Dexter Community Education

Kids have a natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore. At FIRST®, we understand the power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to inspire their innovative spirit and boost self-esteem. Project-based, hands-on FIRST programs introduce students to engineering and coding in an engaging, inclusive, and creative learning environment in schools and local communities. Participants work collaboratively to solve an annual, themed robotics challenge. FIRST is More Than Robots®. Our PreK-12 programs are designed to help all young people develop creative problem-solving, leadership, and communications skills. Supported by a network of mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, parents, and alumni in over 100 countries, the FIRST experience gives participants lasting inspiration and confidence to build a better future for themselves and their communities. FALL 2025 THEME: UNEARTHED Every artifact we uncover holds a story. Each tool, each innovation, each work of art connects us to the people and ideas that came before us. Using STEM skills and teamwork, today we can dig deeper into discoveries than ever before. Welcome to FIRST® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm, our 2025-2026 robotics season inspired by archaeology. What will you uncover? Join us for an experience for the ages. EXPLORE (grades K-3): In Explore, teams of students focus on the fundamentals of engineering as they explore real-world problems, learn to design, and code and create unique solutions made with LEGO bricks and powered by LEGO® Education SPIKETM Essential or WeDo 2.0. CHALLENGE (grades 4-6): Friendly competition is at the heart of Challenge, as teams of students engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering - building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. Each team requires two adult volunteer coaches. The maximum number of participants per team is six. When the first team fills, additional students will join a waitlist, and a new team will be formed with the next six students and two coaches. Experience with robotics or programming is not necessary; the emphasis is on organizing, managing weekly meetings, and keeping students focused on the project. Teams meet once a week, typically in the evening; practice time is dependent on the coaches' availability. Parents will be asked if they're interested in helping during the registration process, and children of volunteers are guaranteed spots on the team. For questions about coaching, please contact Rose Jerome, at jeromer@dexterschools.org or 734-424-4180.

Develop your child's intellect through the royal game of chess! Current research has shown a strong link between chess and academic performance in a variety of areas, including mathematics and language arts. Chess has been proven to enhance children's motivation, concentration, focus, social skills, and creativity. Each day will consist of a fun, interactive teaching period and guided practice time. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome and will learn under the guidance of an experienced Chess Scholars coach. Note: Our after-school classes held in school buildings are open to all students. Please note that students will need to navigate to other buildings on their own if their class is not in their home building.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” - Albert Einstein The Creative Writing Club, brought to you by Afterschool Enrichment Solutions, is designed to ignite the imaginations of young writers, foster their love for language, and cultivate their creative expression. Through exploration of classic literature, inspiring writing exercises, creative language games and collaboration, students will explore different genres, learn and practice grammatical concepts, develop their writing skills, and build confidence in their ability to communicate effectively. Note: Our after-school classes held in school buildings are open to all students. Please note that students will need to navigate to other buildings on their own if their class is not in their home building.

Let’s make this back-to-school season a masterpiece! Young Rembrandts’ drawing lessons will ignite your child’s creativity and sharpen their artistic skills. We’ll tackle creative projects like a detailed gumball machine, a mouthwatering sandwich, and a dazzling Egyptian headdress that’ll whisk your artist back in time. A fall-themed illustration will introduce them to warm and cool color theory. With every lesson, your child will enhance their art skills, strategic thinking and problem- and self-expression. Creativity is calling—sign up now! Note: Our after-school classes held in school buildings are open to all students. Please note that students will need to navigate to other buildings on their own if their class is not in their home building.