DASH CLUBS

The Girl Talk club mentors girls on topics as personal hygiene, etiquette, self-awareness, self-esteem, self-respect, and their voice. We discuss goals and aspirations and are open to topics that interest or concern the girls. The conversations are honest and age-appropriate, with the aim of guiding the girls to become informed, strong, respectful, and respected young women in today's challenging world. Confidentiality is important when students share privately, but we encourage them to share topics at home so that discussions can continue while keeping parents informed.

Boys2Men is very a cool club! It's all about helping young boys grow up to be awesome young men. We talk about important topics like how to take care of themselves, being polite, and feeling good about who they are. Our mentors help the boys be their best selves and even though they keep everything private, the boys are encouraged to share what they've learned with their parents at home. This encouragement can keep the conversations going and make sure the boys keep growing up strong and confident and supported by their families.

Our students will have the opportunity to learn how to produce an audio podcast from start to finish through hands-on experience. They work in small groups to create and publish original podcasts about topics that interest them. DASH's Podcasting Club is an excellent platform for our students to express their ideas and opinions in an engaging and innovative manner, while also improving their interviewing, writing, and media literacy skills, and exploring various subjects of interest.

DASH's Cooking Club is a culinary arts program that teaches essential cooking skills to a select group of students in grades 5-12. These skills include kitchen safety, food preparation, flavor combinations, baking techniques, and plating. The program is designed to help students develop their own culinary skills and create delicious and visually appealing dishes.

We believe that cooking is a powerful tool for creativity, self-expression, and connection, and we are committed to helping students unlock their full potential in the kitchen.

Students in this creative arts club will explore various aspects of the art world. We'll focus on design projects, fostering creativity, and trying new things. We'll encourage using imagination, planning, and accepting constructive criticism, as well as giving feedback to others. Participants will learn about elements of art and design, including line, shape/form, space, value, color, and texture, and principles of balance, pattern, contrast, and movement. NYC Arts on PBS is a resource and inspiration for projects and creativity. Students will display their finished pieces of art will be displayed at the program site, shared on social media and the website. There will be an art show and recognition ceremony.

Tech Time offers students access to a range of devices for various tasks such as projects, creative writing, and using school-approved websites. Facilitators teach software programs like Word and Excel, as well as file creation and slideshow skills for educational development. Games are permitted within school guidelines.

 This club offers a variety of games that cater to the interests and preferences of students. These games may include board games, card games, group games, physical or mental challenges, and can be played both indoors and outdoors. All students will listen to the instructions and game rules. Good sportsmanship is a must, as is taking proper care of the games, pieces, and equipment. A positive and encouraging attitude towards fellow players, as well as a willingness to give their best effort, is always expected.   

So many of our students are learning to play instruments in their schools and we are adding to that by offering "Learn to Play" clubs in which staff are teaching our students to play Drums, Guitar, & Keyboard in addition to the instruments being introduced and taught at school. Students and Staff are having a great time learning to listen, follow directions, create beats, and make music together. These are fun and loud clubs!

Our creative and talented staff work with the interested students to learn to sing together in a group. 

These staff also teach the students to put movement to music, as we work on warm-ups, movement and coordination, and create dance routines. 

Students learn to appreciate each other's talents as they prepare to perform not just for fun but for special events too.

In this creative arts club the students will make art using yarn. Some projects are latch hook rug making, embroidery projects, and completing a drawing with yarn vs the standard coloring tools. Trying new and different ways in which to create art is explored in this club allowing the students to create beautiful pieces of art without the worries of thinking they can't draw well. In this club all you need is imagination and a willingness to try something new.

This club allows students to enjoy creating a structure with an initial idea, a design plan, and some teamwork. Students learn to collaborate in order to take their idea into a reality. Learning what it takes to build a structure that will stand on its own and look amazing through teamwork and of course having a great time is always expected.

After reviewing report cards and speaking with parents and school-day teachers, DASH's certified teachers provide tutoring to students in need of reinforcement and remediation in the subject areas and skills needed. Keeping a close eye on their progress and achievements and reviewing updated report cards help to keep our students doing their best!