• Youth in enrolled in our AM sessions participate in 20-30 minutes of morning exercise from yoga to calisthenics they are moving, getting the body and mind active for a great start to the day. When they head to class they are energized and ready to learn. 
• Afternoon session include 30-45 minutes of active play daily. Student participates in planned physical games and activities that teach team work and good sportsmanship. Weather permitting children spend time outdoors daily. 

• All KEY Academy program sites participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and include a healthy breakfast (AM) and snack (PM) in program enrollment fees. 
• We make meals and snacks social, giving kids a chance to connect and build relationships.

• Daily opportunities for youth and adults to connect and “chat” are skillfully designed and planned to help kids develop self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 
• Chats are schedule in advance. Parents are encouraged to track themes and monthly calendars for insights on area of focus and monthly questions so they can continue the conversation at home. 

• KEY Academy staff set aside 30 minutes, each Monday–Thursday afternoon for quiet activities and to support those with homework and assignment completion. 
• Study time reinforces positive learning habits and can allow more family time each evening. 

• This year’s “BIG IDEAS!” topics have been expanded to capture and keep kids’ interest. Students will spend four-to-eight weeks exploring each topic to allow more time for learning, and expanded, activity-based exploration including perspectives kids have maybe not yet discovered. 
• In addition to weekly themed activities youth will explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) lessons designed for all age groups, creative art projects, and character education that focuses on our four YMCA values; caring, respect, responsibility and honesty. 

Dates: August 10^th – 18^th

Skillastics Kit: N/A

Summary

• It’s the beginning of the school year, and we are starting strong with activities that build relationships and get kids and staff connected.

Dates: August 21^st – September 15^th

Skillastics Kit: “Let’s Move in School”

Summary

• Let’s get things moving! These sessions movement activities include running, jumping, and throwing activities building motor skills aligned with the National PE Standards.

Dates: September 18^th – November 17^th

Skillastics Kit: Sports Kits (select 2 / 4 weeks each)

Summary

• We are focusing on sports during this session. We have a variety of sports—Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, and Soccer. During this 8 week session each school will select 2 of the 4 sports to try. These sport specific kits are designed to combine maximum participation, cooperative learning activities, and sport skill development in atmosphere of fun.

Dates: November 27^th – December 22^nd

Skillastics Kit: STEM 

Summary

• At KEY Academy, we love STEM! Skillastics has a kit designed specifically to focus on physical movement while combining what the kids are learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!

Dates: January 2^nd – February 2^nd

Skillastics Kit: Fitness Skillastics / Elementary Nutrition

Summary

• The Fitness Skillastics unit is a powerful resource that helps kids learn new ways to improve fitness skills while simultaneously gaining nutritional awareness. Kids will learn about healthy habits that will keep their minds, bodies, and spirits healthy and happy.

Dates: February 5^th – April 5^th

Skillastics Kit: Sports Kits (select 2 / 4 weeks each)

Summary

• This is our second sports session. Youth will have experienced all the sport specific Skillastic kits after this session. In addition to sport skill development, cooperative learning and fun for all, this session will also focus on good sportsmanship and what it means to be a team.

Dates: April 8^th – May 3^rd  

Skillastics Kit: Character is Cool

Summary

• We have been learning positive character traits all year. Let’s spend a few weeks focusing on them. Youth will have a unique opportunity to develop social emotional skills, aligned with national core competencies and our Y-Chat concepts all through active play that fosters cooperation.

Dates: May 6^th – May 24^th

Skillastics Kit: Speed Stacking

Summary

• The last two weeks of school will be all about our Speed Stacking kits. This Skillastics unit offers a unique assortment of physical activities that enhances moderate to vigorous physical activity building agility, coordination, and SPEED. Let’s see how fast you can move!