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 |
| Tuesdays, August 30 through November 4 Our Environment Enjoy learning about our environment and ecosystems. Spend time outside with hands on activities and discover how to protect our environment for the future. Provided by: Annalise Weidmann, GWMS Teacher & Jay Moore, University of Dubuque Student |
| 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 |
| September 24,30 October 8,15,22,27 & November 5(excluding non-school and conference dates) MathCounts This session is designed to prepare students to compete in the local chapter of MathCounts. MathCounts is a national middle school mathematics competition that builds problem-solving skills and fosters achievement through four levels of contests. Students will work on challenging problems of various levels, work on explaining their reasoning, and collaborate with peers to form our school MathCounts team. 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 19 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 |
| October 20 Creating A Character Students will explore movement and vocal techniques to create a character totally unlike yourself! A whole new you will emerge through fun games and some props and costumes too! Be ready to move and participate! Provided by: Rising Star Theatre Company |
| October 20,22 and 27 Intramural Games Intramural Games grants you the opportunity to practice good sportsmanship playing a variety of games while building community across all grade levels. 10/20 – Grade 6/7/8; 6 base kickball; Will do house 1 versus house 2 10/22 – Grade 6/7/8; Normal kickball; Will do house 1 versus house 2 10/27 – Grade 6/7/8; Dodgeball Provided by: Marcella Bruns. GWMS Staff |
| 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 |
| November 10 Theatre Fun & Games Students will show off their vocal and movement skills in a series of fun theatre related games! Be ready to move and participate in this fast-paced session guaranteed to sharpen your acting skills and keep you smiling! Provided by: Rising Star Theatre Company |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.