Students

Grades: Seventh and Eighth Grade
Instructor: Daryl Burch
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $195

Award-winning debate coach Daryl Burch, along with members of McDonogh's Upper School varsity debate team, will train and coach Middle School students in the skills of competitive debate. Participation in the program teaches public speaking, critical thinking, and research skills that are highly valuable in every facet of the school curriculum. Students will debate a current event controversy and prepare for a mini-tournament to which all parents are invited.

REGISTER HERE STARTING AUGUST 4.

Grades: Kindergarten-Sixth Grade  
Time: Monday, 4:00-5:00 p.m. 
Instructor: Arkadiy Frenkel
Cost: $170 (7 weeks)

Chess is a fun game that helps kids learn life skills: how to concentrate, recognize patterns, solve problems, think creatively, cultivate teamwork (among their pieces), execute short-term tactics, develop long-term strategies, manage time, and (most important!) exercise impulse control. When kids lose pieces and games because they moved their pieces impulsively, they learn to resist succumbing to the quick fix of instant gratification. When kids win pieces and games because they moved their pieces patiently, they learn to savor the enduring joy of delayed gratification. Based on their skill level and age, players are divided into two groups that alternate between 30 minutes of lessons and 30 minutes of friendly games. Beginners are welcome!

Arkadiy Frenkel is a U.S. Chess National Master and full-time chess coach. He also has directed the Chess Camp for McDonogh Summer Camps for the last eight summers. All chess supplies provided.

REGISTER HERE STARTING AUGUST 4.

Grades: Fifth and Sixth Grade
Instructor: Daryl Burch
Day: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $195

The number one fear most people have is speaking in public. This class will motivate and encourage students to speak in public. Students will work on understanding speech, invoking emotion and pathos in delivering a speech, conveying appropriate tone and sentiment in the speech content, and enunciating the speech. The goals are to help students become better orators and to create interest among Middle School students for the Upper School debate program.

REGISTER HERE STARTING AUGUST 4.

Grades: Third-Fifth Grade
Instructor: Susan Scherz
Day: Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $225

Junior Baking Masters is a fun and enriching program for students in grades 3–5 who are ready to take their baking skills to the next level. Each week, young bakers will explore new techniques—from rolling dough and assembling layered cakes to experimenting with flavor combinations and decorating with flair. Along the way, they’ll build kitchen independence, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence in both their baking and presentation skills. With a sprinkle of math, a dash of science, and a whole lot of creativity, this program offers a well-rounded recipe for learning and fun!

REGISTER HERE STARTING AUGUST 4.

Grades: Kindergarten-Second Grade
Instructor: Susan Scherz
Day: Thursday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Class Cost: $225

Little Bakers Club is the perfect introduction to the joys of baking for our youngest chefs in grades K–2! Each week, students will roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on kitchen fun as they learn to measure, mix, and decorate a variety of sweet and simple treats. Along the way, they’ll strengthen fine motor skills, practice following directions, and discover the importance of kitchen safety and hygiene—all in a supportive, age-appropriate environment. With plenty of opportunities for creativity and teamwork, this class is as enriching as it is delicious. Let the baking adventures begin! 

REGISTER HERE STARTING AUGUST 4.