AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS & PROGRAMS AT TRAVIS 

 

We hope to share more information about our free, weekly after school clubs for the 2023-2024 school year soon.

 

In the meantime, check out some of our past after-school programs below.

 

Clubs

Dual Language Club

Taught by Travis Teacher Cindy Benitez. Students will be reinforcing their Spanish skills from their previous dual language class. We will write scripts, make Spanish presentations, and use conversational Spanish in class to strengthen those skills.

 

After School Strings (4th & 5th grade only)

This club is only open to 4th and 5th graders. The students will learn how to play a string instrument including Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass.

 

The Fascinating History Forum at Travis

Students will investigate history. They will determine what activities the group will take part in, including videos, songs, plays, research and discussion. 

 

Basic Yoga and Mindfulness

This club will explore the basics of mindfulness and yoga (no religious affiliation) and using it to relieve stress and help regulate energy and emotions. No mats or clothing required, students will spend some time in practice and all movement can be done in uniform. Amy is a parent volunteer who received 200 hours of yoga teacher training at the Lifeologie Institute for Psychotherapeutic Yoga, is certified by Yoga Alliance and trained in mindfulness through Mindful Schools.

 

Exploring the Makerspace Club

Come join our exploration of the many Maker Kits (robots, programming, cardboard maker kits, and a Kano tablet, just to name a few) in the Travis Library Makerspace. This club is a self-guided learning club that will allow individuals and small groups to independently explore different kits each week with Ms. McArthur as your guide.

 

STEM Club
The STEM Club will explore aspects of science and math that the participants are most interested in. The approach will be inquiry-based and hands-on, offering an outlet for fun, creative problem solving. Kevin has taught formally and informally for over 35 years in the areas of science and math. He has master’s degrees in both biology and statistics, and has worked in nature and science education at a nature center, the Dallas Zoo’s children’s zoo and the Audubon Society.

 

Theater Workshop

Students will explore different aspects of theater through games, improvisation and bringing short stories to life in this four week introduction workshop. This is a perfect opportunity for students who are curious about theater basics and may want to sign up for theater as an elective later, or for anyone who is excited to participate. Plus, theater helps build confidence and the ability to work with others, develops communication and problem solving skills and provides opportunities to nurture empathy and creativity, which are all important life skills.

 

Year Long Clubs:

The following clubs were year long activities due to continued skill building over the course of the year. 

 

Beginning Lego Mindstorms Robotics

This is for a small group of students with NO prior knowledge of Lego Mindstorms Robotics or robotics programming.

 

 

Elementary UIL Academic Competition Prep (4 & 5 grades only)

Taught by Travis teachers Alison Evans. This club will prepare 4-5 grade students to compete in 13 academic competitions at the Fall UIL and Spring UIL competitions.

 

Chess

Taught by Travis teachers Sharon Mayes and John Soto. The students will be learning tactics and skills for success in a competitive chess setting.

 

 

 

Other Extracurricular Activities/Competition Teams

Below is a list of other extracurricular activities taking place at Travis this year. The selection process for these activities varies and is listed below. Some of these activities are free and some require a fee. Parent and teacher sponsors are listed - please contact them for more information if your child is interested in participating.

 

Debate

Debate team members must be in 6-8 grade. The Debate team participates in multiple tournaments over the course of the school year sponsored by the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance. Learn more here: https://www.dallasdebate.org Contact kagraves@dallasisd.org for more information on team selection.

 

Destination Imagination

Destination Imagination (DI) is a competition where a team works together to solve project-based challenges that are designed to build confidence and develop extraordinary creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. Challenges focus on STEM, performing arts and service learning. Elementary DI tryouts are on September 17-18. Elementary teams are selected by a panel of DI parent and teacher coaches. To learn more, visit www.destinationimagination.org. Interested 4-5 grade students can contact the school and 6-8 graders can contact brmayfield@dallasisd.org.

 

 

Drama

6-8 graders interested in drama can participate in the UIL One Act Play competition. Contact Ms. Graves at kagraves@dallasisd.org for more information on the UIL One Act play competition and team selection.

 

First Lego League team

First Lego League is an accessible, guided, global robotics competition built around theme-based challenges to engage children ages 9 to 14 in research, problem solving, coding, and engineering. If Travis forms a team, the activity takes place now through late January. Parents interested in starting and coaching a team should contact the school.

 

French and Spanish Competition Club

The French and Spanish competition club will begin meeting on Tuesdays in room 307 in the spring to prepare for French and Spanish contests. All students need to be enrolled in Travis French or Spanish classes. Contact Ms. Barcinska at mbarcinska@dallasisd.org for more details.

 

 

Global Education Program

This is a study abroad program only open to 7-8 graders for a fee and the potential to earn high school credit. Students meet regularly during the year as a pre-trip experience to learn about the historical places that will be visited and to design a project for the educational component of the trip. Then they continue the program as they study abroad in England, France and Italy in June 2020. The activity still has openings, contact Stacy Wester at swester@dallasisd.org.

 

Global Elementary Model United Nations

The goal of Travis’ Model UN is to prepare students for the Global Model UN Conference in May by deep-diving into the culture, politics and policies of assigned delegations. It is open to all students (applications are due in the fall) and is an opportunity to practice and develop research, writing, critical thinking, diplomacy, public speaking, teamwork and leadership skills. The purpose of GEMUN is to promote global awareness and peace relations. Go to http://www.gemun.org to learn more or contact Mr. Oathout.

 

 

Lone Star Challenge

Lone Star Challenge is the elementary competition equivalent to Academic Decathlon and Academic Pentathlon. Lone Star is a theme-based four-event scholastic team competition wherein 4-6 grade students match their intellect with students from other schools. Nine-member teams are comprised of: 3 Fourth Grade Students; 3 Fifth Grade Students; and 3 Sixth Grade Students. The team is selected by teacher recommendation and sponsor selection. The Lone Star Challenge team meets in the Spring.

 

 

 

Yearbook

Want to capture a year in the life of Travis? Join the yearbook staff and help us capture the Travis experience in photos and preserve it for years to come. We have slots for up to 24 students in 6-8 grade and a limited number of spots for 4-5 grade students who want to represent their grade level. We will meet every other Wednesday afternoon from 3:45 until 5:00 during the fall, and the same time every Wednesday during the spring. The sign up sheet is available in the computer lab, room 204.