Super Saturday
Winter 2010: January 30 - February 27
On-line Registration
On-line Registration Procedure
GENERAL INFORMATION about Super Saturday Classes:
The Winter Session of Super Saturday classes will run for five consecutive Saturdays: January 30 - February 27, 2010. Unless otherwise noted (*), every class is held on each of the five Saturday mornings for 50 minutes.
CLASS/SCHOOL LOCATION: Classes are held at O'Neill Middle School, 635 59th Street in Downers Grove.
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.
WAITING LIST: For classes that are already full, you may send us an e-mail to be put on a waiting list. If there is enough interest, we will open another session (same class and teacher, but different hour). Please state which class you desire, and we will respond to it's status.
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9:00 - 9:50 a.m. Time Period
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. Please note that peanut products will be used in this class. 1-2 Parent volunteers needed for each class.
-- Go back to class index --Stories of the World Teacher: Carlson, Grades: K-2, Cost: $45
In this exciting class, young students discover cultures around the world through stories and related activities. Each week, students will hear a new story that represents a different culture and do a project that illustrates an aspect of that culture. This is the perfect age to begin to develop understanding and acceptance!
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who enjoys stories and fun activities.
-- Go back to class index --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.
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --Amazing Mosaics Teacher: Jarecki, Grades: 2-8, adults, Cost: $45
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!
-- Go back to class index --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.
-- Go back to class index --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.
-- Go back to class index --Famous Women in History Teacher: Beirne, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $42
Our history books do not always tell us the exciting truth about the women who have changed our world. In this fascinating class, students will explore the women of history - from women in politics to women in science and much more. We will also explore woman today who are changing our world. Join us for a fun and empowering class.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who wants to learn more about woman's history.
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --Robotics I Teacher: B. Dunne, Grades: 4-7, Cost: $45
Use the Lego® Mindstorms™ Invention System and laptop computers (both provided by the instructor) to program robots to perform various tasks in this exciting and popular class! Students work in pairs to program robots.
No prerequisite - some prior experience in these areas is helpful, but not required.
-- Go back to class index --Beginning Knitting Teacher: David, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $48
Discover the beautiful art of knitting. Learn the basics of knitting, casting on and off and stitching. Needles & yarn will be included in materials fee.
No prerequisites. This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Time Period
Broadway For Beginners Teacher: Carlson, Grades: K-1, Cost: $45
You're never too young for the Theatre! This class is designed to introduce younger students to the fun and excitement of theatre. Students will learn to focus their creative energy and imagination through games and improvs. They will learn to convey characters through voice and movement, and they will explore other tools used by actors, such as voice projection and facial expression. Play featured in this class is The Ugly Woodpecker.
No prerequisite - this class is designed for younger students, so no prior experience or reading ability is expected.
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --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. Please note that peanut products will be used in this class.
-- Go back to class index --Lotions and Potions Teacher: Gavin, Grades: 2-5, Cost: $47
In this exciting class, experiment with natural elements to create fun and useful soaps, bath oils, hair gels and more. Invent your own spa science! All recipes use essential oils and creativity. Each week students will take home a personal creation.
No prerequisites.
-- Go back to class index --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.
-- Go back to class index --Writing Workshop Teacher: Campbell, Grades: 3-7, 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! This is a perfect opportunity to prepare for the PTA's Reflections program.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who loves stories and is interested in taking his or her creative writing to the next level.
-- Go back to class index --Codes and Ciphers I Teacher: Miserendino, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $55
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).
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --Money Money Money Teacher: Beirne, Grades: 4-7, Cost: $45
Why do we need it? Where did it come from? How can I get some? Why is it important? In this class, students will learn about earning money, saving money, investing money, earning/paying interest, and the options that exist for young people to make their money grow. This class will cover the evolution of money and its uses and Coin collecting. Also, "the art of bart -ering", students will participate in bartering sessions.
No prerequisite - this class is designed for any students interested in learning how to manage and grow their money.
-- Go back to class index --Exploring Astronomy Teacher: Klicar, Grades: 4-8, Cost: $45
In this exciting class, students will explore the stars and planets through a variety of indoor projects. Students will also do some outdoor sky-watching if weather permits.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested stars and planets.
-- Go back to class index --Introduction to Chinese Teacher: Hsu, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $45
In this new class learn the basics of the ancient language. After learning colors, numbers and greetings, conversational phrases will be taught. Step into another world. Instructor will have a CD available for purchase after the first week.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in learning Chinese. This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --Watercolor Painting Teacher: Boylen, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $49
In this fun class, students practice the "wet on wet" technique using watercolor paints. Students will paint one-color, two-color, and three-color palettes, learning how to mix different shades of color. The possibilities are endless! Each student will receive a complete set of watercolor painting supplies.
No prerequisite - this class is for students interested in drawing and painting. Be sure to wear painting clothes! This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --Robotics II Teacher: B. Dunne, Grades: 5-8, Cost: $45
In this sequel to Robotics I, the Lego® Mindstorms™ Invention System and laptop computers (both provided by the instructor) additional projects and applications of robotics will be examined.
Prerequisite - Robotics I or equivalent experience elsewhere.
-- Go back to class index --11:00 - 11:50 a.m. Time Period
Beginning Hula Dancing Teacher: Puanani Hud, Grades: K-2, 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!
-- Go back to class index --More Broadway Teacher: Carlson, Grades: 1-2, Cost: $45
You're never too young for the Theatre! This class continues the fun and excitement of theatre. Students will learn to focus their creative energy and imagination through games and improvs. They will learn to convey characters through voice and movement, and they will explore other tools used by actors, such as voice projection and facial expression.
Prerequisite: Broadway For Beginners class or equivalent experience is expected.
-- Go back to class index --Mess with Matter Teacher: Gavin, Grades: 1-4, Cost: $47
This exciting hands on class is all about the stages of matter; solid, liquid and gas. Explore all three with fun experiments and exercises. Why does it melt, harden, evaporate? Dress for mess.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who enjoys science and experiments.
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --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.
-- Go back to class index --Publish Me! Teacher: Campbell, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $45
Did you know that kids could get their stories published in magazines and on-line? Learn how to get one of your stories or essays ready for publication. This class teaches how to revise your writing to make it stronger, where to look for publishing opportunities, how to search for markets that fit your style of writing and how to submit your writing to an editor. If you love to write and want to see your work in print, this class is for you! Bring a finished or semi-finished story or essay to the first class.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who loves to write and wants to know how to get a story published.
-- Go back to class index --See and Learn Algebra Teacher: Koures, Grades: 4-7, Cost: $45
Learn fun, innovative, hands-techniques to solving linear equations by "balancing" game tokens on scales.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of addition and subtraction is required. Familiarity with multiplication and division is helpful.
-- Go back to class index --Drawing Teacher: David, 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.
-- Go back to class index --Beginning Printmaking Teacher: Boylen, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $52
Students will have fun exploring various printmaking techniques including relief printing, monograph prints and collagraph prints while turning their masterpieces into cards. Each week students will create greetings cards for birthday, thank you, get well, etc., and our final project will be cards for the holidays. * Wear appropriate clothing as it may become stained.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who wants to learn the art of printmaking. This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --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!
-- Go back to class index --Back to Basics 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.
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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.