ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES

Technology/Computers
Our computer instructors are dedicated to providing intensive, hands-on computer instruction in an informal setting, with each student working at modern individual PC’s computers. Classes limited to 10 to 12 students.

MICROSOFT OFFICE MASTERY PROGRAM ~ This program is perfect for the small business executive, administrative assistant, aspiring entrepreneur, student, or parent who wants to catch up in the technology boom. The course is designed in three separate modules to develop proficiency using the most popular Microsoft Office Components (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) plus Windows. The course is built around using applications such as mass mailings, writing reports, creating labels, creating graphs, building data bases, utilizing email, financial reporting, organizing appointments and calendars, preparing presentations, and more. Choose all or as many of the weeks as you like. (Instructor, Don Kubie)
M-Th    Choose:  (a) 9:00-11:30 am   or   (b) 6:30-9:00 pm         SHS  

GOOGLE SEARCHING ~ About 99% of the world is familiar with this powerful search engine. However, there are many techniques to improve your research. Getting 85,000 web pages on a single topic can be overwhelming. Learn techniques to target the required information. Other information included in this class are many of the additional features that many users may not be familiar with such as Picasa, the Google toolbar, setting preferences, etc.  Students will get a handout.  Prerequisite: familiarity with the keyboard and the internet. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
#911         Friday, July 18                 9:00 am-12 noon   $35       SHS

INTRO TO iMAC AND MACINTOSH AND iPHOTO – Learn about this fast growing computer system.  You’ll learn to use your Macintosh computer more efficiently and increase your productivity.  Learn about the operating system, desktop navigation, the internet, editing text, fonts, special characters, maintenance, viruses, keyboards, monitors, disks, sound and more.  Learn how to work with digital images.  (Instructor, Mario Leone)
#621    Begins June 30         Mondays        7:00-9:00 pm            6 sessions     $225     SHS

LANGUAGES                                                                       top of page

FRENCH ~ ADVANCED BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE:  Study the most commonly used tenses, learn French idioms and expressions.  We will visit various French regions and learn about their culture and you will have the opportunity to test yourself with the help of interactive quizzes.  (Instructor, Nell Mednick)
#865   Begins June 30      Mondays          7:00-9:00 pm         6 sessions        $99    SHS

FRENCH ~ CONVERSATIONAL INTERMEDIATE: Nous discutons.  Nous lisons les nouvelles dans les journaux quotidiens francais.  Nous regardons un film francais et nous le discutons en classe.  Nous nous amusons avec des quiz sur la culture francaise.  Nous revisions la grammaire. (Instructor, Nell Mednick)
#132   Begins July 1      Tuesdays         10:00 am-12 noon         6 sessions              $99     SHS

ITALIAN BEGINNING ~ Designed to introduce you to Italian pronunciation, start-up vocabulary, grammatical structure, comprehension, and elementary conversation. Video instruction will be used to stress these basic elements. (Instructor, Bill Vuono)
#109   Begins June 30         Mondays          7:00-9:00 pm                6 sessions        $99       SHS

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE ~ Building on Spanish for Beginners, this course goes into more advanced grammar, speech and cultural subjects and also delves into exercises aimed to gain strong conversational and writing skills. Business communications skills are likewise emphasized.  (Instructor, Fernando Rincon)
#310   Begins June 30        Thursdays          7:00-9:00 pm               
            6 sessions                $99                       SHS

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE AND PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY ~ Beginning to Intermediate classes will emphasize skills for everyday living and involve basic grammar and conversation, reading, writing and oral communications. The readings and discussions are geared to informing students of their rights, privileges and responsibilities as residents or future citizens. (Instructor, Staff)
#111   Begins June 30 Mon. & Thur.    7:00-9:00 pm                 6 weeks         NO FEE       SHS
Registration in person Monday, June 30 at 7 pm.

SPORTS/FITNESS                                                                             top of page

MEDITATION AND THE SECRET ~ This class offers a way to integrate and work with traditional meditation and the law of attraction as presented in the movie “The Secret”.  Learn approaches to mental well being for the individual and for the whole society to better deal with today’s complex and fast paced world. Two powerful tools are available, both of which are timeless and effective. The course is designed to shed light on how to use and understand these two approaches.  The class will include lecture, discussion, meditation, and exercises. Several film clips will also be shown.  For people who have taken the instructor’s other courses, this will be a continuation of the work. The course is also appropriate for newcomers.  (Instructor, Mark Currie)  Mark Curri is a psychotherapist and meditation teacher. He has over 30 years experience with meditation techniques and self-help approaches and has worked for 15 years as a therapist with individuals, couples, families and groups. He has a deep belief in and understanding of the power available in groups of like-minded people. #292    Begins June 30         Mondays        11:00 am-12:50 pm   6 sessions     $75     SHS

YOGA ~ Learn to revitalize your body and achieve inner peace. Learn techniques to loosen muscles that are causing tension and eliminate weaknesses that are causing pain. Leave every class feeling refreshed and at peace. All levels are welcome. Please bring a mat. (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk)
#145     Begins June 30     6 sessions      Mondays          6:30-7:45 pm    $109                SHS

YOGA ~  Through physical postures, breathing, and relaxation techniques you will come to realize the many gifts of this ancient practice: increased flexibility, strength, clarity, serenity, weight loss, better concentration, stress reduction, overall good health, and a good workout. All levels welcome. Please bring your own mat and a throw blanket. (Instructor, Maria Vailakis-Wippick, RYT)
$xx
#998     Begins June 26    8 sessions       Thursdays        7:00 -8:15 pm     $139             Westtport Sr. Center

DANCE YOUR WAY TO FITNESS AND FUN ~ Do you like to dance or want to learn?  In this energetic class, you’ll develop style, balance and a better understanding and feel of music and dance.  Learn the different rhythms and basic dance moves to music ranging from African and Spanish melodies to rock and roll to classical waltz.  Get a great aerobic workout while having fun.  No partner required.  (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk)
#277     Begins June 30  Mondays    6 sessions       7:45-9:00 pm             $109    SHS

TAP DANCING ~ Are you looking for a fun way to get some great exercise?  Have you always wanted to take dance lessons but never had the chance?  Did you dance when you were younger and would like to pick it up again?  Are you just looking to do something new and different?  Then these are the classes for you!  Beginner through intermediate levels welcome.  You will get a great workout while learning one of the most beautiful performing arts - DANCE. (Instructor, Sandy Adamczyk) 
#955     Begins July 10   Thursdays     6 sessions           6:30-7:30 pm               $49       SHS

BADMINTON  ~  Co-ed:  Looking for a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time?  Beginning players as well as experienced players - this is the place to be.  Meet and play with new friends.  You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the sport of real badminton.  Sneakers and badminton racquet required.  Racquets available, if needed. (Instructor, Peter Bartush)
#175 Begins June 23    Mondays          7:30-9:30 pm     10 sessions       $99       SHS

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
(Ages 18 & up) ~ Come join us for a fun filled evening with lots of exercise and enjoyable competition.
#210 Begins June 24    Tuesdays        9 sessions          7:30-9:30 pm     $39       SHS

ADULT TENNIS
TENNIS FOR ADULTS  (Instructor, Connie Goodman, 226-4664)

TRACK & FIELD CLUB (ALL ages):   Emphasis is on proper running, jumping, and throwing techniques and on improving strength, flexibility, endurance and performance. Safety, good sportsmanship, and a healthy work ethic are also emphasized. T-shirt included. (Instructor, Jesse McCray) 
Beginners will be introduced to sprinting, distance running, and throwing events. Attendance at meets is optional.
#425a Beginners:  T & W          Begins July 1      5:00-7:30 pm      11 Sessions             $89       SHS

For the athlete wishing to compete on a team, events in addition to those above include long jumping and hurdles. The fee includes a singlet and a USTA membership.
#425b Competitive: M, T, W     Begins June 30   5:00-7:30 pm       16 Sessions            $139      SHS

ARTS/CRAFTS                                                                            top of page

ALTERED BOOKS ~ Create works of art through altered bookmaking.  By taking a book and changing it, you can create a personal memento filled with your own expressive art.  You need not have any experience, just a willingness to be creative.  (Instructor, Cecilia Marshall)
#289 Begins July 16    Wednesdays   7:00-9:00 pm        3 Sessions      $45     SHS

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP ~ Nurture your artistic spirit in this relaxed studio environment. Discover the freedom of watercolor painting while creating watercolor still lifes. Each day will culminate with refreshments and sharing reflections about our work. Invite your friends and family to celebrate your work in an exhibition held the last day of class. All are encouraged to join. No experience is necessary.  Materials list is available in the office and on our website.  Limited enrollment.  (Instructor, Lynne Karmen)
#814                       June 23-26                 M-Th   12:30-3:00 pm   4 sessions        $89     BMS

ACRYLIC PAINTING -

POT POURRI                                                                      top of page

ASTRONOMY ~ Journey through our Solar System to the edge of the known Universe.  Rediscover the constellations and the stories behind their names.  Tour the planets with highlights from the space probes and landers of the last two decades.  Track results from the Hubble Space Telescope to explore the life and death of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the fate of the Universe.  Explore the growing list of extra-solar planets and the possibility of life outside of our Solar System.  At least one evening will be spent using the telescopes at the Westport Rolnick Observatory.  (Instructor, Dr. Nicholas Morgan)

Dr. Nicholas Morgan was a professional astronomer before joining the science faculty at Staples High School in 2007.  After earning his Ph.D. from MIT, he worked as an astrophysicist at the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics and The Ohio State University Astronomy Department.  His research focused on the matter density and expansion rate of the Universe, and on identifying rare optical mirages in deep space (known as lensed quasars).  He currently teaches in the Staples Physics Department and Authentic Science Research program, and manages the school's research telescopes at the Rolnick Observatory.
291    Begins June 30         Monday          7:00-9:00 pm            6 sessions     $85     SHS

GOING TO THE DOGS – DOG OBEDIENCE ~ (for dogs at least 4 months old) ~ Designed to teach the owner how to train his/her dog to be a well-mannered and obedient pet. Topics: understanding your dog and communicating effectively; basic obedience commands- sit, down, stay, stand, come, and leash walking; behavior modification- digging, jumping, chewing, barking, etc. Dogs must have a collar and a 6 foot leash. Bring your dog to the first class. Limit 10. No class on days of inclement weather. (Instructor, Heather Witt)
#290     Begins June 30   Mondays          6:30-7:30 pm     6 sessions        $119     SHS

BEGINNER/ADVANCED BEGINNER BRIDGE ~ This is the perfect opportunity for people who want to begin to learn the fascinating game of bridge or to brush up on those long forgotten rules and conventions. This class will introduce the language of bidding, scoring, guidelines for play, hand valuation, and some simple bridge conventions. Each class lesson will be followed by supervised play of preset hands. Limit 16. (Instructor, Jackie Fuchs)
#194 Begins July 10       Thursdays          7:00-9:00 pm     6 Sessions        $99       SHS

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