Classes
See Current Calendar
Class Descriptions
MAY 2012
Calendar is constantly under construction. Check back frequently for updates. Go to Current Calendar for up-to-the-minute changes.
Monday, 9:00-9:55. Steven Brewer. Classroom.
In this class, we will explore how to build our own computer server. We'll discuss what's inside a computer and then spend some time sourcing all of the components we need to actually build a working computer. When we have arrived at a final list of components, sources, and prices, we will buy enough to construct a single server computer for North Star. Once the parts have arrived, we will build it together in class, then install an operating system, and configure it to be a small server which can live on in the school. Students who wish, may source components for other kinds of computers (workstations, gaming computers, etc), purchase their own parts, and construct their own computer with the support of their peers in the class.
Monday, 10:00-11:25. Susannah Sheffer. Classroom.
Workshop for developing all sorts of writing, learning to offer helpful critiques to others, and working through stuck places. Individual meetings are also available, especially for those who are struggling or don’t feel confident about writing.
Monday, 10:00-11:25. Josh Sugiyama. Classroom.
In this class we are examining the ways in which we interact with ourselves and others on a daily basis. We will actively engage in introspective movement exercise including compositional improvising with pedestrian and uncommon actions and gestures in order to develop body awareness.
Monday, 11:00-12:00. Megan Lieff. Mural Room.
This class will cover essentials like health and elements of LGBTQ acceptance and sexuality, but primarily focus on the needs/interests of the students that attend. I see this as an open-ended discussion - I will present some facts each class, and maybe some hand outs, ask leading questions for discussion, facilitate group activities (communication exercises, etc) and offer open-ended reflective activities.
Monday, 11:30-12:55. Ken Danford. Classroom.
Monday, 11:30-12:30. Melanie Dana. Piano Room.
Tuesday, 9:00-9:55. Erin McNally. Piano Room.
Join Erin for a well-balanced hour of yoga, appropriate for all experience levels. Each class centers around an uplifting theme, and students will move with their breath, focus their awareness, and strengthen their bodies through the practice of yoga. Drop-in any time. The more consistently you come to class, the greater the overall benefit of the practice.
Monday, 1:30-2:30. Marco Cordova. Classroom.
Monday, 1:30-2:30. Daniel Brewer. Conference Room.
Monday, 1:30-3:00. Nini Melvin. Mural Room.
Monday, 2:30-4:00. Kendra Nielsen. Classroom.
Tuesday, 9:00-9:55. Ellen Morbyrne. Piano Room.
Join Ellen for a well-balanced hour of yoga, appropriate for all experience levels. Each class centers around an uplifting theme, and students will move with their breath, focus their awareness, and strengthen their bodies through the practice of yoga. Drop-in any time. The more consistently you come to class, the greater the overall benefit of the practice.
Tuesday, 10:00-11:25. Ken Danford. Classroom.
US History through the Presidents. Learn about the major events of each presidential administration and the choices each president faced in office. Famous speeches and some background information as well.
Tuesday, 11:30-12:55. Ellen Morbyrne. Piano Room.
Theater is an art form, a physical and emotional discipline, and a rocking explosion of fun. Come learn physical theatre techniques and games that create dynamic performance styles for all types of live theatre – realism, devised, guerilla, street, musical, and abstract. Come knowing nothing about theatre or being a performing artist looking for new ideas. We will create a safe and welcoming ensemble in which to take artistic and personal risks. Based on class interest, we will take field trips to see performances, learn about multi-media live theatre, and rehearse a play for full production at North Star. Join any time, but the more you commit the further we'll go!
Tuesday, 12:15-1:00. John Sprague. Classroom.
Explore time-honored methods for calming the mind and awakening insight. Employ breathing and visualization techniques to increase concentration, reduce stress, and experience greater consciousness.
Thursday, 9:00-9:55. Devin Roark. Classroom.
Construct a variety of everyday and electronic items and learn how they work. Take on an individual project of building and/or taking apart something, or work with the group.
Thursday, 10:00-11:00. Susannah Sheffer. Mural Room.
When one person breaks a rule or harms another person, how should we respond -- in a family, in a school, in a society? Does punishment work effectively with children? With criminals? What are other options? We'll explore these questions through reading short pieces, watching video clips, and, most of all, through group discussion. Come ready to read and think and listen and talk.
Thursday, 10:00-11:30. Classroom.
Teen-led chess experience.
Thursday, 11:30-1:00. Craig Surette. Classroom.
An introduction to the study of humans and our cultures.
Thursday, 11:30-1:00. Joanna Weinberg-Lawless. Mural Room.
Read and discuss some of the best works of fiction in the English language.
Thursday, 1:00-2:00. Josh Wachtel. Mural Room.
Bring an instrument and a song if you have one and we'll all play together.
Thursday, 1:30-2:55. John Sprague. Classroom.
A thought-provoking investigation of the planet's major religious traditions, with an emphasis on understanding their core teachings. We'll begin with the spiritual traditions of indigenous peoples and pre-historic Goddess religions, before moving on to the major historical religions. Throughout, we'll address how human's have answered the big questions of where do we come from, where do we go, should we act, and what is the true nature of reality and the universe.
Thursday, 2:00-2:55. Elise Hayden. Piano Room.
Come learn the ancient art of belly dance, also known as raqs sharqi or Oriental dance. Bellydance provides a vision of feminine beauty that is empowering, inclusive, and lots of fun! Professional dancer Asherah Imperia will be teaching the basic moves, isolations, and improv as well as history of the dance and women's health benefits.
Thursday, 3:00-4:00. Sam Nordli. Piano Room.
Friday, 9:00-11:00. Felix Lufkin. Classroom.
Class begins on September 23. Fire making, tool making, and a variety of survival skills.
Friday, 10:00-11:25. John Sprague and Josh Wachtel. Classroom.
Friday, 10:00-11:25. Eric Connolly. Conference Room.
Friday, 12:30-1:25. Cassie Mills. Piano Room.
Friday, 1:30-2:55. Catherine Gobron. Classroom.
An integrated approach to a variety of broad topics. Each month we will choose a general concept like social justice or environmentalism, for example. We will spend time talking as a group about what these concepts mean to us. Each student will then be charged to choose and research a specific event or person or movement of his or her choice that falls within the concept category. Each student will then make a presentation to the group using at least two modalities, one of them an art form like a painting, poetry, or dance. Along the way we will develop our speaking and presentation skills, play games, and get to know and trust each other well.
Friday, 1:30-2:55. Zach Novak. Mural Room.
Explore specific plays through both the text and the world of the play, including the artistic/political/cultural motives, and how the play or literature has been reinterpreted or adapted in films and other productions. Comfortable yet focused discussion.
Friday, 1:30-2:30. Mauricio Abascal. Piano Room.
Identify ingredients, cook, and discuss nutritional value and policy implications of food production.
Friday, 3:00-4:00. Mauricio Abascal. Piano Room.
Photography and video have many points of overlap. Investigate commonalities between these forms, including lighting, equipment, and publishing.
How Classes Work
North Star classes and workshops are offered on a variety of topics. The schedule is a reflection of our current core of staff, volunteers, and work-study students and their passions. Rather than attempt to fulfill any particular curriculum we ask our teachers to share their expertise and enthusiasm, whatever that may be.
All classes and workshops are optional and open to every member. Classes may vary in length, format, and content. Some classes are held for a month or 6 weeks while others may continue for the entire year. This is dependent both on the availability and plans of the teacher as well as the membership.
The format of each class can vary significantly as well, again depending on the vision of the leader as well as the input of the students. We encourage all members to learn about and try as many classes as they can. Once a student decides to be a regular participant of a class, we expect commitment. There are no grades or punishments, but we expect class members to communicate with the teacher regarding attendance and other issues and to fulfill any requirements such as readings, research, or other assignments. Some classes will ask for and expect a considerable amount of work to happen outside of class time while others will be more limited. This is made clear in the class description and by the teacher and should be taken into consideration by the student deciding to join the group.
Teens sometimes lead classes without adults. In addition, members frequently ask for the creation of certain classes and participate in the planning.
Regular, weekly, sequential classes will be held on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, 9:00-4:00, and Tuesday mornings, 9:00-1:00.
On Tuesday afternoons we will hold the space for workshops.
Workshops vary in length from 1-3 hours, and are held either 1 time or in short sequences. Teens, parents, and community members are invited to offer workshops in addition to regular staff members. To begin to discuss your idea for a workshop, please call Catherine at 413-582-0193 or email her at catherine (at) northstarteens.org.
