New afterschool program launches at Rigby Middle School

At most schools students can’t wait to bolt out the double doors when the bell rings, but at Rigby Middle School that’s changing with a new afterschool program.

The Rigby Recreational Routes program launched Monday, and it’s already a hit. The program offers several 6-week course for $20-$25 each. Courses include fly casting, fly-tying, lego robot making, and even foreign languages like Russian, German and French.

First-year teacher Riley Kurtz helped mold the program. He teaches intro to guitar, Russian and entrepreneurship.

“We were thinking what if this thing flops, what if nobody signs up for it?” said Kurtz. “We are honestly amazed by the buzz that exists in the school.”

He hopes the program will give kids a place to stay after school, and also explore different topics.

“A lot of times school kind of forces learning on the children, but we wanted to give the kids an opportunity to choose the class that would interest them.”

Principal Sherry Simmons credits the enthusiasm of her teachers.

“There’s such a variety and the teachers have such talents,” said Simmons. “So, it’s just great for them to share them with the kids.”

Alexandra Monson, an english teacher, is offering a zumba course.

“I remember having just so much fun doing zumba in college, so I figured I’d do that,” said Monson.

Math teacher David Crasper offer’s a lip-synching course called “Be a Star.” He said the courses are a great opportunity for both students and teachers.

“They think all we do is school stuff,” said Crasper. “You know, I don’t sit at home and do math for fun, so it gives us an opportunity to show that side of us too.”

The courses are actually available to any student 10-18 years old, regardless of district. In the future, Rigby Middle School might even make the courses available to the community.

If you’d like to take a look at the courses you can find them at: rm.jeffersonsd251.org/rcubed