O’Hara Foxes Club (OFC)

The O’Hara Foxes Club (OFC) is a series of after school enrichment activities coordinated by the O’Hara PTO. Please read the FAQs below before registering for a class!

Fall 2026 Classes:

  • Mahjong Mondays
  • Chess Club
  • Wonder Club
  • Garden Club

Mahjong Mondays

Introduce your child to one of the fastest-growing games in the country! American Mahjong is a fun, engaging game that builds critical thinking, memory, strategy, and problem-solving skills — all while encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship, and face-to-face social interaction. Students will learn the fundamentals through hands-on interaction in a supportive, welcoming environment. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

  • Open to 3rd – 5th graders
  • Max of 16 students
  • Dates: 5 Monday classes 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/9 
  • Time: 4-5pm
  • Cost per student: $60 for 5 sessions, includes a playing card to keep

Chess Club (Wednesday)

Improve your chess skills with Chess Master Gabriel Petesch! Each lesson will feature an interactive lesson followed by competition games. During the lession portion, students will learn new tactics and strategies, and then they’ll get to apply these new ideas as they play competition games against each other.

  • Open to 2nd – 5th graders (Mr. Petesch is open to 1st graders if they already have a lot of chess experience)
  • Max of 20 students
  • Dates: TBD (5 Wednesday classes)
  • Time: 4-5m
  • Cost per student: $65 for 5 classes

Wonder Club (Thursday)

Spend time outside with friends, exploring the natural world! This hands-on club will lead students on short walks on OES property and nearby township parks, observing wildlife and rocks, studying plants and waterways. We will discuss land use and ways to help care for the local environment while leaving no trace. Instructor Emily Glick, professional geologist and Allegheny County Master Watershed Steward, loves the outdoors and cannot wait to get kids outside!

  • Open to Kindergarten – 5th grade
  • Max of 20 students
  • Dates: 5 Thursday classes — 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15 (with 10/22 and 10/29 as potential rain dates)
  • Time: 4:00 to 5:15 pm (goes later than the other classes!)
  • Cost per student: $5

Garden Club (Friday)

How does a garden grow? Students will explore the way seeds, seedlings and bulbs grow in a garden. We will test soil to see what is needed to make our plants thrive. We will explore companion planting and the ways plants can help each other out. This activity will run rain or shine, so please dress for the potential afternoon weather. We will be planting in the 6 raised beds in the O’Hara Courtyard.

  • Open to Kindergarten – 5th grade
  • Max of 12 students
  • Dates/Times: 5 Friday classes — 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9. These classes will happen rain or shine. Students should dress accordingly.
  • Times: 4-5pm
  • Cost per student: $10 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

1. Can my child sign up for more than 1 class per session?

Please only sign up for 1 class per session to give all students an opportunity to participate. If there are additional openings, the OFC committee will reach out to all registered participants letting them know they may sign up for an additional class if they wish.

2. Can my child participate if they normally attend the YMCA after school?

Yes! Our instructors will bring your child down to the YMCA after class at 5pm, and you can pick up as normal.

3. Can my child participate if they normally attend Lauri Ann West after school?

While your child can still participate, instructors are unable to transport them to the Lauri Ann West Center so they must be picked up at O’Hara at 5pm after class.

4. What time are classes?

Classes occur right after school from 4-5pm. Some classes may go until 5:15 so please read the class details at registration. Students stay at school at dismissal, and parents/guardians are responsible for pickup after class.

5. I am not available to sign up when registration opens. Can I sign up in advance?

These classes often fill up very quickly so we operate on a first come first serve basis. We want to keep things fair to everyone so early sign ups aren’t permitted. A family member or friend may sign up your child if you are unavailable.

6. What should I do if the class is full?

Please email ofc@oharapto.org to be placed on the waitlist. The earlier you email, the higher up on the waitlist your child will be.

7. How can I stay up-to-date on class offerings?

Please follow O’Hara PTO on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up to receive PTO emails on our website. https://oharapto.org/

8. Are scholarships available

Confidential scholarships are available (one per student per OFC session).  Contact school counselors if you are interested:
Rachel Machen  rachel_machen@fcasd.edu  (K-2)
Jennifer Squeglia jennifer_squeglia@fcasd.edu (3-5)