KIS Elementary ASA Program Inspires

January 2026

Rich Lunardo has coordinated the elementary afterschool activities program since 2019. Below you'll learn more about how the program is intentionally designed to inspire student growth and build community.

Activities and athletics are an important part of the KIS experience. Across divisions we offer over 70 afterschool activities and 33 competitive athletics teams. Our middle and high school co-curricular programs benefit from the energy created by the elementary afterschool activities (ASA). 

Elementary ASAs are all about trying something new. The rotation of activities each season gives students multiple opportunities to discover passions. When Rich Lunardo began coordinating the elementary ASA program in 2019 he saw the potential to expand to better serve the many interests of our student community. The program had long offered sports jamborees, outdoor play, and creative workshops. Mr. Lunardo wondered what else students might like to try. 

As a PE teacher, Mr. Lunardo believes movement is important to our health and well-being. He believes developing the mind is also important to our health and well-being. Watching his own kids grow up keeps him thinking about the unique needs of each developmental stage – he brings this understanding to the ASA program by scaffolding activities that build physical, mental, and social-emotional skills. There are eight ASA categories including STEM and performing arts. 

ASAs create points of connection that build community. Teachers and other staff curate activities that reflect our mission to inspire students. The chance for teachers and students to work together after school benefits their school day relationships too. Sometimes a classroom conversation sparks the idea for a new ASA. Mr. Lunardo appreciates feedback – listening to students improves the ASA program.
 
This school year Mr. Lunardo reimagined the sports selection process for students. He realized that a tryout atmosphere could discourage new athletes from participating so instead of single-team tryouts, students interested in athletics join a multisport jamboree that lets everyone try different sports before season signup. The process is fun and builds confidence and teamwork before the first practice.

In recent years, KIS also started partnering with outside vendors to provide sports – like ice hockey, rock climbing, volleyball, and tchoukball – and activities including flute, violin, choir, and debate. When Mr. Lunardo thinks about what can come next for the program he feels confident that future growth will continue to benefit the KIS community. Elementary ASAs serve our elementary students now by building their skills and character. But ASAs also provide experiences that inspire our elementary students to keep performing, creating, competing, and challenging themselves in middle and high school.