Beyond the regular school day, PLCS elementary students can explore new interests, build confidence, and connect with peers in meaningful ways through teacher-sponsored clubs. School clubs offer students opportunities to grow in ways that complement their classroom learning. For these educators, sponsoring a club offers time with students in a more relaxed, interest-driven environment where they can form deeper connections.

At Rumsey Station, Joe Pudenz has watched his Engineering Club members tackle challenges that go beyond building a train set. When students painted their miniature buildings and one created a bright pink house, it sparked a conversation about neighborhood covenants and community standards, which is the kind of organic teachable moment that emerges when students are truly engaged in their work.

Meanwhile, Chris Bowlby at Parkview Heights has found that Hope Squad creates space for a different kind of learning. “It’s been particularly meaningful to see how committed they are to simply being present for students who are struggling,” she says. Her club members are discovering that sometimes the most powerful support isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up.

And at Trumble Park, Hannah Swanda experienced a breakthrough that captured everything she hoped the American Sign Language Club could be. Midway through a signing conversation about things students liked and disliked, she had a realization: “These kids understand me, and I understand them. We aren’t just learning words or letters, we are having an actual conversation!” It was sign language becoming a true connection. 

These moments show students discovering new strengths and carrying those lessons beyond club meetings. Engineering students apply problem-solving skills, Hope Squad members check in on peers who seem down, and ASL students use sign language with friends at recess. The confidence and purpose students develop in these clubs stays with them long after meetings end. Most importantly, these clubs are helping create inclusive communities where students feel seen, supported, and valued. 

“As advisors, we recognized the importance of cultivating a safe place where all of our students feel supported and know, without a doubt, that they belong and are loved,” Bowlby says. “This creates a more conducive environment for inclusion and learning.”

It’s a sentiment that echoes across all schools.

Engineering Club, Rumsey Station Elementary

Students at Rumsey Station gather weekly to build, wire, and bring a donated model train set to life. For many, it’s their first time working with model trains, and they’re learning hands-on problem-solving as they glue small structures, plan electrical wiring, and figure out how everything fits together. The small group size allows Pudenz to dive into challenges with students in ways that aren’t always possible in PE. “Most, if not all, of them haven’t been around a train set, so seeing them figure out how it works has been fun as well,” he says.

Hope Squad, Parkview Heights Elementary

In 2022, Parkview Heights became the first PLCS school to launch a Junior Hope Squad chapter, part of a national peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Fourth through sixth graders, nominated by classmates as supportive and trustworthy friends, are trained to recognize when peers may be struggling, build connections, and share concerns with trusted adults. The goal is to create a culture where it’s okay to ask for help. “Over time they’ve become more confident, compassionate, and intentional about supporting their peers,” Bowlby says.

ASL Club, Trumble Park Elementary

At Trumble Park, students meet weekly to practice American Sign Language, promoting communication, inclusivity, and accessibility. Swanda, who holds an endorsement in Deaf Education, leads the club out of her passion for equitable education and Deaf culture. Students regularly use ASL with friends at recess, practice spelling with the ASL alphabet, and build conversational skills in sign. 

“I have heard many students express interest in learning more sign language or even becoming an interpreter someday—this just makes my heart sing!” Swanda says.