Coaching Academy - Saddle River Day School

Coaching Academy - Saddle River Day School
About the Coaching Academy
Looking to provide your child(ren) with enrichment opportunities that will help set them up for a lifetime of success? Through the Coaching Academy, we have various classes and tutoring opportunities to help broaden your child(s) horizons and expand their learning! Coaching Academy classes will begin the week of April 6, 2026 and runs through the week of May 25, 2026. Make-up classes will take place the week of June 1, 2026. Students outside of SRDS are welcome to join in on the fun. Additional fees apply. Enroll your child(ren) today!
Courses have a minimum enrollment requirement to run. If minimum enrollment is not met, the class will be canceled and your money will be refunded. Tutoring enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis. If you register for tutoring and the slot has already been reserved you will be notified and your money will be refunded. Please keep in mind that classes are not prorated, the session must be signed up for and paid in full.
*Courses must be paid in full prior to the start of the course. If payment is not received, your student will not be permitted to attend the class until payment is made.
*If your child would like to switch courses, requests must be made before the second week of the session.
*SRDS students are not permitted to do 1-1 tutoring with their classroom teacher.
Who can participate?
Students grades Pre-K 3 through 12 are invited to participate in our Coaching Academy after school course selections and tutoring! We have various age appropriate courses available throughout the week, see our course descriptions for more specific information. Transportation is not provided, please arrange for your individual needs.
Spring Dates 2026
Monday Dates: 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
Tuesday Dates: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26
Wednesday Dates: 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27
Thursday Dates: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
Friday Dates: 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29
Saturday Dates: 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30
Please note that if school is not in session, classes will not run on that date. School will be closed in recognition of Memorial Day (5/25). If there are any cancellations, your instructor will utilize the make-up date at the end of the session. Class will not run on the make-up date unless your instructor utilizes it for having canceled a session.
*See the full school calendar for SRDS days off.
Dismissal
The instructor will dismiss the children to their parents or guardians at the conclusion of the class or escort them to After Care if they are enrolled. Timeliness during pick-up is much appreciated. Please take note of when classes are running so you are on time at dismissal. We appreciate your assistance in ensuring a smooth dismissal for all. Should you be running late, kindly call the main office or the Coaching Academy phone and let us know your estimated arrival time. If your child will be picked up by someone other than whom you have listed on their registration form and delegated on PikMyKid, notification must be provided via email to the Coaching Academy to ensure each child's safety.
Pricing
The cost for each course is $390 per child.
Tutoring
The cost for 1-1 tutoring is $1,050. If you would like to arrange for 1-1 tutoring, please email the Enrichment Programs Team to coordinate.
Questions
Email: coachingacademy@saddleriverday.org
ENROLL IN COURSES
Spring 2026 Master Schedule
Crayola: Wild World - Grades Pre-K 3-Kindergarten
Art Shuffle - One River Art School Grades 1-4
Girls Who Code - Grades 3-8
Little Medical School Grades 1-4
Homework Club - Grades 5-8
Course Description: Are you ready for an art expedition? Let the wonder and beauty of the animal kingdom inspire your empathy, curiosity, and creativity. Learn about lions, elephants, sharks and more, and find out how wildlife conservationists are working to protect species around the globe. Experiment with a variety of art techniques, and use Crayola® products to create animal-inspired art projects, from frog paintings to polar bear sculptures! Let your creativity run wild, and bring your handiwork home to build a menagerie of animal-themed masterpieces.
Grades: PreK3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Dr. DNA
Course Description: Our Shuffle program allows students to become well-rounded artists by shuffling drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Students engage in One River School’s innovative curriculum inspired by contemporary artists that stimulates their imagination and helps them develop essential technical skills in a fun classroom environment. Compelling curriculum allows students to develop original concepts and create ambitious artworks Projects shuffle across drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Teacher led demonstrations provide technical instruction and hands-on guidance.
Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: One River Art School
Back by Popular Demand!
Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. We will explore the history of computers, coding, women in computer science, digital art & design, robots, video games, mobile apps, online security and more!
Grades: 3 - 8
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Laura Hollis
Course Description: Basic anatomy, medical instruments, and prepping for surgery. Through role-play and activities, students will learn the key responsibilities of a doctor and explore the heart, lungs, and digestion. Students will use real medical instruments (stethoscope, reflex hammer, and blood pressure cuff) and practice scrubbing, suturing, and tying knots like a real surgeon.
Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: TGA Sports
Homework Club is designed for students in grades 5 through 8 who benefit from guided support and structured time to complete their assignments. This program provides a quiet, supervised environment where students can begin homework tasks, ask clarifying questions, and receive general guidance while building accountability for their work. Homework Club is not intended to replace one to one tutoring or specialized academic intervention, but rather to support students as they stay on track and complete their daily assignments.
Grades: 5 - 8
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: SRDS Teachers
Yoga Adventures Grades K - 5
NASA Academy of Future Space Explorers - Mad Science NJ - Grades 1-6
Homework Club - Grades 5-8
Course Description:  Hello Yoga Warriors - welcome to the Yoga Adventure Club!
Get ready to stretch, move, and explore! This fun and engaging class introduces students to the magic of yoga through themed sessions that incorporate playful and age-appropriate poses, breathing exercises, games, mindfulness activities, and relaxation techniques. Children will develop body awareness, improve flexibility, and learn valuable tools for managing emotions and stress, all while building confidence, coordination, connection, and focus. No prior yoga experience is needed! Sessions led by Paula Rocca from Body Positive Works and Nature Together.
Paula Rocca: As Nature Together’s Children’s Yoga Director, Paula Rocca brings a unique balance of educational expertise, yoga wisdom, and maternal insight to every mindful movement session.  A certified children’s yoga instructor with advanced degrees in education, she seamlessly blends developmental knowledge with mindfulness practices to create engaging, nurturing experiences for children and families.
Grades: K - 5
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Center for Mind Body Balance
Course Description: NASA and Mad Science collaborate to educate the next generation! Children go on a voyage of discovery with unique hands-on activities, and amazing demonstrations that explore the sun and stars, space technology, rocket science, the atmosphere, planets and moons, and more!
Grades: 1 - 6
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Dr. DNA
Homework Club is designed for students in grades 5 through 8 who benefit from guided support and structured time to complete their assignments. This program provides a quiet, supervised environment where students can begin homework tasks, ask clarifying questions, and receive general guidance while building accountability for their work. Homework Club is not intended to replace one to one tutoring or specialized academic intervention, but rather to support students as they stay on track and complete their daily assignments.
Grades: 5 - 8
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: SRDS Teachers
Little Medical School PreK-3 - Kindergarten
Music Together - Grades Pre-K 3-Kindergarten
Games & Sports with Field Day Parties Grades - 1-4
Chess Grades - K-4
Chess Grades 5-12
Course Description: Our youngest future doctors will use a real stethoscope and other medical instruments, learn how muscles and nerves work together, cast a broken bone, and properly scrub their hands before surgery.
Grades: PreK-3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: TGA Sports
Did you know that all children are musical? Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child? MUSIC TOGETHER classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement with weekly classes full of fun musical activities including rhythm games, tonal games, lots of instrument play, and both small and large movement. Plus, your child will receive a CD, songbook, digital access code, and bonus activities so the musical fun can continue all week long! It’s the perfect way to deepen your little one’s music education.
Grades: Pre-K 3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Alyson Cohn
Course Description: Get ready for high energy movement and organized fun!  In this Games & Sports program powered by Field Day Parties, students participate in tag variations, cooperative challenges, creative movement and parachute games that build teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship in a structured environment.  The program is designed by a state certified PE teacher and delivered by trained Field Day Parties instructors experienced in leading safe, organized physical activities.  Please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle.  Learn more about Field Day Parties at
www.FieldDayParties.com
Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Carlos Ramirez
Course Description: Our classes will be taught by US National Expert Nelson Dunn.  Nelson has led the Dalton School to several national chess championships. Our hope is to develop a rich chess culture and an outlet for our students to play recreationally or even competitively. We hope chess teaches you to carefully plan and execute your moves, develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, and deepen friendships!
Grades: K - 4
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:30
Instructor: Nelson Dunn
Course Description: Our classes will be taught by US National Expert Nelson Dunn.  Nelson has led the Dalton School to several national chess championships. Our hope is to develop a rich chess culture and an outlet for our students to play recreationally or even competitively. We hope chess teaches you to carefully plan and execute your moves, develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, and deepen friendships!
Grades: 5-12
Day and Time: Wednesday 4:30-5:20
Instructor: Nelson Dunn
Critters and CLAY with Abrakadoodle - Grades Pre-K 3-Kindergarten
Games & Sports with Field Day Parties - Grades PreK3 - Kindergarten
Mandarin - Grades K-4
LEGO Engineers - Grades 4-8
Homework Club - Grades 5-8
Course Description: Buzzzz into spring art with Abrakadoodle! Paint beautiful butterfly and garden scenes, collage and mold with clay to design bug habitats, and more ! You will use tempera paints, watercolors and clay for amazing mixed media masterpieces. A new project/ technique is introduced at each class.
Grades: PreK3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Krista Roberts
Course Description: Get ready for high energy movement and organized fun!  In this Games & Sports program powered by Field Day Parties, students participate in tag variations, cooperative challenges, creative movement and parachute games that build teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship in a structured environment.  The program is designed by a state certified PE teacher and delivered by trained Field Day Parties instructors experienced in leading safe, organized physical activities.  Please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle.  Learn more about Field Day Parties at
www.FieldDayParties.com
Grades: PreK-3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Wednesday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Carlos Ramirez
Course Description: This engaging introductory course invites young learners to explore the Mandarin language through songs, stories, games, and hands-on activities. Students will learn basic vocabulary, simple phrases, numbers, colors, and greetings while gaining an appreciation for Chinese culture. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new!
Grades: K - 4
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Cathy Mao
Course Description: BRIXOLOGY sets the foundation for our next generation of makers! Kids learn about different types of engineering and then team up to construct a different engineering-themed project using LEGO® bricks. They learn about aerospace engineering while assembling a space station. They explore mechanical engineering as they build boats and vehicles. That’s not all, from carnival rides to drawing machines, mechanical animals to truss bridges; your future engineer will build upon their creativity to solve real-world design challenges, while developing their problem-solving and team-building skills.
Grades: 4 - 8
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Mad Science NJ
Homework Club is designed for students in grades 5 through 8 who benefit from guided support and structured time to complete their assignments. This program provides a quiet, supervised environment where students can begin homework tasks, ask clarifying questions, and receive general guidance while building accountability for their work. Homework Club is not intended to replace one to one tutoring or specialized academic intervention, but rather to support students as they stay on track and complete their daily assignments.
Grades: 5 - 8
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: SRDS Teachers
Dinosaurs Rock - PreK-3 - Kindergarten
Culinary Creations - Grades Pre-K 3-Kindergarten
Code in Motion - Grades 1 - 4
Creative Cooks Grades 1-8 *maximum of 20 students
Course Description: Join us for a Jurassic journey with hands-on activities galore -- by the end of this fascinating 10 week class, you'll have a giant collection of fossils and minerals and other crafts! Super interactive experience - see and touch life-size and genuine Museum exhibit pieces up-close!  Learn from a DINOSAUR ROCK expert! Weekly hands-on activities...Excavate REAL fossils and minerals to keep!  Polish REAL rough amber in search of insect and plant inclusions ... to keep! Make a Fossil Shark tooth necklace.  Open a Crystal-Filled Geode...and more! Fun & Educational! As seen at the Bronx Zoo and hundreds of  area schools.
Grades: PreK3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Bradley Chernoff
Course Description: Are you ready for Culinary Creations? Each week students will be taught by a HealthBarn USA educator who transforms you into an expert taste tester! You will be preparing a hands-on, delicious recipe each week and learning how to make good food choices for a strong body, healthy mind. Recipes and tastings include the Rainbow Swirly Smoothie, Super Salad Bar with salad dressing creations, cake pops and more! All ingredients are organic, natural, nut-free foods and we accommodate for allergies. HealthBarn USA is the leader in proven, hands-on healthy-lifestyle education for children and families. The unique curriculum emphasizes the importance of where food comes from and why eating fresh is best for a happy and healthy life.
Grades: Pre-K3 - Kindergarten
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: HealthBarn USA Educator
Course Description: Unruly Splats transforms coding into an active, engaging experience where kids stomp, jump, and play their way to learning essential STEM skills. By combining movement and technology, this program boosts problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork while sharpening focus and academic performance.
Grades: 1 - 4
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:30
Instructor: Mad Science NJ
Course Description: We are thrilled to welcome Chef Angie back to our Coaching Academy lineup! She has been a judge on “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen”, and is ready to teach your little chef how to slice, dice, and prepare delicious food!
About Chef Angie
Growing up in the Florida Gulf Coast town of Tarpon Springs, Angie and her five siblings were practically raised in the kitchen. Vegetables were homegrown, fish for dinner was freshly caught, and trips to the supermarket were a family affair. Chef Angie’s father instilled in his children a love for homegrown and home cooked meals at a very early age. The family garden was their hub, ripe with collard greens, grapes, mangoes, oranges and grapefruit. And everything was cultivated, picked and cooked by family hands. Working with fresh ingredients around the family kitchen inspired her love of creating traditional family meals. Angie is committed to bringing the spirit of home cooking to homes across America by creating unique dishes that use bold worldly flavors from spices such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Her inspiration for this technique is inspired by her travels from around the world.
https://creative-cooks.com/
Grades: 1 - 8
Day and Time: Friday 3:30-4:20
Instructor: Chef Angie
*ADJUSTED DATES - Class will not occur on 4/10, 5/8, and 5/15.
None at this time.
1-1 Tutoring with Brooke Braunstein Grades - K - 4 (FULL)
1-1 Tutoring with Kerri Casper - Grades K - 4 (FULL)
1-1 Tutoring with Erica Cohen - Pre-K 3 - Grade 6 (FULL)
1-1 Tutoring with Joe D'Amato Grades 5 - 12 (FULL)
1-1 Tutoring with Hannah Gandon Grades K - 12
1-1 Tutoring with Jessica Leigh Grades K - 12 (FULL)
1-1 Tutoring with Shelby McLaughlin Grades PreK-3 - 2
1-1 Tutoring with Linda Pearl - Grades K - 5 (FULL)
1-1 Tutoring with Sam Sims Grades 8 - 12
1-1 Tutoring with Dana Smith PreK-3 - Grade 4
1-1 Tutoring with Dr. Xiaoqin Su
1-1 Tutoring with Alyssa Tramutola Grades K - 2
1-1 Tutoring with Jessica Weinberger
Brooke Braunstein brings over 20 years of experience in education, working with a diverse range of students. She holds two Master's degrees, one in Early Education from Hunter College and the other in Counseling from Fordham University, as well as an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts. Aside from working as a Learning Specialist, she has also been a private tutor throughout her career, focusing on all academic subjects and executive functioning skills to meet the different learning needs of students successfully.
With seven years of dedicated teaching experience, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. My approach is rooted in differentiated instruction, tailoring content, process, and products to meet the diverse needs, readiness levels, and interests of my students. By employing a variety of instructional strategies, I ensure that all learners have equitable access to the curriculum and opportunities to succeed.
I integrate multisensory techniques into my teaching practices, recognizing the importance of engaging multiple senses—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile—in the learning process. This approach enhances memory retention and supports students with diverse learning preferences.
Through continuous professional development and a student-centered philosophy, I strive to create an atmosphere where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Grades: PreK3 - 6
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), Tuesday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), & Thursday 3:30-4:20 (FULL)
Does your child have difficulty with computation or other mathematical concepts? Could they use individualized support to boost their literacy skills? Would learning phonics skills in isolation help your child decode and encode multi-syllabic words? Does homework feel like a daunting task or a constant battle? 1-1 tutoring sessions can help boost your child’s confidence and overall academic performance!
This is my 11th year teaching and my 6th at SRDS! I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education as well as my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on mindfulness in schools. I have 4 teaching certifications in the state of New Jersey, and I am currently working towards my PhD in General Education with a specialization in student well-being. I have experience teaching executive functioning skills and general and special education students in grades K-8 in all core subjects. I received training in Touch Math and Orton Gillingham, multi-sensory learning programs.
My tutoring sessions are designed to foster your child’s maximum potential through an individualized approach. Both literacy and math skills can be taught through multi-sensory instruction while incorporating concrete and real-world examples. Each session will be personalized to meet the diverse needs of your child’s learning and tailored to their individual learning style.
I look forward to working with your child!
Grades: 5 - 12
Day and Time: Thursday 3:30-4:20
I’m Mr. D’Amato, a 7th grade science and high school forensics teacher. I offer tutoring for middle and high school students through the Coaching Academy every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:20 PM. While I specialize in biology, chemistry, and forensics, I’m happy to support students across a variety of subjects to help them build confidence and achieve academic success.
Grades: Kindergarten - 12th
Day and Time: Monday 3:30-4:20 (FULL), Tuesday 3:30-4:20, Wednesday 3:30-4:20, & Thursday 3:30-4:20
Hi! I’m Ms. Gandon, and I’m an educator and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping students build both confidence and strong academic skills. I am currently a student at New York University, where I am continuing to deepen my knowledge and grow as both a professional and mentor. I truly believe that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom, and I aim to model that lifelong-learning mindset for my students.
My academic background is diverse and interdisciplinary. I hold an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, an Associate’s degree in Wilderness Medicine, and I am in my final semester at NYU completing my Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Global Management. These experiences have strengthened my analytical thinking, adaptability, organization, and global perspective—skills I bring into every tutoring session.
Over the past 5+ years, I have worked with learners ranging in age from 2 to 55 in a variety of roles, including as water safety instructor and lifeguard, ceramics instructor, and International Programs Instructor. While I value working with students of all ages, I am especially passionate about supporting children and adolescents as they develop foundational skills and confidence that will shape their academic journeys.
I have experience supporting students across a wide range of abilities and learning styles. My goal is not only to help students improve their grades, but also to foster independence, resilience, and effective learning strategies they can carry with them long-term. I strive to create a patient, structured, and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and challenging themselves.
Grades / Subjects: Kindergarten-12th Reading, Writing, ELA
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:30-4:20
As students get older, more of their school day is focused on content than on reading or writing skills. This could leave gaps in a student's abilities that grow as the content gets more difficult. If your child is struggling with the reading or writing assigned in any of his or her classes, I can help! I am a middle school teacher, a former high school teacher, and a K-12 reading specialist. I can help your child make sense of their reading and assist them in developing the skills necessary to work with more challenging texts. Additionally, I can guide students through the writing process for class assignments or for personal growth in writing. Sessions are customized to focus on whichever skills you feel would be most beneficial for your child, or I can assess their reading and writing skills and create a tutoring plan based on that data.
Grades: PreK-3 - 2nd
Subjects: Reading, Writing, Math
Day and Time: Tuesday 3:10-4:00, Wednesday 3:10-4:00, & Thursday 3:10-4:00
I am a first grade teacher with 18 years of classroom experience and certifications in Early Childhood and Elementary Education in NY, NJ, and PA. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Penn State and my Masters degree in Literacy (Birth–6th grade), along with an Advanced Certificate in Gifted Education, from CUNY Hunter College. I especially love working with students in PreK through 2nd grade, as these years are critical for building strong foundational skills. Early literacy and math concepts set the stage for long-term academic success, and I am passionate about helping children develop those skills with confidence and joy.
I truly believe that when children feel confident, they thrive. My goal is to create a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and celebrating their growth. I keep sessions engaging and interactive by incorporating games, hands-on activities, and strategies tailored to each child’s learning style. I want children to leave each session not only stronger academically, but smiling and feeling good about themselves.
Grades: K - 5
Subjects: Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
Day and Time: Monday 3:10-4:00, Tuesday 3:10-4:00, Wednesday 3:10-4:00, Thursday 3:10-4:00, & Friday 3:10-4:00
If your child could benefit from some extra support in reading (phonics), vocabulary development and writing, then you have come to the right place.  I have 30 plus years of experience in N.Y. and N.J. as a Literacy Specialist, grades K-5. I hold a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, and certifications in Literacy, Special Education, and Teacher K-6.  I offer a balanced literacy program for tutoring with emphasis on phonics instruction (Orton-Gillingham trained), methods for learning reading comprehension strategies, and grade appropriate vocabulary development and spelling.  For instructional techniques, I will meet the children where they are academically, and tailor my curriculum by providing a multi-sensory program structured specifically for your child in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. My ultimate goal is to build your child’s stamina in reading improvement, while building essential reading skills, and addressing their sensitive confidence levels.
I look forward to enhancing your child’s learning experience in literacy at SRDS, and creating excellent readers and writers for our community.
I am a high school math teacher currently teaching Algebra 2. Unlike time in the classroom, individual tutoring allows me to adjust my pace to your child’s learning needs so I can focus directly on the specific skills or concepts causing difficulty and meet your child where they are. By identifying the exact skills a student is struggling with, I can target those skills efficiently and close gaps in understanding. My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and supportive, creating a comfortable learning environment for students who may feel anxious about math. In my experience, this focused, individualized approach often results in significant improvements in test performance and greater confidence in math. Many students also find that math becomes more interesting—and even fun.
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