WINTER PROGRAMS ARE IN SESSION THROUGH FEBRUARY 20TH

Spring Session registration will open Friday, February 6th.

MVU - Beyond the Bell - Program Descriptions

Spring Session 2026 - March 9 to June 5 for Grades 7-12

Interested in Teen Leadership and Future-Readiness? 

Check out our teen leadership offerings!

MONDAYS 

Afternoon Beginners Yoga: Feeling cooped up, and want to get up and stretch? Join us for our beginners yoga group that meets on Mondays. This will be inside, so we will run rain or shine!

Between the Lines: Come hang out in the library and outside (weather permitting) for this ‘choose your own cozy adventure’ program. Here, you have the opportunity to do various activities that are both interesting and relaxing. From watching movies to coloring, and logic puzzles, individual reading and even starting a book club; this program is designed to be flexible to your interests and needs.

Magic: The Gathering: Looking for a community of Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts? Join our Magic the Gathering club! We'll meet after school to discuss strategies, compete in tournaments and build your understanding of magic. No matter your level of experience, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

Outdoor Games: Ms. Julie is teaming up with one of our seasoned teen leaders to get outside and move for our more active students! On nice days, the group will go outside and participate in a variety of outdoor games and activities (gaga ball, volleyball, kickball, corn hole, etc.)

Refuel and Ride: Designed for participants in sports, musical or other events that keep you after school, this club offers a post-school snack and convenient transportation home for those whose activities or practices have concluded. Stay energized and worry-free as you balance academics, extracurriculars and athletics. *Students must check in to A-14 after school, and meet Site Coordinator in the lobby by 4:20pm for Franklin bussing and 4:45pm for Swanton and Highgate bussing.* 

TUESDAYS

Chess Club (Located offsite @ Northwest Access TV): Join the team at Northwest Access Television to join MVU’s Chess Club. From beginner to expert, make your way over to the studio in St. Albans to learn the art of chess, and compete in matches around the country. 3:00-5:00 (no transportation available)

Dungeons and Dragons:  Calling D&D enthusiasts of all skill levels! Embark on an epic adventure led by a fellow student! This class offers a unique opportunity to learn and explore the world of D&D under the guidance of a passionate and creative peer. Join forces with other aspiring adventurers to create unforgettable memories and shape the course of your own campaign.

Granny Club: Do you want to learn how to make your own clothes, blankets, and other projects? Join us for Granny club where we will learn the art of crochet, knit and embroidery. The goal is to make amazing handmade projects you can take home!

Homesteading: Join Ms. Krystal for this amazing opportunity to get back to our roots (literally). Students in this group will roll up their sleeves and reconnect with the land through hands-on learning. Students will learn the ins and outs of gardening, using freshly grown produce, nature-based crafts, and sustainability practices that will leave students feeling empowered and connected to the world around them. Partnered with MVU’s Creative Kitchen, students will plan, cultivate, and harvest produce from a shared garden. Must attend Tuesday and Thursday

Refuel and Ride: See description above

Thunderbird Strength and Fitness: Get ready to sweat it out, feel the adrenaline, and enjoy an invigorating workout that not only challenges your body but also sharpens your mind. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just beginning your health journey, Thunderbird Strength and Fitness is here to help you reach your full potential. Elevate your strength, expand your fitness knowledge, and experience the thrill of achieving a healthier, stronger you in the MVU Weight Room!

WEDNESDAYS

BTB esports Club: Do you love all things esports, but don’t want to join a competitive league? Join us right here at MVU on Wednesdays for Super Smash Bros Ultimate matches, Mario Kart, and more!

esports: Super Smash Bros (Onsite MVU Team): Returning team members only. Runs from school dismissal to 5:30 pm. No bus transportation available. Returning members will automatically be placed in this program for Spring. A new class selection form only needs to be filled out if registering for other programs.

Homework Help/Movie Watching Club: Need help with your homework at times, but also have a love for movies? From the classics to new releases, this club will take a deep dive into the greats, while offering a space and support for academic needs. 

Refuel and Ride: See description above.

Youth Council (Up for Learning): Make a difference in your community! You know what teens in our area want and need. Come help plan, collaborate and develop project ideas that would benefit local youth. Develop skills in civic responsibility, leadership, advocacy, core citizenship both inside and out of school, and more. 

THURSDAYS

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dive deep into the magical and mystical world of the Feywild in this custom D&D adventure with an experienced Dungeon Master at the helm and guiding you. This class offers a guided exploration of the game's mechanics, lore, and strategic gameplay. Learn from a seasoned pro as you navigate challenging encounters, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover hidden secrets that the creatures of this world are hiding from you.. Please note this specific course of D&D is designed for players who have proven to have foundational knowledge already of the game shown in Winter’s Intro to D&D. Students will know if they qualify for this particular program by the end of Winter session. 8 spots available

esports: Rocket League (Located off site at Northwest Access TV): Get ready to power up your gaming prowess! Join our high-octane esports team geared up for epic showdowns in Rocket League against schools statewide. Students will learn the fundamentals of Rocket League and compete amongst one another and other schools. This is held virtually and in St. Albans at Northwest Access TV NOT at MVU. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this thrilling gaming experience! 3:00-5:00 (no transportation available)

Homesteading: Join Ms. Krystal for this amazing opportunity to get back to our roots (literally). Students in this group will roll up their sleeves and reconnect with the land through hands-on learning. Students will learn the ins and outs of gardening, using freshly grown produce, nature-based crafts, and sustainability practices that will leave students feeling empowered and connected to the world around them. Partnered with MVU’s Creative Kitchen, students will plan, cultivate, and harvest produce from a shared garden. Must attend Tuesday and Thursday

Paranormal Investigators (Located offsite @ Swanton Recreational Center) This unique group combines scientific curiosity with local history and investigative techniques, as participants dive into the world of paranormal phenomena, myths, and legends. Guided by mentors and guest experts, participants will learn how to use investigative tools, research techniques, and critical thinking to analyze unexplained occurrences. (5:30-6:30pm every other week)

Refuel and Ride: see description above

Thunderbird Strength and Fitness: Get ready to sweat it out, feel the adrenaline, and enjoy an invigorating workout that not only challenges your body but also sharpens your mind. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just beginning your health journey, Thunderbird Strength and Fitness is here to help you reach your full potential. Elevate your strength, expand your fitness knowledge, and experience the thrill of achieving a healthier, stronger you in the MVU Weight Room! On Thursdays,  students have the ability to choose to be in the weight room, or open gym. Play basketball, spikeball, indoor soccer or other fun indoor sports in the MVU gym.

Virtual World Masters: Agents of Influence & Minecraft: Do you have a knack, or love for all things video games? Do you want to help lead the way to helping other students around the country learn real life skills through video games? If so, join us for this amazing opportunity! Partnered with an organization out of Stanford University, Agents of Influence is an educational video game our students are helping beta test in real time. Your opinion MATTERS and impacts videogame development in real time. Students in this program will also get time to develop and create extensive worlds of their own within Minecraft.

CATALYST: Need help navigating the job market? MVU’s Career Center is your one-stop shop for advice on resumes, cover letters, and college applications. Drop in any day after school to pick up resume templates and local job applications, or stop by Thursdays to ask questions, attend resume building workshops, job application workshops and mock interviews. Once a month we will host guest speakers from various professions to speak with students about their career, and journey to get there. This is a drop in program, no sign up required.

FRIDAYS

esports: Super Smash Bros (Onsite MVU Team): Returning team members only. Runs from school dismissal to 4:00 pm. No bus transportation available. Returning members will automatically be placed in this program for Spring. A new class selection form only needs to be filled out if registering for other programs

Fridays at the Rec: Join us every Friday at the Swanton Recreation Center for a fun-filled afternoon! Beyond the Bell has partnered with the Swanton Recreation Center to create a welcoming space for teens to hang out and explore their interests. (3:30-5:00)

Swanton Library: Teen Makerspace: Students will meet at Swanton Library to engage in the makerspace where they can use their skills, learn new ones and create crafts and other products.

Jr. Iron Chef - Saturdays @Swanton Rec

The Jr. Iron Chef team from Winter Session will meet on Saturdays  2/28 & 3/7 to finish prepping for the March 14th competition. 

Watch for communications from your coaches and Site Coordinator!

FAQs

• “When/where should my student meet for the bus for refuel and ride?” 

  • Your student should first check in to A-14 after the bell rings at 2:35 to ensure Beyond the Bell staff know they are taking the bus that day. Students should meet BTB staff in the front lobby @ 4:20 for Franklin bussing, and 4:45 at the latest for Swanton and Highgate bussing. 

• “Is there transportation to offsite programs?” 

  • That depends. For programs located at Northwest Access T.V. in St. Albans, there is no transportation available. For programs at Swanton Recreational Center, Swanton Elementary School, and the Swanton Public Library, parents can arrange for their student to take the Swanton bus. However, there is no transportation home from these programs. 

• “What do I do if my student plays sports and their attendance will be spotty?” 

  • Please reach out to Taylor AlKassir to arrange for alternative scheduling- students no longer need to join a specific class during refuel and ride, and can have free time in A-14 until their practice/ class. 

• “Why are there tryouts for esports, and how does this work?” 

  • Esports is a new team Beyond the Bell is hosting in conjunction with the MVU Athletics Department. Esports is a nationally recognized sport with significant interest and is very competitive. Therefore, space is limited for teams. Students who register for esports should know that this registration is contingent upon making it through the tryout process. Please note MVU esports will be running varsity and junior varsity teams for the spring season. Spring season of esports is 

• “Why are there only 8 spots for Advanced D&D?”

  • This section of D&D is an advanced class, meaning that all students accepted must be proficient in D&D and have the foundational skills to play through the game. The small class size allows players to be able to focus on the story line. There is a larger section of D&D for all skill levels available on Tuesdays. 

• “I have more questions or concerns, who do I contact?” 

  • You can reach out to Beyond the Bell’s Site Coordinator, Taylor AlKassir @mvu.afterschool@mvsdschools.org or call 802-868-0507.