Needham Community Education

Please note that the start date for this class has changed from November 5 to November 12. The date for the 6th and final class will be determined by consensus of the students and instructor on the first night of class. A continuation of Acrylic Painting I, this class is open to anyone with basic painting skills. Painting instruction will tackle more complex subject matter and cover new techniques and concepts. The focus will be on strengthening and building upon knowledge of the basic elements of painting, techniques and concepts in acrylic painting. Class work will include a variety of painting projects with guided instruction as well as the opportunity to create your own masterpiece of your choice. A materials list can be found here.

This Advanced Beginner bridge course is designed to take the beginner player to the next level of both bidding and play of the hand. We will continue to work on no trump techniques and to strengthen trump suit play. In addition, we will spend time on simple defensive techniques (like leads) and attitude signals. If we have the time we will also introduce competitive bidding like overcalls and takeout doubles. All new and fun challenges await!

Please note: The instructor, class fee and materials fee has changed since the catalogs went to print. And, students must now bring their own cake to decorate. Learn to decorate a cake like a pro in this hands-on workshop. Start by leveling and frosting your cake. Then practice applying just the right amount of pressure to the decorating bag to pipe flowers, leaves, and other embellishments. Leave with your decorated cake and the skills to make a unique custom confection for your next celebration. Icing and decorating tools are provided. Please note: Bring a single-layer cake (6, 7, or 8 inch round) and a cake carrier or box to transport your finished product, and an apron if you'd like. A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class. Limited to 12.

This program is for those with basic knowledge of Modern American Canasta rules and gameplay. Using instruction and guided play, we will reinforce rules and discuss higher level strategies such as signaling, special hands, sevens, aces, wildcards, and more. Limited to 9.

Enhance a set of 4 heart-shaped ceramic dishes with delicately dried flowers. You will seal the floral designs with clear resin, creating a lasting, glass-like finish that enhances the natural beauty of the flowers. To complete each dish, you will hand-paint the edges in luminous 14-karat gold, giving every piece a refined, heirloom quality. A $25 materials fee (for 4 plates) is payable to the instructor in class. Limited to 7.

Note: The instructor, the length of the class and materials fee has been changed since the printing of the catalogs. Celebrate the season with this beginner-level Christmas cookie decorating class. You will learn the technique of flooding sugar cookies with royal icing to achieve a perfectly smooth finish as well as the wet-on-wet technique. Make sparkly stockings, terrific trees, smiling snowmen, and more. The instructor will provide all supplies needed, including baked sugar cookies, royal icing, and boxes. Note: This class can be a little messy so please bring your own apron. A $35 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.

Perhaps you've heard stories about the stress of the college admissions process. Or you may have already experienced it first hand with one of your children. What you might not know is that you can eliminate a lot of the stress by planning ahead--the earlier the better! This interactive session will give parents of any high school student an understanding of the college admissions timeline, and what they can be doing now to reduce the stress often associated with the process. The class will include tips for busy families regarding SAT and ACT tests, college visits, creating a great college list, and types of financial aid.

Note: The session beginning November 19 is only open to students who participated in the early fall session. Continuing students will build upon their drumming skills. In each class, you will develop an inner focus in real time, while connecting with others in a safe space. Drums are available to rent in advance, by emailing the instructor: AcornDrumming@gmail.com. Limited to 20.

In this series of workshops, the instructor will demonstrate step-by-step how to paint the subject. A line drawing and photo are emailed before each workshop and a tonal value study is included before we begin the watercolor painting. A video of the workshop is provided afterwards. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 12.

In this series of workshops, the instructor will demonstrate step-by-step how to paint the subject. A line drawing and photo are emailed before each workshop and a tonal value study is included before we begin the watercolor painting. A video of the workshop is provided afterwards. A materials list can be found here. Limited to 12.

Join us for a fun and practical sewing class where you'll learn how to make a stylish, flat travel pouch—perfect for storing small essentials like cosmetics, charging cords, toiletries, or travel documents. This slim, space-saving design easily fits into your carry-on, tote, or backpack, helping you stay organized on the go. In this beginner-friendly class, you'll be guided step-by-step through cutting fabric, adding a zipper, sewing crisp edges, and finishing your pouch with a neat, professional look. Walk away with a finished pouch and a new skill set you can use to make gifts or create a whole set for your travels! What to bring: 100% cotton fabric: 1/3 yard for exterior, and 1/3 yard for lining OR 2 fat quarters for exterior and 2 fat quarters for lining. (Note: You will need enough fabric to cut 2 exterior pieces and 2 lining @ 14 wide x 11 long, plus enough for a small handle). Basic zipper colors and stabilizer will be provided free of charge. If you wish to purchase a specific color for your zipper, please order a #4.5 NYLON zipper that is at least 15 inches long (suggested website, Wawak Sewing Supply). Limited to 6.

Google Drive is Google’s answer to Microsoft Office…and it is free, there is no software to install on a computer, and you can access the Drive apps and your files from any Internet connected computer or mobile device. We will look at Drive as an alternative for file storage, and learn how to create, edit and upload Office and other files into Drive. You will see how easy it is to share files with others from Drive, and take a look at using Drive on both a computer and mobile devices. We will focus on the word processing (Docs), spreadsheet (Sheets) and presentation (Slides) apps. Note: To use Google Drive you must have a Google account (Gmail users already have a Google account).

Join us for an evening of festive flavors at this Thanksgiving-themed wine tasting event featuring expertly paired wines and holiday-inspired fare. Discover the perfect pours to complement your Thanksgiving table—from rich reds to crisp whites—while enjoying curated bites that bring the fall's bounty to your plate. Whether you’re hosting or simply indulging, this event will help you find the perfect wines for your holiday feast and learn how to perfectly pair them with seasonal bites by Baker’s Best Catering. Note: A $25 wine fee is payable in class. Limited to 16.

It’s never too early to organize and consolidate all your important life details, but it can be too late! We experience events that change our lives. Do you ever think, What If? What if something happens to you or your spouse, how would your family manage? Could your spouse or family step in and seamlessly manage everything until you are back on your feet? It’s your responsibility to think about this and do something; you need to plan for the unexpected and make sure all your important life details are organized and in one place. It’s time you created your Family Resource File. The instructor will provide guidance--helping you to understand the types or categories of information to include, and the specific details within each category. You will also receive a summary of the information discussed.

Lights, camera, action! Get creative and have a blast with our this photography class on an early release day! Whether you've got a smartphone or a fancy camera, you'll learn how to level up your photography game. We'll explore fun indoor and outdoor settings, and you'll get personalized tips and exciting assignments to help you see the world in a whole new way. Discover key techniques like composition, perspective, and lighting to make your photos pop. Just bring your fully charged smartphone or camera, and get ready to capture some amazing shots! We'll have extra cameras on hand if you need one. Please BYO lunch and check in at the cafeteria immediately after school for a 30 min lunch period. *High Rock students must get themselves to Pollard

Attention all ski and snowboard enthusiasts! Whether you are an advanced beginner or black diamond expert, join fellow NHS skiers and boarders for a fun winter with Needham High School’s Ski & Snowboard Club! We will travel by coach bus to nearby Wachusett Mountain and enjoy four hours on the slopes!! Full details can be found on the NHS Ski and Snowboard Club brochure. In addition to the enrollment fee, there are additional required and optional fees as indicated below: REQUIRED lift pass: $195 if purchased before 12/2 and $225 after 12/2 (if lift passes are still available), payable to Wachusett Mountain after you enroll. Information on how to pay for your ski lift ticket will be provided separately after you enroll in the club. $99 optional ski rental and $27 helmet rental fees. $99 ski/board lesson package (required for novice skiers/boarders, optional for others) IMPORTANT regarding NHS winter sports: If there is any chance that your child will be trying out for or joining an NHS winter sports team, they cannot register for the Ski & Snowboard Club. MIAA rules prohibit winter high school athletes from participating in a club sport program as well. If your child were to make a winter sports team, NCE cannot provide a refund. Program is open to beginner-expert skiers/boarders: Due to a Wachusett Mountain policy, beginners must purchase a Wachusett ski/board lesson package ($99). Withdrawal Policy:There are no refunds or credits for withdrawals once a registration has been completed. All participants must commit to the Ski & Snowboard Club program. If you anticipate having conflicts, please do not enroll in the program. Scholarship assistance: Scholarship assistance is available for any Needham Public Schools student whose family is experiencing financial hardship. No student will be denied access into any NCE program because of inability to pay. For scholarship information, please contact Amy Goldman, NCE Program Director, amy_goldman@needham.k12.ma.us or 781-455-0400 x11214.