Needham Community Education

Gift certificates can be used for NCE Adult Programs and are good for 5 years. To apply the gift certificate, please contact the NCE Adult Program Director, 781-455-0400 x5 or amy_goldman@needham.k12.ma.us.

Students at this level will acquire vocabulary on a wide range of topics and will gain proficiency in expressing wants, needs and obligations (devoir, vouloir, pouvoir), build on the present and start the simple passé composé. Grammatical topics include the definite and partitive articles, prepositions, adverbs, direct object pronouns, present and passé composé. Note: this class will cover leçons 14-19 in the Contacts edition 8 or 9 textbook, easily found used or downloadable online. If you miss a class, you may view therecording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE).

This program is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught in beginners, have completed all Intermediate 1 and 2 classes, and who want to increase their conversational and comprehension skills. Conducted largely in Italian, this course provides students with an opportunity to markedly improve their speaking and listening skills. Topics covered: presente, futuro semplice, condizionale presente, imperfetto with object pronouns. (Prego textbook, chapters 4, 8, 10 and 11). If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE).

This program is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught in beginners, have completed all three intermediate (Prego textbook chapters 1-10) and who want to increase their conversational and comprehension skills. Conducted largely in Italian, this course provides students with an opportunity to markedly improve their speaking and listening skills. Topics covered: passato prossimo, trapassato, futuro anteriore, condizionale passato. If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE).

Are you fascinated with abstract art but just don't know where to begin? This class will explore abstract painting concepts for artists of all levels. Come experiment with your artwork and expand your visual boundaries! Explore the visual language of painting in a non-objective, non-figurative fashion and interpret what you see or feel around you as a reflection of your feelings and mood using acrylics. You will learn new ways to view and interpret the world and discover how to make compositional choices through line, form, shape, color, texture, and more. All supplies will be provided for this class, but students are welcome to bring their own art supplies or small table easel. You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to master these important abstract painting concepts and create your own masterpiece to take home with you.

Birds are all around us and often we don’t even notice. Taking up bird watching will enhance every walk in the woods or day at the beach! In this class, you will learn about two amazing apps for your phone that will help you identify birds and keep track of the birds you have seen. We will then go on a morning walk to practice our new found skills and see how many different bird species we can identify together. Note: Please bring a pair of binoculars (8 x 42 recommended) to the bird walk.

This program is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught in all previous levels and who want to increase their conversational and reading abilities. Conducted entirely in Italian, this course provides students with an opportunity to markedly improve their speaking and listening skills. In the intermediate sessions, we will read two books by Sonia Ognibene, available in paperback or on Kindle. “Verità Sepolte” will be our first book, followed by “La Prossima Vittima,” in the second session. The advanced session will read '”Cristo Si e' Fermato a Eboli” by Carlo Levi, also available in paperback or on Kindle. Lessons will entail book discussion and advanced grammar topics. If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE).

This program is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught in all previous levels and who want to increase their conversational and reading abilities. Conducted entirely in Italian, this course provides students with an opportunity to markedly improve their speaking and listening skills. In the intermediate sessions, we will read two books by Sonia Ognibene, available in paperback or on Kindle. “Verità Sepolte” will be our first book, followed by “La Prossima Vittima,” in the second session. The advanced session will read '”Cristo Si e' Fermato a Eboli” by Carlo Levi, also available in paperback or on Kindle. Lessons will entail book discussion and advanced grammar topics. If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE).

This program, conducted largely in Italian, is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught from beginners to advanced II and who want to increase their conversational and reading abilities. You will have the opportunity to markedly improve your speaking and listening skills. Grammatical lessons will entail review of passato prossimo, imperfetto, futuro semplice, condizionale presente, present and imperfect subjunctive (Prego textbook chapters 6-17).

Summer is the best time for rising high school seniors to get a head-start on their college essays and supplemental essays. In this two-session course, veteran writing coach Jane Hirschhorn will introduce students to what makes standout personal essays and offer specific brainstorming exercises to get them moving forward in the writing process. In session one, Jane will describe the purpose of college essays; how they differ from school essays and what students can do to write the best essays possible. She will cover both the personal statement and supplemental essays and offer helpful resources and exercises to begin the writing process for both. In session two, students will arrange an individual 50-minute session with Jane to work on either their personal statement or one supplemental essay. Please note that all meetings take place via Zoom and must be scheduled to take place between August 23 and September 30.

How can you find your way without the use of GPS? This class will provide you with route-finding strategies based on heightened awareness and reading the landscape. Ranging off trail over varied terrain, you will develop and test your inner compass, while tuning into nature's directional “signposts” and honing your lost-proofing instincts. Additionally, this offering will include reflections and hands-on instruction surrounding the art and intricacies of “tarpitecture,” a skill set equally useful in the event of a backcountry emergency or casual visit to the beach. Basic knots common to multiple applications will be taught. Children ages 12+ are welcome to register with an adult.

Experiment with your artwork by incorporating mixed media and collages into your paintings! This class, for artists of all levels, will explore the various acrylic and mixed media techniques, and provide tips, and pitfalls to avoid. You will learn new ways to view and interpret the world, and discover how to make compositional choices through line, form, shape, color, texture, and more. All supplies will be provided for this class; students are welcome to bring their own art supplies, unique materials for collage, or small table easel.

Needham Student Theatre (NST) is an organization run entirely by and for students that puts on an annual summer production for the public. This year, we’re excited to partner with NCE to put on "Heathers-Teen Edition.” Open to ages 13-20, NST aims to provide a safe and low-stress environment for students who want to have something fun to do during their summer evenings. No prior performing experience required. Participants will go through an audition process for the sake of role assignment, but everyone is guaranteed a spot in the cast. No preparation is required and the audition materials will be taught at the audition. Cast members may not be needed at every rehearsal.

Whether a beginner or an avid artist, this workshop will provide exercises in strengthening your observational drawing skills. You will learn new ways to view and interpret the world around us, discover how to make compositional choices, and depict form, light and shadow. We will be working from life, drawing objects in our environment, learning that to draw something is to truly know and see it. With mostly pencil and charcoal, we will focus on the use of line, mark, and value for ways to add depth and interest to your work. A combination of group and individual instruction in a supportive atmosphere will help students develop at their own pace. Returning students are encouraged to participate to further advance their observational drawing skills. A materials list can be found here.

This program provides a “real-time” instructor-guided studio opportunity for artists of all levels who wish to develop their artistic skills. If you want to cultivate your own style and vision, work on independent and personal projects, discover new ways to draw and paint, and enjoy the company of fellow artists, the open studio is perfect for you! Individual instruction in a supportive atmosphere will enable you to advance your skills at your own pace. Returning painting and NCE drawing students are encouraged to participate to build upon what you learned in class. Please bring all materials you wish to use in class.

Have you ever wanted to draw something in 3-D? In this introductory class, you will learn how to create amazing depth effects and master perspective drawing. Every object has three dimensions: height, width, and depth. Yet, in drawing, the artist only has a flat, two-dimensional surface to work on. This class will help you better understand perspective drawing, starting with exercises on basic shapes, landscapes, interior rooms, or cityscapes. Topics such as viewpoints, one-point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective will be covered, and maybe even a few optical illusion drawings. You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to master these important drawing concepts. Artists of all levels are welcome. A materials list can be found here.

Pickleball is quickly becoming a popular activity. The game is a lot of fun to play, very social and a life-long sport for all ages and skill levels. Even if you have never played another racquet sport, you can easily pick up this game. In this clinic, you will have the opportunity to learn from the pickleball coaches at the Kingsbury Club Medfield. Each 1.5 clinic will include instruction and the opportunity to practice your skills in a game setting. Loaner paddles and balls are included.

Take your pickleball skills to the next level. The first 45 minutes of class will be spent drilling on specific shots and strokes. For the remainder of the time, you will participate in unorganized play, under the pro’s supervision.

Is your student applying to an Independent or Private School in the coming year? Unsure of which exam(s) are required for admissions? Join this informative virtual workshop to learn about the ISEE/SSAT exams and the current testing landscape in private school admissions. We will discuss the levels of exams, exam formats (paper vs. computer-based), overview of content, testing timelines, and how your student can prepare. Students and parents will leave with an understanding of the exam requirements, timelines, and resources.

Are you curious about what ChatGPT is and how it may affect you? Learn what you need to know about ChatGPT, powered by Artificial Intelligence, in this fun and engaging class. You will understand how it works and why it's taking the world by storm. You'll also learn practical everyday uses for ChatGPT in the workforce and at home. Don't get left behind in today's tech savvy world; attend this upcoming training!