characters.

Collaborative Storytelling: Work with your classmates to write and perform original plays.

1-3 ROBOTICS CLUB

Led by our Makerspace educator Susan Vlodaver, students will cultivate an early passion for coding, computer science, and STEAM education by using the Dash robot and participating in the Wonder League Robotics Competition.

Through a series of story-based missions, teams develop problem-solving skills and a growth mindset and tap into their creativity all while learning to code. This year’s competition has Dash embarking on an epic journey, exploring key moments in history to unlock the future! Each mission takes students to a different point in time, challenging their problem-solving skills. Can they help Dash find the way home?

Round 1 (Winter Season) 11 classes: Open to everyone ages 6-8 (first-third grade) 

Invitation Rounds (Early Spring) 7 classes: Will be for students who have successfully completed round 1.

K-2 BEGINNER GUITAR

We are excited to have Mike Salow from Ideal Music Lessons working with our second- through fifth-grade students to enhance their guitar skills! Whether your child is new to the guitar or has just started learning this year, this class is perfect for them. Mike's expertise and passion for music will help students develop their abilities and love for playing the guitar.

K-2 ARTrageous BOOK MAKING

Calling all artists and book lovers! We invite your child to join this session of book making. Ever wanted to create a comic book or develop a story concept? In this class, students will explore different bookbinding techniques and go through the entire process of bringing a book idea to life — whether it's a story or a comic.

This hands-on class provides a great opportunity for children to learn new skills and create something they can be proud of. Our instructors will guide them through each step, from brainstorming story ideas to binding the final book. It's perfect for young writers, illustrators, and anyone interested in storytelling and art.

3-5 STEAM SURVIVOR CHALLENGE

In this class, students will work with teams to solve challenges, build social skills, and experiment with STEAM concepts based around TV shows like Lego Masters, Amazing Race, and Survivor. Throughout the class, students will create architectural feats, invent robots, learn about different cultures, and complete fun challenges with their group as we tie our challenges back to the TV shows for friendly and fast-paced challenges!

3-5 THEATER

Join "Theatre with Graceful Monsters," where students embark on a thrilling journey through the magical world of theater!

Our classes are designed to be student-driven, ensuring every young actor gets the chance to shine. Dive into theater basics and explore beyond with a focus on what YOU love most! Whether you're performing in an exciting play, honing your skills in our fun clinics, or exploring the many facets of theater, every day is a new adventure.

Exciting Class Activities Include:

Interactive Play Productions: Bring stories to life and star in captivating performances.

Skill-Building Clinics: Master acting techniques, voice projection, stage presence, and more.

Improv Sessions: Unleash your creativity with spontaneous and hilarious improv games.

Stagecraft Workshops: Learn the magic behind the scenes with set design, costumes, and makeup.

Character Development: Create and embody unique, memorable characters.

Collaborative Storytelling: Work with your classmates to write and perform original plays.

4-5 MATH CLUB

Dr. Thorne has a wonderful talent for getting all her students excited about math! All students are welcome to join the club. We hope to compete again in the Math Masters competition in the spring. However, Math Club is for students who are passionate about math, and competing is not a requirement. This class is designed for real math enthusiasts, not as a tutoring session.

4-8 ADVANCED GUITAR

Join Mike Salow from Ideal Music Lessons for his third year of teaching as he takes our fourth- through eighth-grade students to the next level in guitar skills! This class is tailored for students who have been working with Mike over the past few years and are ready for advanced techniques.

6-8 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Grab your dice and get ready for another epic campaign!

Middle School Dungeons & Dragons Club is back, led by the adventurous Seth Swenson! Seth is thrilled to return and embark on fun D&D adventures with our middle schoolers. Whether you're new to the game or a returning member, you're welcome to join in the excitement.

K-2 MULTI-SPORT

We're excited to welcome back the coaches from Minnesota JCC Sabes Center for our kindergarten through second-grade winter multi-sport class! Held in the JCC gym, this class will teach essential sports skills and foster teamwork.

3-4 BASKETBALL

We are thrilled to welcome back the coaches from the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center for our third- and fourth-grade basketball program! Aligned with our middle school athletics basketball leagues, these experienced coaches will teach fundamental basketball skills and essential team-building techniques. It's a great opportunity for young players to improve their game and learn the value of teamwork.

5-6 BASKETBALL

The co-ed 5-6 Heilicher Lions basketball team is a great way to get exercise and build character after school. Individual skill work and scrimmages will mentally and physically prepare the team for intra-league play. Practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays. The 5-6 Heilicher Lions basketball team is part of the League of Independent School Teams (LIST). 

7-8 BOYS BASKETBALL

The Boys 7-8 Heilicher Lions basketball team works through drills, strategy, and game play to develop strength of mind and body. Both practices and games will fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Grades 7-8 Heilicher Boys Basketball Team is part of the South Side Youth Organization (SSYO)

6-8 GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Girls 6-8 Heilicher Lions basketball team works through drills, strategy, and game play to develop strength of mind and body. Both practices and games will fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Grades 6-8 Heilicher Girls Basketball Team is part of the South Side Youth Organization (SSYO).

3-5 MULTI-SPORT

Get ready for an action-packed early spring multi-sport class with the experienced Sabes JCC coaches, crafted specifically for third through fifth graders! Dive into the vibrant JCC gym and step outside when the weather beckons as we advance sports techniques and strengthen camaraderie in teamwork. Elevate your game and enjoy every moment of play!

3-5 PICKLEBALL

Due to overwhelming popularity, Coach Dave and Coach Liz are back at Heilicher to lead our pickleball program for third through fifth graders! Join the fun in the gym, and once the weather warms up we'll shift the action outdoors to the Sport Court. Pickleball will be offered throughout our early spring season and will return again in the spring, alongside the return of tennis.

6-8 PICKLEBALL

Get ready to serve up some fun in our early spring pickleball program, led by our returning experts, Coach Dave and Coach Liz! Designed for middle schoolers, this dynamic class offers an exciting opportunity to learn and enhance your pickleball skills on the court. Gather your friends — because we need at least five students to kick off this program.

K-2 ARTrageous: SPRING INTO ART!

Spring is in the air and so ARTrageous will explore the different elements of art while getting inspiration from the reawakening of our eARTh! Create a garden collage, paint a spring landscape, reARTcycle a butterfly mobile, sculpt a bird, and much more during these seven weeks of ARTrageous Spring Adventures.

K-2 ROBOTICS with Snapology

Amusement park rides, theater stages, pools, race tracks, and more are a part of the mix in this collaborative class.  We’ll tinker with engineering and robotics concepts and use teamwork and collaboration to build water parks, rides, and creative petting zoos. It’ll be a fun class where STEAM concepts intersect with creativity and open-ended problem-solving as we build our way through the spring session!

2-5 CONTINUED GUITAR

Join guitar coach Mike Salow in this exclusive class tailored for his current and former students! Designed for those eager to continue their musical journey, this class offers the perfect opportunity to enhance your guitar skills with the guidance of a seasoned expert. Keep strumming and elevate your passion for guitar with Mike!

3-5 ROBOTICS with Snapology

Whoever said you couldn’t solve the world’s problems with LEGO® bricks? In this class students learn about the process real inventors go through to create new inventions while designing, building, and programming robotic machines to solve real-world problems. We’ll be using the new Spike Prime LEGO® robotics kits for this camp, which includes over 500 pieces for truly unique inventions and uses more advanced coding like Scratch. If your student likes open-ended problem-solving and tinkering, this class is for them!

4-8 COOKING with Chef Liz

Step into the culinary world with Chef Liz for an exciting and interactive cooking experience perfect for all skill levels! Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this class has something for everyone. Delight your taste buds as we actively whip up a delectable variety of creations, from homemade challah bread to tangy pickles.

Gear up for fun in the kitchen by coming dressed in comfortable attire, ready to cook up a storm! Don’t forget your tennis shoes and a hair tie if needed. Let's make delicious memories together!

5 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB

Description Coming

6-8 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB

Grab your dice and get ready for another epic campaign! Middle School Dungeons & Dragons Club is back, led by the adventurous Seth Swenson! Seth is thrilled to return and embark on fun D&D adventures with our middle schoolers. Whether you're new to the game or a returning member, you're welcome to join in the excitement.

6-8 THEATER

Description Coming

K-2 MULTI-SPORT

Join the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center coaches for our spring multi-sport class, tailored for kindergarten through second grade! Held in the JCC gym, with outdoor sessions too, this class hones essential sports skills while fostering teamwork. Let's transform playtime into an exciting foundation for future athletic adventures!

2-5 FENCING

This spring, join Coach Sasha for the final fencing class of the year, tailored for kids in second through fifth grade! This dynamic sport hones mental agility and physical strength. Young fencers will learn bouting techniques with swords, focusing on agility, footwork, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork. En garde!

About Coach Sasha Pai:

- 20 years of national competitive fencing experience
- 10 years of fencing coaching
- Head Foil Coach at Twin Cities Fencing Club since 2020
- SPA Fencing Head Coach since 2015, MN State Champions for eight straight years
- University of Minnesota PE Fencing Instructor since Spring 2023
- University of Minnesota Fencing Head Coach from 2015 to 2018

3-5 FLAG FOOTBALL

Join the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center coaches for an exciting season of third-fifth grade flag football! The JCC staff is thrilled to coach your kids this spring, with sessions on both Wednesdays and Mondays to maximize the fun. We can’t wait to hit the field and help your students learn, play, and have a blast. Sign up now and let’s make it a season to remember!

4-5 BIKING

We are thrilled to offer the MN Cycling Center bicycling class again this spring! Students will develop individual and group riding skills through local rides, culminating in a special destination journey. We will review the ABC (air, brakes, and chain) preride bike check and ensure helmets fit properly. Early sessions may focus on basic drills and instruction, fostering safe bike control, and group riding. Each ride reinforces road rules, hand signals, and path navigation. We also delve into the science behind biking — exploring air pressure, friction, and leverage. In bad weather, we’ll continue learning with indoor bike-centric experiments. Join us for a fun, educational biking adventure!

6-8 ULTIMATE FRISBEE

The 6-8 Heilicher ultimate frisbee team will work on improving skills and speed. Practices as well as games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Heilicher ultimate team is part of the South Side Youth Organization.