Needham Community Education

This class introduces students to the expansive and tactile world of textile design, focusing on the creation of original three-dimensional "soft sculptures" and detailed fabric pieces. While projects will draw inspiration from pop culture and abstract design, the primary focus will be on developing a unique creative voice through technical mastery. We will explore a wide array of mediums, specifically focusing on wool fiber arts through both wet and needle felting. Students will also gain experience in hand sewing, embroidery, crochet and other yarn crafts. From mastering technical stitches to experimenting with texture and dimension, this hands-on studio will offer a sophisticated introduction to modern fabric and fiber art design. Instructor: Chelsea Brown, Local artist + NCE Elementary, Middle & Adult Instructor ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!

Dungeons & Dragons (aka D&D or DnD) is an immersive, tabletop role-playing game that utilizes theatre of the mind and collaborative storytelling to explore a larger-than-life fantasy world while navigating complex puzzles, overarching plot lines, and interesting social encounters. Players embark on epic quests, unearth untold treasures, and perform daring rescues in an effort to become heroes of the realm (and line their characters' pockets in the process), to accomplish a unified goal, advance their characters through the story, and earn rewards. Students will practice several social and academic skills, including math, social-emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills. Will you rise to the challenge? All skill levels are welcome. Instructor: Corena Powers, Special Education Department Assistant, High Rock & Pollard Middle School ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!

If you enjoy Magic The Gathering and/or Yahtzee, you will LOVE Dice Throne, which combines the best of both games into one. Dice Throne is an action-packed dice and card game combo where you choose a hero, shuffle their deck, upgrade your abilities, roll some dice, play some cards, and maybe even activate your Ultimate Ability. Get your opponent's health to zero before they do the same to you and you win! We'll spend the week learning the basics of the game and try the different play styles: 1 vs 1, team play, and free-for-all. The end of the week will culminate in a Dice Throne tournament with one student becoming the Dice Throne Champion! With so many versions of Dice Throne available, we’ll have a variety on hand so you can master one specific version or test them all! Instructor: Joshua Sanders, Social Studies Teacher, Pollard Middle School ACTIVE EXPLORATIONS: In addition to the outdoor movement and break times planned by each instructor, students participating in full-day Summer Explorations classes will enjoy a 40-minute active break each day led by highly qualified Needham Public School P.E. and Wellness Instructors. During this time, students will head to the gym or venture outside to get some fresh air and move their bodies. Whether it's a brisk walk around the grounds, high-energy running games and relay races, or exciting team sports and activities, this time is a great way to break up the day, get some energy out, and boost focus for the rest of class!