It may have been a cloudy and windy Friday morning, but that didn’t dampen the excitement at Riley Elementary School.
The students were ready for a fun-filled morning as they gathered for their much-anticipated club time.
As soon as the morning bell rang, members of the Wildcat Clubhouse got to work, diving into a variety of engaging activities.
From archery and exercise to STEM, crafts, kindness, gardening, foreign language, and games, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
To ensure activities were age-appropriate and engaging, clubs are divided into two blocks: Kindergarten through 2nd grade and 3rd through 5th grade.
The club program, originally launched years ago by former principal Mrs. Susan Marchino, made its return this school year.
“It was our desire to bring it back to Riley,” said current principal Suzanne Corrona.
Staff members created clubs based on their own hobbies and interests, writing short descriptions to guide students in their selections.
With the help of their parents, students eagerly chose which clubs to join, opening the door to new experiences they might not otherwise have.
“These opportunities allow our students to explore new interests and develop new skills outside of the regular classroom experience,” Corrona said.
“Our hope is to build a strong sense of community among all students and bring even more excitement to our school culture.”
You can see pictures and learn about each club below.
Archery Club, led by Mr. Sakowicz and Mrs. Watts gives students the chance to learn and practice the skill of shooting a bow and arrow. Archery isn’t just fun—it builds focus, hand-eye coordination, strength, balance, and confidence! Once used for hunting and combat, archery is now a popular sport and lifelong hobby.
Exercise Club is led by Mrs. Eaton and Mrs. Conner. Exercise Club keeps 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders active with games, team sports, yoga, walking, and dance! Whether jumping, stretching, or learning new skills, students build strength, coordination, and healthy habits—all while having fun.
Faith Club led by Mrs. Kitzman, invites 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to discover inspiring stories from the Bible, including Jonah, Daniel, Moses, Noah, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Through engaging activities and crafts, students will bring these stories to life while learning valuable lessons of faith.
STEM Club, led by Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Salter, teaches Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders all about the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. From 3D printing to rocket making, hovercrafts, and robotics, students will have the chance to build and create in the 'Makers Space'!
Healthy Snack Club is led by Mrs. Worland, this club teaches Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students how to prepare simple, healthy snacks at home while also learning about kitchen and appliance safety.
Craft Club, which is led by Mrs. Johnston, gives 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders is the perfect place to explore their artistic side! Students are able to create unique art and craft projects using a variety of materials. It’s a fun way to spend time together, craft something special, and take home a memorable creation to be proud of!
Kindness Club, is made up of students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade and is led by Mrs. Hall. Students in this club make cards and color pictures for various community groups in hopes of brightening someone's day.
Garden Club teaches students about insects and other creatures that can be found in the garden. Students will learn about soil and why it is important to plants while creating mini greenhouses. The club is led by Mrs. Horton.
Foreign Language Club is led by Miss Frey. Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade learn common words and phrases in Spanish and French.
Game Club is led by Mrs. Kesler and Miss Schmidtknecht, this club gives Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students the chance to enjoy video and board games while developing valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.