LEAP Activities
LEAP programming at Washington Middle School is funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the Iowa Department of Education. Learn more at: www.dbqschools.org/leap
Washington LEAP activities are offered:
Monday through Friday afternoons
from 2:30-4 p.m.
Here are a few upcoming activities…
| Mondays through Fridays Homework Help Take advantage of the quiet space to complete homework, plus assistance is available for those challenging assignments. Provided by: GWMS Staff |
| September 23 October 2,6,14,29 & November 3 (excluding non-school and conference dates) Diamond Painting Diamond painting is a mix between cross stitch and paint by numbers. The tiny resin “diamonds” are applied to a pre-printed canvas design to create sparkling, vibrant pieces of mosaic-style art. This creative activity is relaxing and can be extremely addictive! Provided by: Karla Digmann, GWMS Teacher |
| Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning Monday, Sept 29 (excluding non-school and conference dates) Coloring and Relaxation This is the perfect way to chill out after a busy school day! Kids can grab their favorite coloring pages, use bright markers, crayons, or colored pencils, and let their imaginations run wild. With cozy vibes, calm music, and lots of creative fun, this activity gives everyone a chance to relax and recharge. Provided by: Annalise Weidemann, GWMS Teacher |
| Monday and Wednesdays October 6-22 & November 3-November 17 Drone Designers Join Drone Designers through the LEAP program, where you’ll learn how to perform alongside artists as diverse as Metallica, Drake, and Cirque du Soleil. How will you follow in the footsteps of groundbreaking drone designers? By combining the engineering design process with principles of aerodynamics to costume, choreograph, and code tiny aerial robots for creative performance. Use your imagination and problem-solving skills to explore exciting STEAM careers through the innovative ways drones are being used. Provided by: Ashley Johannsen & Katie Schramm, GWMS Teachers |
| Mondays through Thursdays, beginning Monday, October 20 through Thursday, March 19 (excluding non-school and conference dates) The Crafty Clubhouse Unleash your inner artist at our after-school arts and crafts club! Dive into a world of color and creativity where you’ll design dazzling bracelets, create mind-blowing paintings, and make your other crafty visions come to life! It’s the perfect place to make new friends, discover hidden talents, and turn your wildest ideas into reality! Provided by: Allyson Lukens, DSHS Teacher |
| Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday, November 11 through Tuesday, May 19 Foods Club Do you like trying new foods? Want to learn how to make various snacks/foods? Sing-up for Foods Club to test your skill at cooking/baking! Provided by: Kim Maro & Paige Hanson, GWMS Teachers |
| Wednesday, November 12th The PA is in!: Exploring the Physician Assistant’s Role in Providing Medical Care Grab your whitecoat and stethoscope and come explore the physician assistant (PA) career pathway with the University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program! This session will include hands-on activities where you will learn the roles and responsibilities of a PA first-hand by taking histories, using medical equipment to assess a patient and performing healthcare procedures. Planned activities include hands-on learning about the body’s organs, practicing wound suturing skills, reading chest x-rays, and splinting/wrapping an injury. Provided by: Sarah Perreault, Physician Assistant Studies; University of Dubuque |
| Thursday, November 13 Beary Cute Keychains Looking for a no-sew craft you can take anywhere? Create your very own mini teddy bear keychain with yarn. These little buddies are perfect for backpacks! Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
| Monday, November 17 Costumes, Props, & More Students will learn some fun facts about theatre costumes and props and try their hand at quick changes and shifting just like the pros! If you’re a backstage kid, this session is for you! Some fun theatre games will be added in the mix! Provided by: Rising Star Theatre Company |
| Tuesday, December 2 No-Sew Sock Penguins What do you get when you combine one fuzzy sock, some fluff, and a little imagination? The cutest winter penguin you’ve ever seen. Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
| Tuesday, January 13 Nature Journals Love nature and art? Combine those two things as we create a nature journal with anything and everything from the outdoors. Choose from natural materials and other crafting supplies such as stamps, pictures, and more to make your own journal to use in the future. Bring your creative side! Provided by: Taylor Schaefers, Naturalist, Dubuque County Conservation |
| Wednesday, January 14 Tin Foil Stain Glass Turn simple foil into shining masterpieces! Design your own “stained glass” art using aluminum foil, bold colors, and creative patterns. Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
| Wednesday, February 11 Mini Pom Pom Pets Cute, fuzzy, and totally customizable! Create mini pom pom critters using yarn, glue, and accessories. Whether it’s a fluffy animal, a silly monster, or something entirely new, these pets are perfect for keeping or gifting. Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
| Wednesday, March 11 DIY Bird Feeders Get crafty while helping our feathered friends! Build a simple bird feeder using everyday supplies. Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
| Tuesday, March 17 K-9 Unit The K9 officers will be giving a live demonstration of how police dogs work. We will also be happy to answer any police related questions that the kids have. Provided by: K9 Units, Dubuque Police Department |
| Thursday, April 16 Mini Zines Become authors, illustrators, and publishers all at once! Learn how to fold and fill a single sheet of paper into a mini zine. Perfect for comics, stories, art, or sharing your own ideas. Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
| Wednesday, May 13 Fingerprint Art Glass Magnets No two magnets will be alike! Using fingerprints, markers, and glass cabochons, you’ll make one-of-a-kind magnets. Provided by: Haidee Cordoso, Carnegie-Stout Library |
Students will meet in the cafeteria right after school. They’ll grab a free snack and head to the location of the LEAP activity.
Students will exit from the main entrance on Grandview Avenue when the program concludes at 4 p.m.
Complete the LEAP Parent Permission Form (PDF) and have your student return it to the attendance office. Students can’t participate without this form on file for 2025-2026.
Students will have the opportunity to sign-up for LEAP activities in their school’s attendance office as they are announced. Remember, it’s expected that students attend all sessions offered for each activity. Students will sign-in each day so we can keep participate records, but we won’t monitor daily attendance – so there is no need to let us know if for some reason your student can’t make it.
Students will be held to the same conduct standards as they are during the school day. Failure to follow established rules may result in loss of participation.
Contact the attendance office or guidance counselor.