Category Archives: Extracurricular

August 26, 2026 · 9:52 am

A Fall Worthy of a Standing Ovation at Encore Stage & Studio!

Fall is almost here, and Encore Stage & Studio is ready to welcome families back for a season filled with creativity, confidence, new friendships, and plenty of theatrical fun! From trying out a class to auditioning for a holiday production, enjoying a Parents’ Night Out, or spending a school break on stage, there are lots of ways for kids to find their spotlight this fall.

Here’s what’s coming up at Encore…

Try Something New at Encore’s Fall Open House
September 12 | 10–11am
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale | 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA

Curious about theatre? Encore’s Fall Open House is the perfect chance to step inside, meet the teaching artists, and get a taste of what they have planned for the new season!

Families can explore Encore programs and kids can participate in fun sampler activities designed for young performers from preschool through 8th grade. Whether your child is already a theatre kid or is just beginning to discover their creative side, this is a great way to experience “Theatre by Kids, for Kids.” Fall classes begin September 19. Class titles include Broadway Junior Stars, Saturday on Stage, and our newest class: Set Design for Grades 6-8. No previous theatre experience required!

Get Ready to Audition for Madeline’s Christmas
Preaudition Workshop: September 12 | 11am-1pm
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale | Fee: $80
Auditions: September 15, 5:30pm-8:30pm | No fee to audition

“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines…” The holidays are coming to the Encore stage with Madeline’s Christmas, and young performers can be part of the magic!

Before auditions, students can join Encore’s Pre-Audition Workshop to practice audition skills, build confidence, and learn more about what to expect when they step into the audition room.

Then it’s time to take the stage! Auditions for Madeline’s Christmas are September 15. This charming holiday production will bring Madeline, Miss Clavel, and the beloved girls of the old house in Paris to life this November and December.

NEW! Parents’ Night Out
Friday, September 25 | 6-9pm
Location: Encore @ Cherrydale

Parents, this one is for you! Encore is launching its first-ever Parents’ Night Out this fall. Drop off your K–5th grader for an evening of supervised, theatre-inspired fun. Kids will spend the evening playing games, making crafts, moving, storytelling, creating, and using their imaginations with Encore’s teaching artists. It’s a night out for grown-ups and a night of fun for kids. And September 25 is only the beginning, with more themed Parents’ Night Out events planned throughout the season.

Make Encore Part of Your Family’s Fall: Flex Passes are now $99!

Enjoy up to 50% in savings for the 2026/2027 season with Encore’s Flex Pass! Encore kicks off its season with Hansel and Gretel on October 16-25. Tickets are $13-16. The Flex pass is only $99 for a bank of 10 tickets. Become a flex pass holder today!

At Encore Stage & Studio, they believe theatre is about much more than putting on a show. It’s a place for young people to take creative risks, discover what they can do, make meaningful connections, and have a whole lot of fun along the way. So grab your calendar, gather your young performers, and get ready for a fall worthy of a standing ovation!

Visit encorestage.org to learn more about fall classes, auditions, camps, Parents’ Night Out, performances, and upcoming events.

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This post is sponsored by Encore Stage & Studio, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.

Enter to Win a Fall Season of Rowing with TBC Racing ($1,200 Value)!

Looking for a new sport for your middle schooler? Here’s their chance to get out on the Potomac and discover rowing!

TBC Racing is giving away one full registration to its Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing program — a $1,200 value!

The DC-based nonprofit rowing club serves middle and high school athletes throughout the region. Their programs give young athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves, become part of a team, and experience DC from an entirely different perspective — from the water. Designed for kids ages 12+ with little or no previous rowing experience, Discover Rowing introduces athletes to the fundamentals of the sport while building fitness, confidence, teamwork, and new friendships.

Over the eight-week season, athletes will learn the basics of the rowing stroke, boat handling, water safety, and how to work together as a crew — all while training on the Potomac River in the heart of DC. The season wraps up with an opportunity to put those new skills to work and race in the Tail of the Potomac regatta on October 31!

The Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing program runs from September 7 to October 31. Practices are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-6:30pm, at Thompson’s Boat Center in Georgetown. An indoor training facility at the Watergate is available when weather prevents rowing outdoors.

Visit the TBC Racing website for more information and registration. And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a full Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing season and give your child the opportunity to discover their new favorite sport!

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GIVEAWAY! For a chance to win one full registration to the TBC Racing Fall 2026 Middle School Discover Rowing program ($1,200 value), simply leave a comment below telling me the activity your family is looking forward to most this fall. This giveaway will run through August 31, 2026, then a winner will be picked at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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This giveaway is sponsored by TBC Racing, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.

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Filed under 2026, Class, DC, Extracurricular, Fall, Middle Schoolers, Sports, Tweens

Tagged as After School Rowing Program, Extracurricular Activities for Middle School Kids, Kids Learn to Row, Rowing Program Near Me, Rowing Programs in DC, Sports Programs for Kids in DC, Sports Programs for Kids Near Me, TBC Racing

August 17, 2026 · 9:15 am

International School of Music: Lessons in All Instruments & GIVEAWAY!

🎵 Give Your Child Something They’ll LOVE this School Year…
Music Lessons that Build Confidence, Creativity, & Skills for Life!

Looking for an after-school activity your child will be excited to attend each week?

Imagine your child discovering a lifelong passion while building confidence, focus, discipline, creativity, and self-esteem — all while having fun learning the music they love. That’s exactly what families have experienced at the International School of Music for more than 20 years.

Their voted best award-winning faculty creates personalized lessons based on each student’s age, interests, personality, and goals, so every child enjoys learning and progresses at their own pace. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already plays an instrument, the staff will help them succeed!

🎒 Back-to-School Special — Only $39 (A $124 Value!)

Claim Your Back-to-School Special by September 15th and Receive:
✅ Your First Private Music Lesson with one of their voted best faculty
✅ FREE Registration that includes recitals, Musical Ladder & more!
✅ Exclusive ISM Tote Bag with tons of musical gifts!

All for Just $39!

Why Thousands of Families Choose ISM
✔ Award-winning, caring, and experienced instructors
✔ Personalized lessons that inspire students to love learning
✔ Simultaneous sibling scheduling options with in-person and online
✔ Exciting performance opportunities throughout the year
✔ Over 20 years serving Montgomery County families
✔ Musical Ladder® achievement program that keeps students motivated with fun rewards and recognition

From their popular Early Childhood Music Program for toddlers and preschoolers to private lessons for children, teens, and adults, ISM offers instruction in:
🎹 Piano • 🎤 Voice • 🎸 Guitar • 🥁 Drums • 🎻 Violin • Viola • Cello • 🎷 Saxophone • 🎺 Trumpet • Clarinet • Flute • Trombone • Bass • Ukulele • and more!

⏰ Don’t Wait—Their Most Popular Lesson Times Fill Quickly!

Back-to-school is their busiest enrollment season, and afternoon/evening lesson times are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This special $39 offer ends September 15th.
Call/Text for more info: 301.396.7497
👉 Claim Your $39 Back-to-School Special HERE

Give your child more than music lessons. Give them confidence… creativity… discipline… friendships… and a skill they’ll enjoy for the rest of their life.

Here’s What One Parent Had to Say…
“If you live in the DC area, this is one of the most innovative and caring music schools on the East Coast. Best faculty (graduates from Johns Hopkins, Juilliard, NYU, etc.) with top performance opportunities. Truly a gem!”
– Amanda K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thousands of students have discovered the joy of music at ISM, and they’d love to help your child become their next success story.

ISM North: 11325 Seven Locks Rd. #255, Potomac, MD 20854
Tel: 301.365.5888 | administration@ismw.org
ISM South: 4701 Sangamore Rd. LL-03, Bethesda MD 20816
Tel: 301.320.4400 | http://www.ismw.org

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GIVEAWAY! Three KFDC readers can win a Music Lesson, FREE Registration, a Music Tote, notebook & more (package valued $124) at the International School of Music. Want a chance to win to study with their voted-best teachers? Simply leave a comment below with the instrument your child would love to play. Contest is open to new students only. This giveaway will run through August 30, 2026, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

For more information about International School of Music and their programs and performances, visit the website.

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This giveaway is sponsored by International School of Music, however, I only promote programs, places, and businesses that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.