Fieldston Lower
Course listings and schedules:
To view detailed course listings and schedules for Spring 2025 programming, please click here.
Questions?
Contact Sheyla Ortiz Pena at fieldstonauxprograms@ecfs.org.
Important Dates
Spring Semester: Monday 1/27/25 – Friday 6/6/25
Fall Semester end date: Friday 1/24/25
A Typical Day
In-person classes are between 3:30–5:00pm.
Pick up is at the Fieldston Lower front gate at 5:00pm.
Extended stay is until 6:00 pm. Anyone picked up after 5:15pm will be charged $15.
All school holidays are observed.
A late bus to Ethical Culture is available
Drop-in
Students may drop in on activities on any given day. Drop-in is available by emailing fieldstonauxprograms@ecfs.org on the morning of the day you want your child to participate.
Please include your child’s name, the person who will pick up your child, and contact information.
Please also email the student's classroom teacher and Jessie Salvador (jsalvador@ecfs.org) and let them know that they will be attending after school.
Financial Aid
Families utilizing their apportioned financial aid will not initially see the program cost reflect the financial aid contribution upon enrollment. Following enrollment and the $25.00 deposit, the School will apply financial aid to the account. After financial aid is applied, the remaining balance will be due at 50% by Monday 2/10 with total balance paid by Mondy 3/10.
Financial aid is not available for the After School Drop-In Program
Refunds and Cancellations
We understand that circumstances may change, and sometimes adjustments are needed. If you request a refund after your child's first session, the School will provide a 100% refund, deducting only the cost of that initial session less the $25.00 deposit. Following the second session, families are eligible for a 50% refund. However, please note that refunds are not available after the third session.
Should you need to request a refund, please reach out to Sheyla Ortiz Peña. There are no refunds for snow days or other emergency closures.
Fieldston Lower After School Programs
Meet our After School staff and stay up to date with photos of our classes!
Meet our instructors
Engineering and Design
Alysa Vega
I’m a passionate developer and educator specializing in Python and C++ programming, web development, and computer science education. I love teaching others about coding and technology, and I’m currently expanding my skills in game development and game engines.
Imagine Filmmaking
Giovanna Dalla Vecchia
Giovanna Dalla Vecchia, a NY-based storyteller from Brazil, believes in art as a tool for a healthier life. An honors graduate of NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama and a minor in Creative Writing, she trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Giovanna recently published her first bilingual poetry book, O Meu Amor é um Pé de Amora [My Love is a Blackberry Tree], reflecting on her childhood and self-discovery. Passionate about nurturing inner growth, she's excited to join Bloom Performing Arts as a teaching artist.
Imagine Filmmaking
Ashley Bloom
Ashley Morgan Bloom, a professional actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild, is the founder and CEO of Bloom Performing Arts. With over 11 years of teaching experience in NYC’s top private schools, she specializes in improvisation, acting, public speaking, and debate. Ashley has starred in a Sundance official selection film, made her co-star debut on Law & Order SVU, and recently played Reporter Ainsley Neil in The Final Hour. Learn more about her at ashleymorganbloom.com and Bloom Performing Arts at bloomperformingarts.com.
Imagine Acting (1st-2nd)
Hanah V. Boyens
Hannah V. Boyens moved from Spencer, Iowa to New York City in 2022 to pursue the arts of film, music, and theatre. Before this she attended Oklahoma City University and obtained a BFA in film production and wrote and directed several short films and plays. She also has a BA in Music and has performed in operas, short films, musicals, and plays. Hannah is grateful to be joining Bloom, as she believes helping others create art is one of the most wonderful experiences in the world.
Imagine Acting (1st-2nd)
John Viggiano
John Viggiano is a New York City-based actor, writer, and director. Originally from the Austin, TX area, he began performing at ZACH Theater and later earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Rider University in 2022. While at Rider, he performed in productions like Hair and Pete (Her) Pan, and directed or choreographed over 15 student productions. Since graduating, John has performed with MTWichita (42nd Street, Kinky Boots), workshopped for Signature Theatre, and directed and written for Broadway Dreams, a non-profit arts organization.
speech and debate
Sadie Prenda
Sadie Prenda grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska where she did speech, debate, choir, theater, and cello. She recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in performing arts. Now, she is an avid writer and all-around creative. She can't wait to work with the next generation of storytellers, debaters, and creatives!
Imagine move and groove
Hope Dyra
Hope Dyra, originally from Nashville, earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College in 2020 and a certificate in Classical Acting from LAMDA in 2019. Inspired by her experiences learning from talented theatre artists, she now shares her passion for performance with students at Bloom Performing Arts.
Imagine move and groove
Marie Zaccagnino
Marie Zaccagnino, originally from Buffalo, NY, moved to NYC at 18 to attend Pace University, where she earned a BFA in Film, Television, Voice-Overs & Commercials. She has performed with the Alpha NYC Theatre Company and will make her lead debut in The Postman Always Rings Twice at the Producers Club this fall. Passionate about inspiring audiences through storytelling, Marie is grateful to share her experience with the next generation of artists at Bloom Performing Arts.
Hip Hop
Gina Powell
Gina is a seasoned instructor and award-winning cheerleader with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Acro, Funk, Hip Hop, and Varsity Cheerleading, with extensive background in choreography. Gina has contributed to various dance projects, theaters, schools, and dance centers.
Ballet II
Ms. Julia Honari
Julia Honari is from Bellevue, Washington. She trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet School from 2007-2018. She attended summer intensives at Boston Ballet School, Carolina Ballet, and Ballet Chicago. She teaches ballet classes at Ballet and Body and creative movement classes through Fit4Kids. Julia loves sharing her love of dance with her students through teaching. She trains her students to use strong techniques while maintaining a joyful and exciting learning environment.
Dungeons and dragons
Bennet Kolber
Bennett is a game designer with a focus on education, research, and user experience. Previously, as a Quality Assurance Lead and Game Designer for Adam Poots Games, he implemented quality control best practices and developed engaging narrative scenarios. Bennett has also held positions at The Brooklyn Strategist, where he built a top-ranked Magic: The Gathering program, and taught game design to children at Brooklyn Game Lab.
MArtial Arts: Karate
Sensei David Thomas
Sensei David is a skilled martial arts instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience, specializing in organizing and managing karate programs for diverse communities. He holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in U.S.A. Goju Karate and is a certified personal trainer with the American Sports Fitness Association. He also serves as a Shape Up NYC fitness instructor and holds an Associate degree in Applied Science from Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College.
Tennis
Coach Anthony B.
With nearly 8 years of coaching experience and over 20 years of playing, Coach Anthony brings a deep passion for tennis to the court. A USAT Certified Coach (Level 2 PTR), he has taught at various prestigious clubs, including UPenn, Park Avenue Tennis Center, and Centercourt, offering both group lessons and one-on-one instruction.
As a player, Coach Anthony held an Eastern Sectional Ranking in the 18 and Under category, captained their high school team at Colts Neck, and played NCAA Division III tennis at Haverford College.
As a coach, he believes in positive reinforcement and keeping the sport fun and intuitive, balancing technical instruction with an emphasis on the joy of the game.
Sculpt and Shape/ BAke-Off!
Giovanni Cassiano
With 7 years of experience teaching K-4th grade, Gio is dedicated to nurturing creativity and a love for learning in young students. Renowned for engaging read-alouds, collaborative book-writing projects, and a passion for arts and crafts, Gio encourages students to express themselves and explore their imaginations, creating a dynamic and inspiring classroom environment.
Sculpt Studio (1st-2nd)
Gezime Baliaj
Gezime Baliaj has been a dedicated member of the ECFS community for over 15 years. She has taken on various roles, including school-wide associate teacher, woodshop assistant, and art class instructor, all with the goal of nurturing young students' creativity and curiosity.
FunLAb
Militza Manzanet
Militza Manzanet has been an educator for K-5 students for over seven years. With a deep passion for arts and crafts, she is dedicated to practicing mindful art and sharing this creative experience with young learners. Militza's focus on fostering artistic expression helps inspire students to explore their creativity in a thoughtful and engaging way.
Kidventure
Rezart Baliaj
Rezart Baliaj is a Finance major at Fordham University with a deep-seated passion for both numbers and education. His enthusiasm for teaching shines through in his innovative approach to business education, particularly through interactive projects like the lemonade stand. By blending his business expertise with a love for learning, Rezart offers our young students a dynamic and engaging introduction to the world of finance.
Baking with numbers (PK-K)
Yomira Meregildo
Yomi is a Manhattan-based teaching artist with two years of experience at Fieldston Lower, where she has served as an associate teacher and summer camp instructor. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Art Education at the School of Visual Arts.
Chess Class (All Levels)
IM Sherif El-Assoutti
Sherif El-Assoutti is a member of the Egyptian Olympiad Team.
Chess Class (All Levels)
John James Kennedy
National Chess Champion
Sports Coach
Coach Andre
Andre Foster is a dynamic professional specializing in physical education and after school program coordination. He has a proven track record of designing engaging lesson plans that cater to diverse student backgrounds and promote physical well-being, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Previously, he served as an After School Coach at the Calhoun School, where he developed and evaluated curriculum for Sports, Health, and Physical Education.
fifth grade times
Melanie Corcino
As an educator with 14 years of experience, children and education are Ms. Melanie Corcino's passions. Ms. Corcino is BIG on fostering relationships with children and encouraging them to be their most authentic selves, sprinkle or spark their creativity everywhere, take risks, and never quit believing in themself. Being a part of afterschool allows Ms. Corcino to practice what she preaches and participate in activities she truly enjoys!
Architecture with Indi Sphero
Zoe Berger
Zoe Berger is a dedicated digital arts educator with a passion for integrating advanced software and technological literacy into artistic exploration. She currently teaches innovation to 4th and 5th graders at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York, NY. Her prior experience includes facilitating workshops on coding and digital art for various age groups, ranging from early elementary to college level. Zoe has also been recognized for her work with the Culture Push Associated Artist Grant for her screen-free coding project, “I Am <Not> a Robot.
Gymnastics
Coach Cristian Quesada
Cristian is a former competitive gymnast from our own NYC area. As a former personal trainer, and future physical therapist, his strong fundamentals in fitness help his gymnasts excel through innovative training techniques. He is a firm believer in learning fundamentals both physically and mentally.
After School Staff
Jessie Salvador
After School Staff
Garry James
After School Staff
Donna Reyes
After School Staff
Emily Javier
After School Staff
Artemisa Baliaj
After School Staff
Sharon Javier
Our First 2 Weeks of After School
The Fifth Grade Times Team