AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

This program will be offered again in Spring 2027

Morning Star’s beloved art teacher, Melissa Summerfield, will lead 4th and 5th graders on a four-week journey of advanced art projects designed to deepen students’ artistic skills and creativity. Students will explore a variety of mediums and take home finished art pieces, including acrylic painting, pastels, and 3D sculpture.

Artist reception will be held on the last day of class.

Program Expectations
This program is designed for students who have a passion for art and are interested in honing their artistic skills. Due to the focused nature of the class, there is no recess or free time. Students should be prepared to participate in 90 minutes of art and assist with clean-up at the conclusion of each session.

Please send your child with an after-school snack, and we encourage families to review course expectations and behaviors together in advance to help ensure a positive experience.

While session details for Spring 2027 are still being confirmed, the information below from past sessions may help you plan and get a sense for the program.

OPEN TO: 4th and 5th graders only

SPACES AVAILABLE: 12 students

WINTER 2026 SESSION: Wednesdays from 3:15-4:45pm; Jan. 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11 

COST: $170/student

LOCATION: Morning Star Cafeteria

While session details for Fall 2026 are still being confirmed, the information below from past sessions may help you plan and get a sense for the program.

We’re excited to welcome 406Cirque back to Morning Star for a dedicated 6-week after-school circus arts class for our students. Based in Bozeman, 406Cirque is a dynamic circus arts organization that builds confidence, strength, and creativity through skills like aerials, acrobatics, juggling, and more. 

OPEN TO: K-5th grades

SPACES AVAILABLE: 24 students

WINTER 2026 SESSION: Thursdays from 3:15-4:45pm; Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 - 

COST: $125/student

LOCATION Morning Star Cafeteria

From 406Cirque: In Bozeman, you don't have to run away to join the circus! Join 406Cirque for PIR Day Circus Camps.

While session details for Fall 2026 are still being confirmed, the information below from past sessions may help you plan and get a sense for the program.

Chess Team at Morning Star is an exciting opportunity for students of all ages to learn to play or strengthen their skills. Instructors from MSU’s Chess Club will challenge students during this program and foster a love of the game.  There will also be a member of the MSU Aspiring Educators to assist the coaches and children during their sessions.  

Winter registration will be for spots that open after the fall session. 

OPEN TO: 1st - 5th grades

SPACES AVAILABLE: 24 students, mixed between beginner and intermediate  

WINTER 2026 SESSION: Mondays from 3:15-5pm; Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 23, 30, Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18 

COST: $225/student

LOCATION: Morning Star Library

**A NOTE FROM OUR INSTRUCTOR***

We believe every child in America should learn chess. A lot of people think chess is outdated or boring, or that it’s “basically solved.” This is untrue. 

There are more possible chess games than atoms in the universe. So many that no computer could see them all. Like many fields of research there are still new things being discovered and new ideas introduced. 

The most grounded lessons come first though. A chess player will learn to take responsibility for their mistakes. Every move is your own. If you mess up you take it as an opportunity to learn. 

In chess, as in life we must learn patience, humility, discipline, and how to think ahead. You learn to improve by changing how you think about the game. These lessons reach far beyond the chess board.

- Leif 

We are hopefull, but still trying to determine if we will be able to offer this program in 2026-2027 school year.

While session details for 2026-27 are being confirmed, the information below from past sessions may help you plan and get a sense for the program.

This 4 week session will introduce students to the many styles of hip-hop dancing and will end with a performance where kids can show their parents what they've learned. Hailing from Australia, Colette Pengelley is a seasoned dance instructor and choreographer who has been a part of shows such as So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Disney Kids, and the Australian Open.

OPEN TO: K-5th grades

SPACES AVAILABLE: 30 students

FALL 2025 SESSION: Wednesdays from 3:15-4:30pm; Nov. 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17

COST: $80/student

LOCATION: Morning Star Cafeteria

We want every student who’s interested to have the chance to join. If cost is a concern, confidential scholarships are available—just email treasurer@morningstarpac.org. 

To help us plan, please send requests at least 2 days before registration opens for each session. Families will be notified of scholarship decisions the day before registration opens.

Because of the costs of running these programs, only a limited number of scholarships can be offered for each class. To give as many students as possible the opportunity to participate, scholarships may rotate each time programs are offered so that more students can benefit.

Art with Mrs. Summerfield:
Students requesting a scholarship for this program are asked to share a short note about what excites them about art or why they are looking forward to this class. This helps us support a focused, positive experience for all students.

If spots are already full and you want to join the waitlist, please email: waitlist@morningstarpac.org. Be sure to tell us the class you would like and your student's name and grade.  Classes openings will be offered to the waitlist on a first come, first serve basis. 

PAC Cancellation - Before Classes Begin
If a program is cancelled by PAC due to low enrollment, families will receive a full refund.

PAC Cancellation - After Classes Begin
If an unforeseen circumstance arises (such as instructor illness), PAC will first seek a replacement instructor. If a replacement cannot be found and the class must be cancelled, PAC will work to reschedule the class or provide a pro-rated refund for the sessions that are cancelled.

Participant Withdrawal – Before Classes Begin

If a family needs to withdraw before the first class, a full refund may be granted if the spot can be filled from the waitlist. Families are asked to notify PAC at least 3 days before the first class to allow enough time for another student to enroll.

Participant Withdrawal – After Classes Begin

Once the class has started, no refunds will be issued. Families may choose to transfer their spot to another student (subject to approval), but the original registrant will not receive a refund.