Barnard Early Childhood Center Teaching Assistant Millie Radonjic helps Barnard students' Gianna Parisi, and Ella Mingione during the school's after school enrichment program Thursday.

Photo Credit: Justin Stock

Barnard Early Childhood Center second grader Gianna Parisi decorated a picture frame with a thanksgiving theme as part of the school's after school enrichment program Thursday.

Photo Credit: Justin Stock

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Second grader Gianna Parisi was fully enriched by Barnard Early Childhood Center’s Afterschool Enrichment Program Thursday where she planted a bulb into the ground at Amy’s Greenhouse. Parisi then decorated a picture frame for Thanksgiving.

“I learn about Thanksgiving and having a feast,” Parisi said.

The enrichment program is offered to Barnard first and second grade students during the fall and spring season in conjunction with the school’s parent teacher association, and City of New Rochelle School District for six weeks during the fall and spring seasons. 

Various Barnard teachers instruct students from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. both days.

Barnard Monitor Cherri Campanaro said the program keeps students occupied along with exposure to activities they aren’t normally able to experience.

“They like it,” said Barnard Monitor Cherri Campanaro. “They look forward to it,” she said. “It gives them something to do during the wintertime.”

Sessions include, the greenhouse, watercolors, chess, Legos, basketball skills, piano lessons, sewing, origami, Zumba, making clay structures, sports games, and cooking, and baking.

“We like to bring these opportunities into their lives,” said Barnard Assistant Principal Lori Pisani.