I saw how passionate our students were about gaming and wanted to create a safe, structured space for them to connect, compete and grow as a team.”

Arien Ragsdale | Arizona Charter Academy science teacher

Arizona Charter Academy’s middle school students now have additional opportunities to become engaged in school and take part in afterschool activities thanks to three new clubs.

One of them is the Hip-Hop Club, which was launched last year by fourth grade teacher Jada Henderson for students who enjoy dancing and choreography.

Henderson, who attended ACA from kindergarten up until her sophomore year, said she was inspired by her positive memories and experiences being in a similar club at ACA.

“When I was in middle school at ACA I started the hip-hop dance team on my own and took charge of organizing practice days and times, location and performances,” Henderson said. “I also did the choreography mostly by myself, with the help of some of the other team members. This is an experience I will always remember, as I am using that to this day. I have a strong passion for dance, so I wanted to share that with the students here now.”

Fifteen girls in sixth through eighth grade are currently on the hip-hop team, which meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. three days a week.

“We start with stretching and then we jump straight into choreography for any upcoming performances,” Henderson said, adding that some days the team works on learning new choreography, and other days they review video and perfect what they already learned. “They watch a past performance and reflect on how they did, or we watch other dance performances on YouTube to learn from real pros in the dance community.”

The Hip-Hip Club also performs at every Student of the Month assembly at ACA, which is held on the last Friday of every month.

Henderson said she is thrilled with the level of commitment and enthusiasm she sees from the students in the Hip-Hop Club.

“It’s rewarding,” said Mariah Malone, one of the students in the club.

“It helps me make new connections and friends,” Mia Maciel added.

ACA middle school students can also sign up for the new Esports Club and Dungeons and Dragons Club.

Arien Ragsdale, a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at ACA, will coach the clubs, both of which were inspired by his students.

“The Esports Club, which is open to sixth through eighth graders, is all about teamwork, strategy, and friendly competition in a digital arena,” he said.

“I saw how passionate our students were about gaming and wanted to create a safe, structured space for them to connect, compete and grow as a team.”

As Ragsdale noted, esports, which refers to competitive video games, can teach real-life skills like problem-solving under pressure and working with diverse teammates, while still letting students have fun.

“During meetings, students will participate in organized matches, develop their communication and collaboration skills and learn the importance of good sportsmanship,” Ragsdale said, adding that the Esports Club will meet twice a week after school.

After some of his students asked about a Dungeons and Dragons Club, Ragsdale decided to also form a club for seventh- and eighth-graders that is devoted to the role-playing game.

“I knew it could be a great way to build creativity, teamwork and communication skills. Plus, it gives students a chance to dive into a world they create together,” Ragsdale said. “Students can create their own characters, embark on epic quests and problem-solve their way through adventures.

The club meets every Wednesday, with each session a mix of storytelling, strategy and “just enough plot twists to keep everyone on the edge of their seats,” Ragsdale said.

ACA Executive Director Nicole Harris, who also oversees afterschool activities, said that by offering diverse programs like the three new clubs, the school is ensuring that every student can find a place to explore passions and develop skills.

“Hip-Hop is a great way for students to get involved and express themselves with movement from a wide range of styles of dance,” Harris said, adding that the esports club will give students the chance to build teamwork, sharpen strategy and explore the rapidly growing world of professional gaming — all within a supportive school environment.