Core Educational Classes:

INCREASING EDUCATIONAL SKILLS

G.E.D. Mathematics: 

Basic arithmetic, decimals, fractions, percentages, measurements, geometry, algebra, charts, graphs, statistics, and real world applications.

 

G.E.D. English/Writing Skills:  

Punctuation, capitalization, spelling, basic grammar, sentence structure, paragraph formation, essay writing, literature, communication, and real world applications.

 

G.E.D. Social Studies/Science

Selected readings in the areas of social and natural sciences will foster main concepts and be used in developing reading comprehension, vocabulary, main idea, as well as map and graph reading skills. 

                       The broad areas covered in these classes allow for a general review of the emphasized subject area and the organization of the classes allow for individual needs to be met.   Classes are 2 afternoon sessions per week for 8 weeks. 

 

TEST PREPARATION

Test Preparation - Math
Increase your confidence and sharpen your skills in math in preparation for the Basic Education Skills or Aptitude Tests. We will be taking practice tests, learning test taking strategies, and targeting any problem areas, as well as doing a general math review of terminology, symbols, formulas, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

 

Test Preparation - Reading and Writing:
Develop your skills and gain confidence in both reading and writing in preparation for Basic Education Skills or Aptitude Tests. Course will include practice tests, test taking strategies, reading for increased comprehension, pre-writing strategies, how to organize an essay, and a review of mechanics and grammar.

 

MATH REFRESHER

Algebra Refresher:
You will learn about signed numbers, solving first degree equations, negative exponents, division and/or factoring polynomials, and graphing.  Class is open to all ages including high school students needing to improve.

Math Refresher for Adults:
Practice and develop skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages and square root. Class is open to all ages including high school students needing to improve.

 
WRITING SKILLS

Creative Writing:
Designed to help you discover your writing talent. Learn what elements are needed to enhance a short story or novel. Learn about plot, the use of dialogue to advance the story and how to build characters. All levels of writers are welcome.

Basic Writing Skills:
A refresher course for adults, but all ages are welcome. Learn about parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and how to avoid common mistakes. You will learn to write memos, business letters and resumes. Class is tailored to the needs of the students.

 

Life-Skills and Enrichment

AUTOMOTIVE 

Auto Maintenance and Repair:
Are you frustrated by today's high tech automobiles? Learn, from a professional, the basic consumer skills and knowledge necessary to care for and maintain today's automobiles. Expand your knowledge and understanding of cooling systems, brakes, ignition and electrical systems. This class is for both men and women.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Introduction to Computers:

A course for the absolute beginner who wish to learn about PCs. Master the basics of bits and bytes, RAM and ROM, word processing, and spreadsheets. Learn how to run multiple windows and share data between applications, manage files and disks, and use the Windows’ accessories.  Topics include the various components of a PC and their functions, Windows operating systems, basic DOS commands, and some work with software programs.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 
 
Introduction to Internet:
This is a hands-on class will give the basics to the Internet. The course will discuss terminology, how to connect to the Internet, how e-mail works, and an explanation of Internet addresses. Class exercise will include how to begin “surfing” the Internet, how to search for information, using some of the search engines, and downloading programs and documents. Additional topics will include how to get pictures into the computer so you can send them as an attached document over e-mail and how to read PDF files using Acrobat Reader.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

 

Microsoft Office - Word I
Basic word processing class will cover creating, saving and printing documents; setting margins; editing, moving, copying, deleting, and replacing text; changing fonts; alignment; spell check; inserting clip-art; creating tables, and more. Students should have a computer for practice and be proficient in Windows 95/07.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

Microsoft Office - Word II
Class will cover: mail merge; macros; envelopes and labels; headers and footers; line spacing; templates; Word art; creating directories (folders); and more. Students should have a computer for practice and be proficient in Windows 95/07.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

Microsoft Office - Excel I
Learn to navigate through Excel with the start up screen, toolbars, on-line help and Office Assistant. You will create a worksheet, do simple formatting, and move and edit data. Students should have a computer for practice and be proficient in Windows 95/07.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

Microsoft Office - Excel II
Use your beginning skills and learn to do more complicated formatting, formulas, charts, graphs, and worksheets that feed into each other. Also learn how to merge Excel files into other Microsoft applications. Students should have a computer for practice and be proficient in Windows 95/07.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

Microsoft Office - PowerPoint:
Learn step-by-step how to plan and build presentation slides. Using the outline view you will create the presentation, then modify and enhance it with Clip Art and other visual effects, then learn how to show the presentation. Students should be proficient in Windows 95/07 and word processing.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

Microsoft Office - Publisher:

This training includes but is not limited to:  beginning work on a publication; layout tools; text frames; inserting and editing text; text formats; WordArt tool; drawing tools; picture and clip media tools; designs including postcards, resumes, flyers, web pages, company logos, letterhead, business cards, brochures, and newsletters.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Public Speaking:
You can change your life with the confidence that comes from overcoming the most common fear among people - speaking in front of a group. You will learn the simple secrets of effective public speaking, how to organize your talk, how to get and hold attention, how to think on your feet, how to “sell yourself”, and the key to having FUN through it all!

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

LEISURE & SPECIAL INTEREST


ARTS and CRAFTS  

 
 

Digital Camera Class:

This class is designed to teach students how to use a digital camera and manage their digital photographs.  Course topics include "You and Digital Camera", "Principles of Photography", and "Managing Your Digital Photographs".

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Journal Making:
Why not enhance your journaling by creating your own journal in which to write. You will complete a journal using beautiful handmade paper, ribbons, and embellishments. Learn how to make a one-of-a-kind scrap book! Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make more!

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Mural Design - Indoor/Outdoor:

Learn how to design a wall for the interior of your home or a wall outdoors. Select the appropriate subject and style to enhance the appearance of your home or office. Examples of mural provided. Limited materials list provided in class. The instructor has done murals in homes, offices and public buildings.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Silk and Dry Flower Arrangement:
Learn to create table arrangements, baskets, wall hangings, vase arrangements and indoor trees. Cost of materials depends on projects selected. First class meets for one hour orientation.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

COOKING

Cake Decorating I -The Basics:

This course is designed around basic cake decorating techniques.  Topics include borders, icing roses, writing, floral sprays, stars & shells, figure piping, and more.

A workbook is provided.  Supplies and materials used are the responsibility of the student.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Supply Cost:

$20.00 (Supplies will be discussed on the first night of class.  They do not need to be obtained for the first night of class.)

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Cake Decorating II - Flowers and Fun!

This course is designed to help basic cake decorators add new skills.  Topics include royal icing, color flow technique, basket-weave, rosebuds, lilies of the valley, flower nail flowers, and more.

A workbook is provided.  Supplies and materials used are the responsibility of the student.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Supply Cost:

$20.00 (Supplies will be discussed on the first night of class.  They do not need to be obtained for the first night of class.)

Tentative Starting Date:

To be announced.


Cake Decorating III -Tiered Cakes and Drama:

This course is designed around fondant and tiered cakes.  Topics include embroidery and lace, fondant icing, fondant cake ornament, stringwork and ruffles, lily nail flowers, tiered cake assembly, and more.

A workbook is provided.  Supplies and materials used are the responsibility of the student.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Supply Cost:

$20.00 (Supplies will be discussed on the first night of class.  They do not need to be obtained for the first night of class.)

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


DANCE

Country Two Step - Beginning:
Gain confidence and skill on the dance floor by learning these dance steps, how to lead and follow and move together smoothly with your partner. Kick up your heels and have some fun. Neither experience nor a partner is required.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Country Western Line Dancing - Intermediate:
Learn some of the hottest line dance steps around! They’re easy to do and can be danced just about anywhere. People of all ages are welcome to come for these fun and stimulating lessons.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


West Coast Swing - Beginning:
Learn the official swing dance of California, a hot triple rythmn dance. West coast swing is versatile enough to dance to big band, country western or rock and roll music. Couples and singles welcome as this is a partner rotating class.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


HOME IMPROVEMENT & CONSTRUCTION

Appliance Repair for Men and Women:
Most break-downs are due to simple problems that the average homeowner can handle. Learn to understand repair manuals, troubleshoot, replace parts, and safety check machines. Extend the life of your appliances through proper maintenance and repair.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


FITNESS


Improve Your Health Through Proper Breathing:
Through the use of nine standing exercises you will learn deep breathing. Sounds easy? It is. Unfortunately, most American don’t know how to obtain the benefits of correct breathing. Proper breathing procedure may improve your health, fitness and emotional well being. Just by changing your breathing technique from Western style to Eastern style you could lose weight, combat stress, obtain mental clarity, increase your energy and vitality, and increase your energy flow.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Tai Chi Chuan - Beginning & Intermediate:
Tai Chi is poetry in motion, a form of exercise combining breathing and movement, strengthening muscles and promoting joint flexibility. Tai Chi improves concentration and balance, relieves stress and promotes better health. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$10.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.



FOREIGN LANGUAGE


Basic Sign Language I
Class will cover vocabulary and grammar and will include cultural, educational, and linguistic perspectives of sign systems used in the United States. Students will be able to sign simple conversations with members of the deaf community.

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship






Next Starting Date:


Spanish - Beginning Conversational Level I
Seize this opportunity to learn this beautiful language. This is a very basic Spanish language class with emphasis on conversation. The optional $9.95 textbook, Spanish in 20 Lessons (Cortina Method)  ISBN 0-8050-1496-9, is not included in class fee.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


HEALTH and SAFETY 


Herbs, Nutrition, and Healthy Living:
How do you know what herbs are good for each ailment? Can a healthy, nutritious meal really be made in under a half an hour? Who can you really believe when talking about natural remedies? This class is designed to demystify herbs, nutrition, and their use in a healthier way of life. You’ll learn about supplements, diet, and herbs from around the world. Gain knowledge of the inner working of nutrition and herbals while on the journey to better health.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Women’s Health Issues and Herbs:
Ladies, have you ever wondered about the benefits of health maintenance? Would you like to find out how nutrition and herbs can work for you? This is the perfect opportunity. We’ll explore the field of nutrition and diet, learn which herbs are most beneficial, and discover the world of alternative options for a healthier lifestyle.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

 Music

Beginning Voice:
The human voice is the most beautiful instrument in the world. Learn the basics of voice beginning with exercises, some ear training, and how to project your voice. From speaking to singing, your voice is the picture of the inner you!  Solo performing is optional; group singing will be encouraged.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Guitar - Beginning:
Basic chords and chord theory will be covered. You will learn to play and begin to read musical notation. Our instructor is a young, highly trained musician with a diverse background in many styles of guitar.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


PERSONAL GROWTH and SKILL DEVELOPMENT


Anger Management - How to Handle It:
Participants will explore some of the early messages we receive about anger, recognize some of the ways we disguise it, accept our responsibility for maintaining and dissipating it, and point out some constructive ways of dealing with it.   You will learn what your ‘hot-buttons’ are understand how to understand the ‘peeves’ of the people you interact with.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Assertiveness Training:
Empower yourself in business and personal relationships with effective communication skills. Understand the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior. Learn words to avoid, body language, listening skills, and gain rapport through Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Feng Shui:
This ancient art of placement has gained much recognition and credibility in the western world. It is used to influence health, wealth, and relationships by improving the energy flow of your environment. Learn the basic principles of  Form, Compass, and Black Hat schools, how to correct the imbalances in your life and how to apply feng shui cures to your home, garden, and office.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Magic Performance for Beginners:
Would you like to perform magic, amaze your friends and co-workers, even mystify your relatives? You will learn basic magic skills and how to present magic illusions in an entertaining way. Classes will culminate with a student produced magic show to showcase your new talents. Class is restricted to adults age 18 and over.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Introduction to Meditation:
The mind and body are intimately united, when one suffers the other sympathizes. Learn how to stretch and concentrate to function well, slow down your thoughts, control your mind’s rambling energies, release tension, and cultivate the art of paying attention. Find inner calm and pure awareness. Wear comfortable white clothes, bring a large white towel and a cushion.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.



Internet Legal Research:
This will be a course in investigative and legal research for the beginner and advanced individual. Class is designed for the layperson, law enforcement or legal professional. We’ll cover terminology and web sites while teaching free accessibility of codes, statues and current legislation. No textbook required. Handouts will be provided.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Weddings of Perfection:
Whether you have months or weeks to prepare, you can stay on budget and create the most memorable day of your lives. Class is for brides, mothers of the bride and anyone interested in wedding planning.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


PERSONAL FINANCE and ENTREPRENSHIP


The Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Buying A Home:
Buying a home can be a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, most buyers make five or more critical mistakes when purchasing a home. In  this class you will learn from those in the know about Real Estate and how to avoid these common mistakes. Knowledge is power! You will learn the difference between pre-approval and a pre-qualification. You will learn the difference between a termite inspection and a home inspection. You will learn about agencies and what traits to look for in the person who represents you. You will learn how to obtain your credit scores and what it can do for you. We will talk about the current market and what it means to you.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Sell on E-Bay:
Whether you want to sell some old knick-knacks from around the house, or you'd like to learn how to find that rare baseball card, this class is for you.  You'll learn how to open a Seller Account, how to do research and create listings, how to improve your current listings, how to set pricing, how to open and use a PayPal account, how to monitor your listings, and how to complete the transactions.  During class you will be registering for an eBay & PayPal account.  To register for these accounts you must have your checking account and credit card information with you.   Register early, this class will fill up fast.

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 
SELF DEFENSE 

Self Defense for Women:
Learn how to avoid threatening situations, to listen to your intuition and to develop the appropriate emotional and physical response to a threat. Learn what to look for in a confrontation and how predators reveal themselves through their actions and speech. Learn persuasive verbal commands, up to and including the use of evasive and disengaging techniques. Hands-on and ‘practical’, this class is designed for the real world!

Course Length:

8 sessions

Course Cost:

$20.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Restorative Justice Trainings and Certifications

Conflict Resolution through Restorative Communication:
Conflict is a natural part of day-to-day life. While conflict can be destructive, understanding its dynamics and having the skills to engage in productive dialogue can lead to positive outcomes. This two-day workshop focuses on the elements of conflict, on how misunderstandings and relationship break-downs emerge, and on ways to prevent conflict situations from escalating. Learn to be an effective listener, reflecting curiosity and non-judgment rather than defensiveness. The skills and concepts covered in this course are transforming for everyday life and for Restorative Justice based processes. It may be taken independently or as part of the Winter Center’s Restorative Mentor certification program.

Course Length:

Two 8-hr sessions (16 hrs)

Course Cost:

$150.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


Restorative Mediation:
When a harmful event occurs, instead of focusing on punishment the response can be about healing and accountability, resulting in more satisfying outcomes for all concerned. Learn about the foundation, concepts and applications of Restorative Justice and gain an understanding of its use and relevance in criminal contexts as well as in aspects of day-to-day life. The course includes skills that will benefit your community and expands the possibilities for what “justice” looks like. Step by step, the instructor takes you through the preparation and dialogue of basic victim offender mediation with opportunities to practice the skills in a hands-on format with experienced coaches.

Course Length:

Three 8-hr sessions (24 hrs)

Course Cost:

$200.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.


 

Restorative Action in Communities:
Come explore options and strategies for making your neighborhood a safer and more respectful place for everyone!  Learn ways to get buy-in from key stakeholders to get your Restorative Justice program off the ground. This one-day workshop looks at opportunities, resources and roadblocks that emerge when considering implementing Restorative Justice models in community settings. This discussion will include how to implement, maintain and sustain a Restorative Justice program, and how to decide which one is right for your neck of the woods.

Course Length:

Two 8-hr sessions (16 hrs)

Course Cost:

$150.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.

 

Restorative Action in Subsidized-Living Settings:
If you work in a setting involving youth in subsidized living situations, this course is applicable to you. It The focus is on “Restorative Mentoring” philosophy, principles and tools which encourage responses to youth conflict that are needs-based and promote healing and accountability. The training is presented in a hands-on format that includes skills for working with conflict and mediation in the context of a restorative framework.   Experienced coaches assist with skills practice and enhance the learning experience. Certificates of completion will be presented. Prerequisite: None

Course Length:

Two 8-hr sessions (16 hrs)

Course Cost:

$150.00 or $0 with sponsorship

Next Starting Date:

To be announced.