This list is intended to give everyone an idea of what's coming next term! Classes are entered in the order they're received. The board will try to balance what is proposed across the periods. Being on this list doesn't indicate board approval, final approval of classes will happen after the proposals due date. If you see a need, please propose something or talk to friends about filling in the gap!
Fall 2026
| Class Name | Description | Ages | Teacher |
| All About Birds | We will learn about local and exotic birds through toys, books, and other activities. | 4 - 5 and 6 - 9 | Colleen Wedler and Kristen Tavenor |
| Board Games | We will play a variety of board games, everything from Mancala to Pass the Pigs to Chess. Kids are encouraged to bring games from home, but I will provide many games each week. | 6 - 9 | Colleen Wedler |
| I Love Jan Brett! | Each week we will read a picture book or two by Jan Brett and do a corresponding activity. Yes, there will be crafts, possibly some games, and of course lots of fun. | 4 - 5 | Kirstin Swenson |
| Let’s Learn Letters | Every week we will learn a new letter. We’ll do a letter craft, read some stories, and do a fun activity. Letters will be chosen based on kids’ names and the letters’ frequency in the English language. Students will be asked to bring an item from home to every class that starts with the letter of the week. | 4 - 5 | Kirstin Swenson |
| Let's get Moving! | We will get our bodies moving through song & dance, exercise, games, playing musical instruments, running obstacle courses, having scavenger hunts, & more! | 4 - 5 | Kirstin Swenson |
| Art Quilts | An art quilt is a quilted piece that is meant to hang on the wall. But first we get to do the magic of creating the top which, since it isn’t going to be washed, can be anything. In this class you will learn hand quilting. But you might also use machine piecing, printmaking, dyeing, embroidery, pencils, fabric pens, appliqué, reverse appliqué, oil pastels, and anything else that can make a mark on fabric. Please note that most of this class will be mixed media and hand sewing. Folks who sign up should know how to thread a needle and hand sew stitches. | 11 - 18 | Cosette Cornelius-Bates, Melissa Jennings |
| Craftivism and Patch Making | Do you like crafting? Are you interested in ways that artists use their art/craft as a form of political and social engagement? In this class we will explore Craftivism while also engaging in our own version. We will have materials to make printed, painted, or stitched patches but we are also open to other forms of craftivism if folks feel so inclined. | 11 - 18 | Cosette Cornelius-Bates, Mary Crago |
| Graphic novel/Comic/Manga club | Quiet club for reading and sharing about all the manga, comics and graphic novels you already love as well as get introduced to new books and styles of writing. Lotte and Sarah will bring in new books and you can bring in ones of your own. This will be a space to read silently, discuss in small groups, or share favorite books with the class. | 9 - 14 | Lotte Bell and Sarah Fawaz |
| Clay All Day | Build clay creations, paint and varnish. Mary and Sarah will provide ideas for each clay building day. | 8 - 12 | Mary Crago and Sarah Fawaz |
| Fun Science | This class is a hands on beginners science class with books, movement and lots of play. Introduction to key science ideas like weather and earth science using fun and imagination.We will use books, dancing videos and imaginative play. | 4 - 5 | Rae Garcia, Jess Pederson |
| In The Neighborhood: Helpers | Our neighborhood is full of helpers - people and organizations that work to improve the well-being of our community. In this class, we'll learn about the neighborhood where PALS located, and we'll learn about the work of various non-profits that are located in Wilkinsburg. We'll take walks to explore the neighborhood, and to visit some of the non-profit organizations. We hope to have a few visitors from organizations that we can't walk to, and we hope to complete a service project as well. Students should be prepared to walk up to 1.5 miles around the neighborhood, and should plan to come to class prepared to go outdoors. | 8 - 11 | Jaime Horst |
| Acting Study | This is a class that is 100% participation. Those in the Pals play are welcome to sign up for this class to practice their lines and get some advice on their acting choices and styles. Participation in the play is not a requirement however! We will be focusing each week on studying scenes and monologues and practicing with each other. The focus of the semester will be on being brave, trying new things, and portraying emotions "on stage." No experience necessary. | 11 - 18 | Abby Kuftic |
| Creative Studio Collective | Teens gather in a collaborative studio environment to work on self-directed art projects. The focus is on independence, creative risk-taking, and peer inspiration. Adults are present as mentors—offering suggestions, technical tips, or problem-solving support—but the direction and pace are led by each student. | 13 - 18 | Jess Pedersen, Rae Garcia |
| Dress Up! and Skits | Style: Tactile and Free! Requirements: Be you! | 5 - 10 | Brooke LaGrand |
| Understanding Crime | What is a crime? Is it always just something against the law? Who decides those laws? Who benefits and who is hurt by these ideas? Come discuss the criminal justice system and its effects on you and your community. | 14 - 18 | Michael Fawaz |
| Basic Home Repair | Learn the methods behind a variety of simple home repairs, as well as identifying the correct tools and materials for a given job. The class may include measuring, drywalling, picture hanging, unclogging a drain, wall painting, wiring an outlet, and more. Come prepared to get your hands dirty, as each student will have an ongoing project to practice new skills on. Part of the class fee is for starter hand tool sets, which will be each student’s to keep at the end of the semester. (Please be aware that students will be working with tools, which includes a risk of injury if not paying attention.) | 13 - 18 | Becky Spevak |