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Macquarrie teacher showcases 'Brain Builders' club to ODESSA R‑VII board
Summary
Jessica Bass, a current kindergarten teacher at Macquarrie Elementary, described the Brain Builders after‑school club that uses cross‑body movements and stations to support focus and coordination for about 18 early‑elementary students. The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays and staff hope to continue next year.
At the May meeting the board heard a demonstration of a new after‑school program at Macquarrie Elementary called Brain Builders. Mr. Armstrong introduced Jessica Bass, identified as a current kindergarten teacher and next year a Parents as Teachers educator, who described how the club adapted a larger occupational‑therapy program for small‑group after‑school use.
Bass said she modeled the club on a program called Function Junction and "had the idea to bring it to club and do a very small version of that." The club includes a snack and hydration at the start, brief "brain gym" activities (for example, "brain buttons" and cross‑crawls), and three stations with balance boards, whiteboard dual‑marker tasks and large‑motor hallway activities such as crab walks and bear crawls. The club served about 18 students in two separate sessions (Tuesdays and Thursdays) this year and typically lasts about an hour, including snack and activities.
Board members thanked the students who briefly demonstrated exercises and encouraged Bass to continue the program next year if scheduling permits. The board acknowledged the value of activities that support gross‑motor development and attention for early learners.
Next steps: no formal action was required; the board expressed appreciation and noted the program as a positive instructional supplement.
