Super Saturday
Winter 2009: January 31 - February 28
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 31 - February 28, 2009. 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
My Body and Me Teacher: Brauweiler, Grades: K-2, Cost: $42
Through experiments and crafts, students will learn about various parts of the human body. Each class will focus on specific body parts such as skeleton, lungs, skin, heart, brain. On the last class, students will bring home a "real body" with corresponding body parts.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in basics of the human body.
-- Go back to class index --New Fun with Dr. Seuss Teacher: Mudrak, Grades: K-2, Cost: $45
If you love Dr. Seuss, this is the class for you. Students hear a different Dr. Seuss story every week and enjoy a related activity. Activities include art and craft projects, puppet shows, and more. Welcome to Seussville. Pre-K 5-year-olds will also be admitted to this class.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who enjoys stories and fun activities.
-- 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 --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! Chess sets may be purchased from the instructor ($16) or brought 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 --Lotions and Potions Teacher: Bullard, Grades: 2-5, Cost: $45
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 --Money Money Money Teacher: Beirne, Grades: 3-6, Cost: $40
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 --Cartoon Creations Teacher: Belonio, Grades: 3-7, Cost: $51
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 --Manners Matter Teacher: Vosefski, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $50
Manners make impressions. Good manners speak louder than words many times. This life skills class teaches students proper etiquette for everyday life. Including, how to write a thank you note, telephone skills, which fork/spoon to use and when, greetings and salutations, tips to become a good conversationalist and much, much more! This is a special offering by Edith Vosefski, Director, Northern Illinois School of Etiquette.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who wants to increase his/her self-confidence and comfort level in social situations - and have fun.
-- Go back to class index --Watercolor Painting Teacher: Boylen, Grades: 3-8, adults, Cost: $50
These hands-on watercolor lessons begin by learning basic techniques such as color mixing, proper brush control, washes, and wet and dry brushing. We then progress into more advanced techniques using mask, creating textures, and end the class with finished masterpieces suitable for framing. All supplies are included and students will receive a full set of watercolors and brushes to keep.
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 --The Art of Cooking Teacher: Carnegie, Grades: 4-6, Cost: $56
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. Students will choose recipes to prepare, with the emphasis on nutrition, enjoyment, and cooking on a budget. Students will prepare a "meal" for their families on the last class.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in cooking. Please note that peanut products will be used in this class.
-- Go back to class index --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 --Java Script I Teacher: Dunne, Grades: 5-8, adults, Cost: $32
The basis of how the Internet works will be covered in this class. It will begin with basics in HTML and XML, then move on to programming in JavaScript. This class meets 2 days only: Feb. 14, Feb. 28, at a special time 9:00-10:50 a.m.
No prerequisite - some prior experience with the Internet is helpful. If possible, please bring your own laptop computer. It only needs Internet Explorer or Firefox. No WIFI necessary. This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --10:00 - 10:50 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 --Broadway For Beginners Teacher: Fuehrmeyer/Beirne, Grades: K-2, 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.
No prerequisite - this class is designed for younger students, so no prior experience or reading ability is expected.
-- Go back to class index --Play It Again Games Teacher: Sterba, Grades: 1-3, Cost: $47
Do you love board games? Come and have fun making and playing board games that were created years ago. See how they are like the ones you know today. These include race games like Snakes and Ladders and the Royal Game of Goose, games of chance like Ludo and Steeplechase, and strategy games like Nine Men's Morris and Seega. Learn board game terminology and the origin of "Back to Square One." Find out what children learned about the world by playing these games. Make and take home a new "old" game every week.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who enjoys playing board games.
-- Go back to class index --Mess with Matter Teacher: Bullard, Grades: 1-3, Cost: $50
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 --Introduction to Chinese Teacher: Hsu, Grades: 1-3, 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 --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 --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. Chess sets may be purchased from the instructor ($16) or brought from home.
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
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 who enjoys science and experiments.
-- Go back to class index --More Cartoon Creations Teacher: Belonio, Grades: 3-7, Cost: $51
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 class is not a higher level, rather other projects will be taught.
-- Go back to class index --Still Life Drawing Teacher: David, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $43
Students will explore the basics of still life drawing, composition, form, shape, shading, shadow, and texture. We will study master artists' and their interpretation of still life drawings. Everyday objects will be used while drawing and exploring different styles of creating a still life drawing.
No prerequisite - this class is for students to build their confidence as an artist and expand their current skills in drawing.
-- Go back to class index --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! 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 --Airplane Building Workshop I Teacher: Magin, Grades: 4-7, Cost: $55
In this class students build flying balsa model airplanes. They practice the building skill needed to build light, strong, flexible models that really fly. Both gliders and rubber-powered will be assembled and flown. Students learn how to balance and trim for stable flight and how to repair planes when they break. Students take models to the park for long and exciting flights. Basic model building skills (cutting, sanding, wood glue assembly) will be taught. All work with tools will be carefully supervised.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student interested in building balsa airplanes. The focus is on the building and repairing process. Note: Parent assistance are needed to help supervise. Please send us a e-mail if available to help.
-- Go back to class index --Bicycle Maintenance Teacher: Nesypor, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $50
In this hands-on class, students learn the ins and outs of their bicycles. How to maintain and repair flat tires, broken chains and tune their bikes. Every student will have an opportunity to bring in their own bicycle once during the course. Each student will receive supplies. Parent volunteers welcome!
No prior experience is necessary. This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --Printmaking Teacher: Boylen, Grades: 4-8, adults, Cost: $52
This art class explores various printmaking techniques including relief printing, monograph prints and collagraph prints. Students will explore: Carving on foam blocks, linoleum, and/or soft rubber to create a printing surface for multiple prints, monograph prints, or single image prints, and collagraph, a "collage type" process where you "build" a surface with pastes you glue materials to, making a surface for inking. * 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 --Electronics 1 Teacher: Dunne, Grades: 5-8, adults, Cost: $50
Learn about resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, and integrated circuits while building an AM radio kit. The students will learn the basis of radio transmission and reception as they solder their kits. Students will take home their completed radio kits. This class meets 2 days only: Jan. 31, Feb. 7, at a special time 9:00-10:50 a.m.
No prerequisites, students will be taught to use the soldering irons. This class is open to adults, too!
-- Go back to class index --11:00 - 11:50 a.m. Time Period
Stories of the World Teacher: Fuehrmeyer, 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 --Meet Pierce Downer Teacher: Sterba, Grades: 1-3, Cost: $47
Through stories, games, and activities, students discover the period of 1832-1892 in the Downers Grove area in this fun new class taught by a docent from the Downers Grove Park District Museum. While listening to fascinating stories about the namesake of Downers Grove and other important people and events of our town, students draw pictures, create maps, build log cabins and plank roads, create Native American prescription sticks and Civil War crafts, make quilt patterns for the Underground Railroad. They play parlor games and marbles and put on plays illustrating stories and events of the time. Watch our history come alive!
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who enjoys stories, crafts, games, and plays.
-- Go back to class index --More with Matter Teacher: Bullard, Grades: 1-3, Cost: $50
This hands-on class is more about the stages of matter; solid, liquid and gas. It's just like Mess with Matter, but with additional exciting experiments. Why do things melt, harden, evaporate? Dress for mess.
No prerequisite - this class is for any student who enjoys science and experiments.
-- 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 --Introduction to Hula Dancing Teacher: Puanani Hud, Grades: 2-8, adults, Cost: $35
Discover the beauty and stories of the Hawaiian culture. 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 --Figure Drawing Teacher: David, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $43
We will start out with basic gesture drawings and move up to more detailed drawings. In figure drawing we will use real models, mirrors for self-portraits, and photography, and master artists' works for inspiration. The main focus of this class will be shape, line, composition, and movement.
No prerequisite - this class is for the student who wants to learn how to draw people.
-- Go back to class index --Publish Me Teacher: Campbell, Grades: 3-8, Cost: $45
Have you ever wanted to publish a story or an article? In this class, we will learn the basics of preparing your work for publication and finding the right market for your writing. Young writers will learn how to utilize on-line search engines, writers' markets and the good old library shelves to research publications and find the right fit. We will also cover how to follow "writer's guidelines," approach an editor, and follow up on your submissions. Armed with these tools, you will be well on your way to seeing your name in print!
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 --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 --Airplane Building Workshop II Teacher: Magin, Grades: 5-8, Cost: $55
Build flying balsa models. Practice building skills needed to assemble light, strong, flexible models that really fly. Both gliders and rubber-powered models will be assembled and flown. Learn how to balance and trim for stable flight and how to repair them when they break. Take your models to the park for long and exciting flights. Basic model skills (cutting, sanding, wood glue assembly) will be taught - and carefully supervised. (6 students max in this class, so register early!)
Prerequisite - this is the next level/different project than Airplane Building I.
-- Go back to class index --Intro to Calligraphy 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!
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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.
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 has degrees in physics and computer science and has taught these topics to both children and adults for many years.
Alberta Eller, a long-time member of the Salt Creek Quilt Guild, has been sewing since she was five years old and loves sharing it with children.
Josh Flores, chess player for over 30 years, member of the Illinois Chess Association and U.S. Chess Federation, has taught children for years.
Shasta Puanani Hud of the Halau Hula O Puanani
Frank Klicar is a retired National Geographic producer and been an amateur astronomer for many years.
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.
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.
Edith Vosefski, founder and director of The Etiquette School of Northern Illinois, has been teaching for years and believes learning should be fun.
Jim Wright is a lab technician who has worked in metallurgical research, radar electronics, laser physics, bioengineering, and other areas of science.