Continuing Education Program
The Schodack Central School District provides Continuing Education opportunities to promote lifelong learning in the community. Continuing Education is self-supporting, with no bearing on the district's tax rate. It is only through the continuing support of the community that this program is possible.
Eligibility - Registration is open to all residents of the Schodack Central School District. Non-residents may enroll in courses on a space-available basis.
Senior Citizens - District residents who are 60 or older may attend many courses tuition-free or at a reduced rate. Those courses which are not free are noted in the course description. All materials fees are the responsibility of the participant.
Fees - All course fees must be paid by the first course meeting. Registrations are binding because financial commitments are made based on the number of registrants for each course. We are sorry, but no refunds will be made unless the class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment or filled to maximum capacity. Each class must meet a minimum enrollment. If a course is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, or over-enrolled, notifications and refunds will be sent by mail.
Registration must be made in advance. Registration forms are available here. Mail registrations are due by January 8. On site registration will be held Tuesday, January 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Maple Hill High School lobby.
Early-start courses – Please call or send in registrations now for early start courses.
To register, please fill out a separate registration form for each course, enclose tuition and any materials fee (if noted in the course description) with a check payable to Schodack Central Schools to:
Director of Continuing Education
Maple Hill High School
1216 Maple Hill Road
Castleton, NY 12033-1699
You will be notified only if a class is canceled.
Questions? - Please e-mail Continuing Education Director Theresa Hovish or call her between 8 and 10 a.m. at (518) 732-7708.
Would you like to take a course you don’t see offered? Please contact Continuing Education Director Theresa Hovish.
Driver Education Program Could Be Canceled This Spring
Schodack CSD has recently learned that Saturn of Albany can no longer donate a vehicle to the Driver Education program due to unforeseen business changes. We thank Saturn of Albany for donating a vehicle the past few years to support the program. The district is actively seeking a replacement vehicle, but if it is unable to do so, we may have to cancel the Driver Education program. Read more... Posted 11/6/09.
Spring 2009 Continuing Education Courses
SAT Preparation Courses
The standardized SAT I exam is of great importance when it comes time for your student to enroll in college. Help your student prepare for this exam with our SAT Prep Courses. This year the SAT I exam will be held May 1 and June 5.
The Math Prep Course will be taught by Maple Hill High School Math Teacher Andrea Faoro. Classes will meet Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. from March 4 to April 29 (no class April 8) in MHHS Room 224.
The Verbal Prep Course will be taught by Maple Hill High School English Teacher Caitlin Donahue. Classes will meet Tuesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. from March 2 through April 27 (no class April 6) in MHHS Room 138.
Tuition is $50 per course. Students can sign up for one course or for both. Students will need to purchase “The Official SAT Review Book” before classes begin. This review book is available at www.collegeboard.com, www.amazon.com, or at local bookstores; prices vary according to the store. Students must bring their school ID and Social Security Number to the first class and pencils and loose leaf paper to each class.
The deadline to register for the May 1 SAT I exam is March 25. The registration deadline for the June 5 exam is April 29.
Learn How to Sell on eBay
This dynamic and fun course will provide you with a great introduction for selling on eBay. Whether you want to sell items around your house or start a part/full-time at-home business, eBay may be your answer. You can sell for others or teach students how to sell with this course offered by Stephanie Daly. This is a 3-hour course available on two separate nights, February 2 or March 23 in the MHHS Computer Lab (Room 117) from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuition is $50 and includes a manual and informational CD.
Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture
This class explores the basics of Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken language in the world. Students will also learn about the simplified writing character system that is taught to all Chinese students in mainland China. Schodack Chinese Language and Culture Instructor Mark Hoyt teaches the course. Classes meet for four weeks on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 3 (no class Feb. 17) in the MHHS Distance Learning Lab (Room 113). Tuition is $40.
Chinese Language and Culture II
This four-week course is a continuation of Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture class. Students will continue to explore the Mandarin form of communication. Some basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is required. Schodack Chinese Language and Culture Instructor Mark Hoyt teaches the course. Classes meet on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning March 24 (no class April 7) in the MHHS Distance Learning Lab (Room 113). Tuition is $40.
Absolute Beginner Guitar
This course if for people who've either never played guitar or tried to tackle the instrument and gave up. We'll cover the basics, with the twin goals of getting you playing real songs as soon as possible and giving you a strong foundation for continued learning, either on your own or with an instructor. We'll cover topics like tuning, hand positions, practice habits and techniques, the essential chords, and basic reading (both notation and tablature). Course materials include an instruction book with companion DVD and a binder containing a number of instructor hand-outs and reference sheets.
Students will need to bring their own guitars to class. Instruction is almost exclusively on flat-picking, and 6-string (steel strings) acoustic guitars are the preferred instrument, but other guitars (electric with small practice amps, or nylon-strung classical acoustics) are acceptable. Anyone planning to purchase a guitar is welcome to contact instructor Kevin Haran for buying advice and, if his schedule permits, for him to come along to inspect and offer advice on a particular used guitar.
Classes meet for eight weeks on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:00 p.m. beginning on Jan. 27 in the MHHS chorus room (no class on Feb. 17 or March 17). Tuition is $70. No senior discount. Ages 13 and above.
5-Hour Pre-Licensing
Those holding a learner’s permit must complete this course before scheduling a road test for a driver’s license. A valid permit is required to attend the course. A photocopy of the learner’s permit must be included with the registration form and must be brought to class. This course is broken up into two separate evening sessions. Students must attend both days for the complete time required. Spring five-hours will be held Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 and Feb. 8 and Feb. 9. Tuition is $35. Students must pre-register. MHHS students may drop off registrations at the Continuing Education Office, MHHS Room 134.
Learn to Dance - Beginners Ballroom Dancing
If you want to "Dance With the Stars" here's your chance to learn how to dance in a relaxed, comfortable setting that's affordable. Learn American style smooth ballroom dances consisting of Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. Singles and couples are welcome. Karen Mason of Learntadance Dance Studio is an experienced ballroom dance instructor. Learntadance Dance Studio is a member of the International Dance and Exercise Association.
Classes meet for eight weeks on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Middle School cafeteria beginning Jan. 26 (no class Feb. 16). Tuition is $50. No senior discount. Register for Beginners Swing and Latin Dancing as well and receive 50 percent off the second class.
Learn to Dance - Beginners Swing and Latin Dancing
If you want to "Dance With the Stars" here's your chance to learn how to dance in a relaxed, comfortable setting that's affordable. Learn American style rhythm dances consisting of East Coast Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo/Salsa, and Merengue. Singles and couples are welcome! Karen Mason of Learntadance Dance Studio is an experienced ballroom dance instructor. Learntadance Dance Studio is a member of the International Dance and Exercise Association.
Classes meet for eight weeks on Tuesdays from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Middle School cafeteria beginning Jan. 26 (no class Feb. 16). Tuition is $50. No senior discount. Register for Beginners Ballroom Dancing as well and receive 50 percent off the second class.
Aerobic Dance and Energy Methods
If you lack energy, this class will give you many ways to energize your life. Learn stretching, toning, strengthening, balancing and other energizing methods while you move to music. Classes also includes optional small ball and Pilates movements. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. beginning Jan. 5 in the Middle School gym (no classes Feb. 16, Feb. 18, April 6 and April 8). Tuition is $54. Register directly with instructor Debi Filkins at 708-9238.
Classes meet for four weeks on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 3 (no class Feb. 17) in the MHHS Distance Learning Lab (Room 113). Tuition is $40.
Yoga
Each day more people are experiencing the benefits of yoga. Did you know that yoga reduces stress and enhances powers of relaxation while increasing your physical strength and flexibility? Yoga also enhances your posture and muscle tone, mental clarity, and boosts your immune system. This class combines a range of postures, from gentle to more challenging, to help create a practice that stretches and strengthens the body and calms the mind.
Instructor Ellen Sadowski is a White Lotus-certified Hatha yoga teacher and licensed massage therapist who has practiced yoga for 25 years, teaching meditation and yoga theory for 15 and hatha (physical) yoga for 10. In her classes, Ellen incorporates a mix of styles and techniques and provides instruction based on individual needs and interests.
Yoga I
Yoga I is for beginners who are looking for an introduction to yoga or people with experience who prefer a slower, more gentle class. Yoga I classes are held on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. beginning Jan. 19 in the CES auditorium (old gym). Tuition is $60. No senior discount. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.
Yoga II
Yoga II combines a range of postures from gentle to challenging designed to help you create a practice that stretches and strengthens the body and calms the mind. Students who want to further develop the style and pace that Ellen uses in her yoga classes should sign up for this class. Yoga II classes meet for eight weeks on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the CES auditorium beginning Jan. 21. Tuition is $60. No senior discount. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.
Cardio Kickboxing
Cardio-kickboxing is a workout that’s fun for everyone. This class incorporates kickboxing-style cardio movement and toning exercises into a power-packed 45-minute class. The class is taught by Aileen Flach, who holds a BS in physical education and adult fitness from SUNY Cortland. Class meets for eight weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 until 8:15 p.m. in the CES auditorium (old gym). Classes begin on Jan. 11 (no classes on Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and Feb. 17). Tuition is $60. No senior discount.
Hall Walkers
Walk in a safe, warm place — Maple Hill Middle School! The middle school is open from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, when school is in session, for district residents who wish to walk. This program is free and self-monitoring — walk when you wish, at a pace that is comfortable. Walkers no longer need to sign in and out, but will be issued a special visitor’s badge to wear while in the building. To register and receive a badge, contact Continuing Education Director Theresa Hovish at 732-7708.
Co-Ed Volleyball
Join other intermediate players for an evening of fun and competitive volleyball play. This course offers no instruction, coaching or officiating — warm-ups and games will be self monitored. Players should play at an intermediate to advanced-intermediate level to participate and must wear kneepads. Volleyball meets for 10 weeks on Sundays from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. in the High School gym. It begins Jan. 24. Participants must pre-register (by calling 732-7708), as class size is limited. Tuition is $45 plus a $2 materials fee.
Over 30 Basketball
There are a limited number of openings in Over-30 Basketball, which meets at 7:30 p.m. (please note new starting time) in the Middle School gym on either Monday or Wednesday evenings. The Monday night basketball program begins Jan. 25; Wednesday night begins Jan. 27. The cost of this course is $50. Please call to register, as space is extremely limited.
Maple Hill Milers Youth Running Club
The Maple Hill Milers Youth Running Club is designed to train girls and boys in grades five and six to successfully complete a 5K road race. The Kinderhook OK-5K Road Race takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2010. Last year, the Maple Hill Milers successfully trained more than 60 young runners for this race.
Running provides young athletes with many benefits that they can carry with them throughout life. This program will coach first-time and beginning runners in a nurturing, supportive atmosphere while focusing on building self-esteem, setting realistic goals and learning strategies to achieve those goals. Coaches Rich Chipman, Hilary Lamishaw and Mary Mosher will help runners learn skill development, stretching, pacing, basic nutrition and team-building all while focusing on having fun. The Maple Hill Milers Youth Running Club will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. at MHMS from Tuesday, March 30 through early June.
There will be a parent meeting and registration on Monday, March 15 in the MHMS library from 6 - 6:30 p.m. The registration fee is $30. This fee includes race registration and T-shirt; please do not hesitate to contact one of the coaches if this cost presents a hardship. Attendance at the parents’ meeting is not mandatory but it is encouraged. Interested students can pick up a form from Mrs. Mosher at the Middle School. Forms and tuition (checks made payable to Schodack Central Schools) must be returned to Mrs. Mosher before the first practice on Tuesday, March 30.
Parent volunteers are encouraged to attend Club trainings on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings. With the help of our parents, we have had six tremendously successful seasons. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Hilary Lamishaw at 732-7398, Mary Mosher at 732-7761 or Rich Chipman at 732-0331.
Financial Courses - Now Free!
All one-night financial planning workshops offered at Schodack are taught by licensed financial advisors with the Halliday Financial Group in Albany. Workshops are all strictly educational – there will be no soliciting for any investments. All workshops are held in the High School library. Tuition is now free to all Schodack Central residents. All participants must pre-register. For more information or to register, contact Theresa Hovish at 732-7708. For information about workshop topics, e-mail Frank Guiffre.
Women and Investing: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Did you know that women control more than half of the financial assets in the U.S.? Let’s face it, men and women think differently. Women make decisions about money differently too, as they should! Men and women have different financial needs based solely on their difference in gender. This seminar is designed to help women identify these needs and overcome the unique obstacles we face when planning for our financial futures. The class is taught by a woman in the business of helping secure the financial dreams of fellow women. Please e-mail instructor Logan Hibbs for more information on course topics. This one-night course will be held Tuesday, March 30 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the High School Distance Learning Lab (Room 113).
Understanding Stocks, Bonds, & Mutual Funds
Learn the basics of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, the true backbone of most portfolios. Discover how to use the internet and daily newspapers to track your investments. This course will help you understand the differences and the similarities of various types of investments. It will also show you how proper asset allocation will lower your overall risk. Understand the benefits of using mutual funds to build a balanced portfolio and help plan for a successful retirement. This course is strictly educational and there will be no attempt to promote any specific investments. Please email instructor Frank Guiffre for more course information. This one-night course will be held Thursday, April 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the High School Distance Learning Lab (Room 113).
The Good... The Bad… The Annuity
The annuity, or “personalized pension” as it is commonly referred to, has been an investment vehicle long since insurance companies have been around. Years ago, the word “annuity” made people cringe. To this day the stereotype of high fees, illiquidity, and bad investments still linger. The more recent annuities are now more revised, highly regulated, feature lower fees, and offer income guarantees. Learn about these new annuities compared to their ancestors and how the revisions of today can be carried forward with your older annuities. Topics discussed (but not limited to) will be: how an annuity works, fees of an annuity, the guarantee of income, the most updated revisions, the tax advantages of this investment, and how you can pass this legacy along to your loved ones. The instructor is Frank T. Guiffre, a licensed Financial Advisor with the Halliday Financial Group in Albany. This one-night course will be held Tuesday, April 13 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the High School Distance Learning Lab (Room 113).
