Super Saturday

Enrichment Classes for All Children K-8th

Winter 2012: January 28 - February 25

What is Super Saturday?

• Super Saturday is a program of enrichment classes for all students K-8.
• Most of our classes are unavailable elsewhere or available only to gifted students.
• We believe all students have interests/talents that should be unleashed & explored.
• Our classes provide the opportunity to develop new skills & interests that may last a lifetime.
• Class sizes are small (typically 8-10) to allow more individualized instruction.
• We now offer some classes for both parents and students - share an interest with your child!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Winter Session of Super Saturday classes will run for five consecutive Saturdays: January 28 - February 25, 2012. Unless otherwise noted (*), every class is held on each of the five Saturday mornings for 50 minutes.

CLASS/SCHOOL LOCATION: All our classes are held at O'Neill Middle School, 635 59th Street, Downers Grove.

REGISTRATION FORMS: Registration for classes began January 6, 2012 and is now closed. If you would like assistance registering, please send an email to Registration@dgfrog.org. (All registration for Super Saturday classes is now through the Internet.)

WAITING AREA: During classes, parents and siblings may wait in the hall by the mid-east door near the FRoG Representative.

STUDENT PICK-UP should occur promptly after class. For early student release, prior notification from the parent is required.

PARENT OBSERVATION: Parents may sit in on the last ten minutes of the second-to-last class, Saturday, February 18.

A HALL MONITOR at one end of the building and FRoG Representative at the other will direct students to classes and bathrooms.

PUBLICITY CONSENT: Parents may be asked for consent to use their child's picture and/or name in the local papers.

COST: Price of each class includes all supplies. A $5 registration fee is added to each registration. No additional class fees will be added after registration.

Class Cancellation: This FRoG Web site (www.dgfrog.org) will contain a notice if severe weather forces cancellation of a day of classes. If a teacher is ill, we will try to get a substitute. If a single class must be cancelled, we will attempt to contact you by telephone. For each cancelled class that cannot be rescheduled, a refund of $8.00 per cancelled class will be credited to you toward payment of future Super Saturday classes.

Jr. Chefs I   Teacher: Carnegie, Grades: K-2, Cost: $56

In this hands-on class, students create a variety of dishes tailored to their age level and interests. Each student receives a cookbook of class recipes.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in cooking, but without much experience. Peanut products will be used in this class. Note: Parents are expected to volunteer to help for one of the five Saturdays, and a sign-up sheet will be available at the first class.

Beginning Spanish   Teacher: Von Kerens, Grades: K-5, adults, Cost: $45

In this class, students are introduced to Spanish: basic phrases, parts of the body, colors, numbers, family members, and seasonal words, and more. Students will play some Spanish games and learn to both read and speak basic words. Parents receive materials to enable them to work with their children at home, if desired.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in learning Spanish. This class is open to adults, too!

Beginning Hula Dancing   Teacher: Puanani Hud, Grades: K-8, adults, Cost: $35

For generations, stories have been told through this beautiful dance. Teacher Shasta Puanani Hud, of the Halau Hula O Puanani, will introduce beginning hula dance moves and stories to take you to a far away tropical paradise.

This class is for students who like to dance and are interested in Hawaii. This class is open to adults, too!

Tool Time   Teacher: M. Beirne, Grades: 1-3, Cost: $45

Have fun in this hands on class learning how to use hand tools. All the primary tools of a toolbox will be explored; screwdrivers, levels, pliers, wrenches and more. Students will learn the correct and safe ways use tools through fun, hands on activities.

No prerequisite - this class is for students interested in learning how to use tools. Note: Each class needs one parent volunteer to assist with the projects. On first day of class, please sign up for your day to help.

Advanced Chess   Teacher: Flores, Grades: 1-8, adults, Cost: $35

In each class, the chess student does a group exercise of 1 to 3 positions which highlights some advanced tactics and strategic plans. The remainder of the class is devoted to play, with the instructor spending time observing each game and offering individualized advice. There is a wealth of knowledge, excitement, and fun to be had in this class - join us in new adventures! Please bring a chess set from home.

This class is for the more advanced player familiar with the material covered in Beginning and Intermediate Chess. This class is open to adults, too!

Amazing Mosaics   Teacher: Jarecki, Grades: 2-8, adults, Cost: $55

3-D Artistic Glass Mosaics, Create a work of beauty and function while learning about an art form that has transcended the centuries. Focus will be on hands-on artistic design, fabrication and finishing of a piece of mosaic art using highest quality art glass and other interesting materials. Students will learn cutting techniques and safe handling of glass and other materials. All tools provided. A great beginning mosaic project with enough challenge to keep it interesting for both kids and adults!

No previous experience required. This class is open to adults, too!

Cartoon Creations   Teacher: Belonio, Grades: 3-7, Cost: $46

In this class, we will explore the world of animation and comic strips. Students will get to create their own unique cartoon characters and settings. Projects will involve comic strips, animation cels, and flipbooks. It is VERY possible that you may have the NEXT Walt Disney in your family!

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in learning cartooning.

Pastel Painting I & II   Teacher: Boylen, Grades: 3-8, adults, Cost: $50

Learn the techniques Degas, Cassatt and Monet used to create their beautiful pastel masterpieces. Students of all ages will learn how to create wonderful paintings with pastels. You will be introduced to drawing, shading, color mixing and various techniques for creating art with pastels. The final project will be suitable for framing. Each student will receive a complete set of pastels and supplies.

Past students will continue to advance in ability and technique. This class is open to adults, too!

Sumi-e Painting   Teacher: Varsbergs, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $50

And now for something totally different, Sumi-e Painting. Using simple tools of traditional Asian brush-and-ink painting, learn to create images subtle and bold. Learn and practice the basic strokes of traditional sumi-e painting: orchid, bamboo, plum and chrysanthemum. Students will also design and make a personal "chop," or signature stamp, for "signing" your artwork. Each student will receive a paint brush to use and then keep. Class outline: Introduction to sumi-e painting tools Learning the basic strokes: orchid, bamboo, plum and chrysanthemum Designing a personal signature "chop" and making a rubber stamp of it.

No prerequisite. This class is open to adults, too!

Continuing Knitting   Teacher: David, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $50

Take your beginning knitting skills to the next level. Needles & yarn will be included in materials fee.

Prerequisite: Students must know how to knit and pearl to start. This class is open to adults, too!

10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Time Period

Continuing Spanish   Teacher: Von Kerens, Grades: 1-5, adults, Cost: $45

This class continues the Spanish fun and learning. Students expand vocabulary through games, stories, and songs. Students increase their conversational skills. Parents will be provided with simple materials to enable them to work with their children at home, if desired.

This class is for any student who has had a basic Spanish class. This class is open to adults, too!

Continuing French   Teacher: Snyder, Grades: 1-6, adults, Cost: $45

For students who've already invested the time in learning the basics of French, this class allows them to go deeper and have more fun. This class gets to the good stuff - more time on games and activities in French! Material will be tailored to the level of the students.

This class is open to any student who has taken one or more French classes. This class is open to adults, too!

Beginning Chess   Teacher: Flores, Grades: 1-8, adults, Cost: $35

Chess is one of the world's oldest games. Called the Game of Kings, it can be enjoyed and mastered by everyone! In this class, students learn the chess pieces, how they move, how to checkmate, and the 2 very special moves (castling, en passant). Some hands-on exercises will be used to reinforce concepts. Chess sets may be purchased from the instructor ($16) or brought from home.

No prerequisite - this class is for the student unfamiliar with chess or just learning to play. This class is open to adults, too!

Jr. Chefs II   Teacher: Carnegie, Grades: 2-5, Cost: $56

In this hands-on class, students create a variety of dishes tailored to their age level and interests. This class is similar to Jr. Chefs I, but is geared to the slightly older student. Each student will receive a cookbook of class recipes. Parents: Please plan to help out at one class.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in cooking, but without much experience. Peanut products will be used in this class. Note: Parents are expected to volunteer to help for one of the five Saturdays, and a sign-up sheet will be available at the first class.

Microscopic Investigation   Teacher: Shearer, Grades: 3-6, Cost: $45

This exciting class provides a hands-on introduction to science. Students will explore the microscopic world using a variety of magnifiers. They will learn some basics about optics and perform lots of hands-on experiments on topics including fingerprints, sand, crystals and aquatic life.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in experimenting with microscopes.

More Cartoon Creations   Teacher: Belonio, Grades: 3-7, Cost: $46

In this class, we will continue the exploration into the world of animation and comic strips. Students will create their own unique cartoon characters and settings. Projects will involve comic strips, animation cels, and flipbooks.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in learning cartooning. This is class in not a higher level, rather other project will be taught.

Bridge Building   Teacher: Miserendino, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $50

In this class, students study how bridges are made, learning about different structural designs and the relative strength of each style. Each student will decide on a type of bridge to build from two choices, and then the student will design and build his or her own bridge.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in building and design. Hot glue guns will be used in this class.

Writing Workshop   Teacher: Campbell, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $45

Do you love making up stories? Learn how to bring out the stories within you in this exciting class. Improve your writing skills by using the same process and style strategies used by professional writers to bring your creative ideas to life. Through reading and working together with other students, your inner author will emerge! Students will participate in the world-wide event: National Novel Writing Month! This is a perfect opportunity to prepare for the PTA's Reflections program.

This class is for any student who loves to write stories.

Silk Screen Printing   Teacher: Boylen, Grades: 3-8, adults, Cost: $50

Learn the art of silk screen printing. Each week, silkscreen your own designs on cards, tee shirts, and more.

No prerequisites. This class is open to adults, too!

Yoga for Everyday   Teacher: Beagley, Grades: 3-8, adults, Cost: $35

Learn fun yoga poses, stretching and breathing techniques to increase balance, coordination, and stamina for sports and everyday life. Learn poses for relaxation, focus, and concentration.

No prerequisite - this class is for all students interested learning the amazing world of yoga. All students are asked to bring a yoga mat or beach towel, water bottle, and wear loose clothing. This class is open to adults, too!

Soaps Lotions and Potions   Teacher: Jarecki, Grades: 4-8, Cost: $52

In this exciting class, have fun creating molded soaps with fun scents, colors and surprises. We will also create fun and useful soaps, bath oils, and more. Invent your own spa science! Each week students will take home a personal creation.

No prerequisites.

Drawing   Teacher: Beirne, Grades: 4-8, Cost: $50

Pencil and paper is all that makes the world around you come alive in this drawing class. Students will learn and hone their skills related to drawing. Covered areas will include still life, figure, and self-portraiture.

No prerequisite - this class is for students who love to draw. Process and skills are emphasized, not finished drawings.

Wool Felting class   Teacher: Konters, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $50

In this hands on textile class, come experience the magic of turning loose wool fibers into a colorful, dense fabric using a flat wet-felting technique. Each participant will color with wool to create a unique 9 inch x 9 inch design.

No experience necessary. If you enjoy sewing, weaving, quilting or knitting, you will enjoy this class! This class is open to adults, too!

Acting for Everyone   Teacher: Schutt, Grades: 6-8, Cost: $47

In this beginning acting class, students will explore the process of creating and performing a character. Using acting games and activities, students will learn how actors play a role and transform themselves as performers. Students will rehearse and perform a short play at the end of the fifth week.

No prerequisite - this class is designed for students with a dramatic interest who can read and memorize scripts.

11:00 - 11:50 a.m. Time Period

Mighty Magnifiers   Teacher: Shearer, Grades: K-2, Cost: $47

In this eyes on-hands on class, junior, science detectives will use magnifying glasses to discover the tiny world around them. Students will also experience using a microscope. So much to see!

No prerequisite.

Yoga in Motion   Teacher: Beagley, Grades: K-3, Cost: $35

Have fun, stretch your body while learning yoga! Games & songs add to the fun. Dress to move, no jeans please. Yoga is a great way to develop focus, awareness, and coordination. This class stresses increased flexibility and balance as students participate in imaginative poses, games, songs, and relaxation. It's a fun and beneficial class for the whole child - body and mind.

No prerequisite - this class is for students interested in having fun and challenge their bodies. Students are asked to bring a yoga mat or beach towel and water bottle.

Introduction to French   Teacher: Snyder, Grades: 1-5, adults, Cost: $45

In this introductory class, students explore what it's like to be a French person, what's different (and the same) about how children live in France, and why you might like to travel to France, all while being introduced to the French language. Games, songs, skits, and flash cards are used to teach the basics of French vocabulary and grammar for use in conversations.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in learning French. This class is open to adults, too!

Intermediate Chess   Teacher: Flores, Grades: 1-8, adults, Cost: $35

In this class, the chess student is exposed to games from some of the greatest chess players in history. With the games, basic ideas are explored as well as tactics, strategies, brilliant checkmates, the four principles upon which play is built (Space, Time, Force, Pawn Structure), the Center, and the weakest square on the board. There is time after each game is presented for the student to find a partner and play a game.

This class is for the student familiar with the material covered in our Beginning Chess class. This class is open to adults, too!

Acting Adventures   Teacher: Schutt, Grades: 3-5, Cost: $47

In this beginning acting class, students will use acting games and storytelling exercises to create their very own play. Using games, improvisation and collaboration, students will learn to use their bodies and voices to create characters and perform a short play they create themselves.

No prerequisite - this class is designed for students with a dramatic interest who can read and memorize scripts.

Codes and Ciphers   Teacher: Miserendino, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $50

Do you want to stop your little brother from reading your diary? Do you want to feel like a real "secret agent" by passing a coded message between friends? This class will show you many codes and ciphers, from simple letter switching to historic code tools. Students will also learn tips and secrets of breaking many types of codes. Each student takes home everything learned in class, including actual code tools!

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in keeping or breaking secret messages. Also, we do not endorse passing notes in any classroom setting (except maybe this one).

Journey through Journaling!   Teacher: Campbell, Grades: 4-8, Cost: $50

Do you struggle to communicate with your child? In this unique Parent-Child class on journaling you will learn how to connect with your child on sensitive topics by communicating through a shared journal; build your child"s confidence through encouraging letters and a fun name game; turn your child into an optimist through gratitude journaling; help your child create goals, focus and practice the power of visualization, and tap into your child"s imagination with "unjournaling" prompts. Each Parent-Child pair will be given one hard bound journal to share. We may experiment with adding color and photos, as well. Be ready to engage with your child on a whole new level!

Each child must know how to read and write without assistance. Register your child's name and grade level, but a parent must accompany child at each class.

Beginning Knitting   Teacher: Konters, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $50

Discover the beautiful art of knitting. In this hands-on beginning knitting class students will learn casting on and off, and the knit stitch. Students will be able to choose a fun, simple projects to practice on each week. Needles and yarn will be included in materials fee.

No previous experience necessary. This class is open to adults, too!

Calligraphy and Card Crafting   Teacher: Beirne, Grades: 5-8, adults, Cost: $50

In this hands-on class, students learn the basics of calligraphy, the "art of beautiful handwriting." Students will learn to write the italic calligraphic alphabet - both upper and lower case. Students will make personal cards, write and address letters, and copy a favorite song or poem suitable for framing.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in learning the art of calligraphy. This class is open to adults, too!

Cooking for Adults/Teens   Teacher: Carnegie, Grades: 6-12, Cost: $57

Students explore varied aspects of meal preparation including analyzing and selecting recipes, menu planning and preparation (appetizers, main course, and dessert), and table setting/presentation. Recipes have been chosen with the emphasis on nutrition, enjoyment, and cooking on a budget.

No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in cooking. Please note that peanut products will be used in this class.

Super Saturday Teachers

FRoG TEACHERS are all experienced with children and knowledgeable in their subject areas, which include math, art, literature, sewing, business, foreign languages, music, chess, computer programming, and more!

Karen Beagley is a yoga instructor trained via the Radiant Child Yoga Program who teaches yoga at local park districts, YMCAs, and school districts.

Kristen Beirne has been an artist for more than 20 years, a calligrapher for more than 6. She is married and the mother of 3 young children.

Jon Belonio is the art teacher for both Hillcrest and Whittier schools in district 58.

Laura Boylen co-chairs the successful and enriching Partners in Art program at Hillcrest.

Danielle Brauweiler, DG resident and mother of two sons, previously owned a children's enrichment education facility in Chicago and is currently teaching throughout District 58 as a substitute. She believes that the more hands-on you can get, the more children will understand.

Lisa Bullard, B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education, is a mother of 3 and a certified teacher with over a decade of teaching experience.

Mary Jo Campbell, married mom of two sons, is a published freelance writer. Her passion for young writers is apparent in the fun but beneficial writing exercises she offers to help students find their "voice" and style. Her blog for young writers is: writelikeCRAZY.wordpress.com.

Angela Carlson teaches first grade at Hillcrest Elementary.

Scott Carnegie, a certified chef in Illinois, has also taught classes for the Boy Scouts.

Sarah David is a District 58 art teacher.

Bob Dunne teaches credit courses in electronics and robotics as well as gifted-ed children's classes at the College of DuPage.

Josh Flores, chess player for over 30 years, member of the Illinois Chess Association and U.S. Chess Federation, has taught children for many years.

Shasta Puanani Hud of the Halau Hula O Puanani

Rose Jarecki, MBA in Technology Management, is a professional artist and a juried Illinois Artisan for her glass work and silk painting. Mrs. Jarecki owns Gallery's Choice in Downers Grove, featuring the art of over 70 other local artists and teaches classes in stained and fused glass, mosaics, lampworking, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting and jewelry making.

Frank Klicar is a retired National Geographic producer and been an amateur astronomer for many years.

Bill Koures holds Ph.D.s in both Physics and Economics.

Richard Magin, professor at U of I in Chicago, is a PhD bioengineer also interested in all things aeronautical.

Peter Miserendino, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UIUC, is still fascinated with the secret codes he learned as a kid.

David Schneeweis, professor at U of I in Chicago, is a PhD bioengineer interested in all things aeronautical.

Gretchen Shearer, Ph.D., has worked in the field of chemical microanalysis and microscopy for 13 years and has been active in science outreach for many years. She is married to a Physics professor and they have two young budding scientists.

Kelly Snyder is the French teacher at Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove.

Lois Sterba, a teacher for over 30 years, is a docent and tour guide at the Downers Grove Park District Museum.

Lety Von Kerens is a native Spanish speaker who has been teaching Spanish for several years to students in grades K-6 in District 58 schools.

Jim Wright is a lab technician who has worked in metallurgical research, radar electronics, laser physics, bioengineering, and other areas of science.