Niskayuna Central School District > Community > Continuing Education > Continuing Education Courses (Spring 2026)

Continuing Education Courses (Spring 2026)

    Registration

    There are three ways to register:

    1. Online
    2. In-person: visit Iroquois Middle School on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. Please bring a check or money order.
    3. By mail: print and complete this registration form. Mail to the address below with a check or money order payable to the Niskayuna CSD. We cannot accept cash.

    Niskayuna CSD Continuing Education
    District Office
    1430 Balltown Road
    Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309

    Courses

    The following courses are available for the spring 2026 continuing education session. They are organized by four categories:

      Creative Arts

      Introduction to Crochet

      Have you ever wanted to learn to crochet? It is an immensely popular craft. Maureen from Maureen’s Yarn Boutique will take you through the basics. You will learn how to hold the hook and yarn, make the chain and single crochet. You will be following a simple pattern that you will use to create a starter crochet project. Supplies will be provided with a fee. Just bring yourself and your creativity! Left and right-handers welcome.

      • Dates: Fridays – May 1, 8, 15
      • Time: 6-7:7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-6
      • Fee: $140
        • A $15 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Maureen Pivacek
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Watercolor for Beginners

      This class is perfect for beginners or anyone returning to watercolor after a break. You will learn how to handle brushes, work with different amounts of water, and use color in a clear and expressive way in a calm and friendly learning environment. Each lesson is guided step by step, making the techniques easy to understand and practice. No experience is needed.

      • Dates: Thursdays – March 5, 12, 19 and April 2
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Fee: $140
        • A $20 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Introduction to Oil Painting

      This class introduces the essential techniques of oil painting in a calm and supportive learning environment. Students will learn how to handle brushes, mix colors, understand basic composition, and apply paint in smooth and confident layers. The lessons focus on simple methods that make oil painting easy to learn, even for beginners. By the end, you will have completed a finished piece and gained the skills needed to continue painting on your own with confidence.

      • Dates: Thursday, April 30 and Monday, May 4
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Fee: $60
        • A $20 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Drawing for Beginners

      This course introduces the essential skills needed to create strong and confident drawings. Students will learn how to observe shapes, lines, light, and proportions, and translate them into clear sketches. Through practical exercises, students develop control, accuracy, and a better understanding of shading, depth, and composition. The class encourages steady improvement, exploring different drawing techniques using pencils, charcoal, and ink. Whether you are a beginner or someone who wants to improve your skills, this course offers a supportive environment to practice, grow, and discover your own drawing style.

      • Dates: Thursdays – May 7, 14
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Fee: $60
        • A $15 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Spring Landscape in Acrylic

      This class guides students of all levels through the process of creating a bright and expressive Spring landscape. You will learn how to build depth, light, and texture using simple layering techniques that work for beginners and still offer creative freedom for experienced painters. Each step is demonstrated clearly, making it easy to follow and enjoyable to practice. You will explore how to use brushes and palette knives to create smooth areas, textured effects, and natural highlights that bring your landscape to life. You will finish the session with a complete landscape painting and a stronger understanding of color, composition, and acrylic techniques. It is a friendly space to learn, relax, and express your creativity.

      • Date: Thursday, April 16
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Fee: $40
        • A $10 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Mountain Landscape in Acrylic

      This class guides students of all levels through the process of creating a beautiful mountain landscape. You will learn how to build depth, light, and texture using simple layering techniques that work for beginners and still offer creative freedom for experienced painters. Each step is demonstrated clearly, making it easy to follow and enjoyable to practice. You will explore how to use brushes and palette knives to create smooth areas, textured effects, and natural highlights that bring your landscape to life. You will finish the session with a complete landscape painting and a stronger understanding of color, composition, and acrylic techniques. It is a friendly space to learn, relax, and express your creativity.

      • Date: Thursday, April 23
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Fee: $40
        • A $10 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Rubber Stamping – All Occasion Cards

      Need a card for a special occasion? In this class you will make 4 cards; sympathy, get well, and two birthday cards. These cards will incorporate different techniques and fancy folds that are sure to impress the person receiving them. Envelopes included. No prior stamping experience necessary. Please bring small scissors and double-sided adhesive.

      • Date: Wednesday, April 29
      • Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-12
      • Fee: $25
        • A $10 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: AnnMarie Burns
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Rubber Stamping – Humorous Cards

      Everyone enjoys getting a funny card for their birthday or “just because.” In this class you will make four funny cards to send to good friends. The cards will not only be funny, they will be made using napkins, incorporating fancy folds and a technique to impress everyone. Envelopes included. No prior stamping experience necessary. Please bring small scissors and double-sided adhesive.

      • Date: Wednesday, May 13
      • Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2 to 12
      • Fee: $25
        • A $10 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: AnnMarie Burns
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Painted Watermelon Trays

      Add a slice of summer fun to your home décor! In this hands-on craft class, participants will create a picnic perfect 12″ wide wooden serving tray inspired by the iconic fruit of summer – watermelon! Tara will guide you step-by-step as you paint vibrant pinks, juicy greens, and those iconic black seeds. To finish, we’ll seal your custom wood tray and attach tray handles. Instructor Tara Connors is the owner and founder of Bash Parties, a traveling activity-based event service and has been instructing Adult Education courses for over four years.

      • Date: Tuesday, April 21
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 5-15
      • Fee: $30
        • A $25 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Tara Connors
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Hand-painted Coir Doormat Workshop

      Add a personal touch to your entryway! In this class, you’ll hand-paint a coir doormat with a monogram initial and spring flowers. Learn painting and sealing techniques to ensure your design lasts. A fun, creative project to enjoy or gift. No prior painting experience is required. Wear clothes suitable for art activities, or bring an apron.

      • Date: Thursday, March 12
      • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 10-14
      • Fee: $35
        • A $20 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Karen Bobarakis
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Coastal Decoupage: Shell Art

      Create beautiful, decorative oyster and seashell pieces using the art of decoupage! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to apply decorative papers, seal your design, and add finishing touches to transform shells into stylish trinket dishes, party favors, gifts, and unique decor. Wear clothes suitable for art activities, or bring an apron. No experience necessary!

      • Date: Wednesday, March 18
      • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 10-20
      • Fee: $35
        • A $10 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Karen Bobarakis
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      From Fridge to Frame: Children’s Artwork Wall Collage

      Do you ever wonder what to do with all of your kids’ artwork? In this two night course, you’ll learn how to transform your child’s creative masterpieces into a meaningful wall collage you can proudly display and keep forever. We’ll cover layout design, arrangement techniques, and simple methods for preserving and showcasing artwork in a cohesive, visually appealing way. Please bring 25-30 pieces of your child’s artwork to class to use in your project. Wear clothes suitable for art activities, or bring an apron.

      • Dates: Tuesdays – April 14, 21
      • Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 10-16
      • Fee: $50
        • A $20 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Karen Bobarakis
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Mixed Media Make & Take Workshop

      Get creative in this fun 4 Week Mixed Media Make & Take course! Each week, you’ll explore a different art technique and complete a finished project to take home. Projects include: vegetable print tea towel, a mixed media spring canvas, spring floral pot painting, and a spring/summer door hanger. Perfect for anyone who enjoys hands on crafting and seasonal decor. Wear clothes suitable for art activities, or bring an apron. No experience needed!

      • Dates: Wednesdays – April 15, 22, 29 and May 5
      • Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 12-16
      • Fee: $80
        • A $25 material fee is due to the instructor at your first session.
      • Instructor: Karen Bobarakis
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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      Health and Fitness

      Zumba with Kim

      Join the party and experience a fun, high-energy cardio workout! This 10-session course introduces you to the core rhythms and easy-to-follow choreography of Zumba, a dance fitness program featuring exciting Latin and world music. Designed for adults of all fitness levels, this class will help you boost your energy, improve coordination, and burn calories in a welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere. No dance experience is needed – just bring your water bottle, comfortable shoes, and readiness to move!

      • Dates: Tuesdays – March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12
      • Time: 7:10-8:10 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 18-25
      • Fee: $90
      • Instructor: Kimberly Perkins
      • Location: Craig Elementary School

      Bocce Ball

      Interested in learning one of the world’s oldest games? Whether you are a beginner or familiar with the game, this six week course will teach you the history, techniques, styles of play, and rules of Bocce. The first half of the course will consist of skills, stations, drills, and game play. The second half will focus on a championship style team tournament.

      • Dates: Thursdays – May 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 11, 18
      • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 12-24
      • Fee: $30
      • Instructor: Jason Bach
      • Location: Community Bocce Courts at Niskayuna High School

      Yoga for Mid-Week Reset

      Join us for this slow-paced Yoga class to relax and recharge, inviting greater clarity and focus for the rest of the week. Together, we will engage our breath, body, and mind to experience the transformative power of Yoga in a supportive community. All are welcome – brand new to Yoga, deeply experienced, or anywhere in-between! Just bring yourself and a mat.

      • Dates: Wednesdays – March 4, 11, 18 and April 1, 15, 22, 29
      • Time: 6-7 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 7-16
      • Fee: $70
      • Instructor: Miki Vysohlid
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Mindful Forest Bathing

      Join us for an immersive nature walk – slow and mindful – to awaken your senses and breathe in all that spring has to offer! Step away from goal-oriented, time-conscious living and explore the joy of being fully present with the natural world around you. You will leave feeling rejuvenated with a greater sense of spaciousness in both body and mind. Originating in Japan, forest bathing brings great health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system.

      • Date: Saturday, April 18
      • Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 10-15
      • Fee: $25
      • Instructor: Miki Vysohlid
      • Location: Lishakill Nature Preserve

      Gentle to Moderate Yoga

      This is an all-level class with gentle to moderate options offered, allowing you to develop or modify your own practice. The teacher will demonstrate poses and offer cues for adjustments to promote a healthy yoga practice. No yoga experience is necessary. You must bring your own mat and two blocks.

      • Dates: Thursdays – April 16, 23, 30 and May 7 and 14
      • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 5-20 (depending on room size)
      • Fee: $40
      • Instructor: Ericka Medina
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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      Technology

      Introduction to Google Productivity Skills

      Welcome to Google Productivity Skills! This engaging course will equip you with the essential skills to use Google products effectively. You’ll learn to manage your account, create documents, and organize files and photos. Additionally, you’ll explore tools for email, calendar management, video conferencing, and collaborative projects. Our goal is to enhance your Google experience. Please bring your own laptop device.

      • Dates: Tuesdays – March 3, 10, 17, 24
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $175
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Sharpen Excel Skills Intro 101

      Welcome to the Sharpen Your Excel Class! Excel is an invaluable tool for your business, personal, and academic needs. In this course, you’ll build a solid foundation in Microsoft Excel 365, learning to organize data, create professional spreadsheets, and produce informative visualizations. Excel Intro 101 will focus on getting to know Excel, modifying a worksheet, and using formulas and functions. Please bring your own laptop device.

      • Date: Tuesday, March 31
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $64
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Sharpen Excel Skills Intro 102

      Welcome to the Sharpen Your Excel Class! Excel is an invaluable tool for your business, personal, and academic needs. In this course, you’ll build a solid foundation in Microsoft Excel 365, learning to organize data, create professional spreadsheets, and produce informative visualizations. Excel Intro 101 will focus on getting to know Excel, modifying a worksheet, and using formulas and functions. Please bring your own laptop device.

      • Date: Tuesday, April 14
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $64
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Sharpen Excel Skills Intro 103

      Welcome to the Sharpen Your Excel Class! Excel is an invaluable tool for your business, personal, and academic needs. In this course, you’ll build a solid foundation in Microsoft Excel 365, learning to organize data, create professional spreadsheets, and produce informative visualizations. Excel Intro 101 will focus on getting to know Excel, modifying a worksheet, and using formulas and functions. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

      • Date: Tuesday, April 21
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $64
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Video Conference Zoom

      We are delighted to welcome you to the introduction of Zoom Class! Zoom is an exceptional platform that facilitates virtual meetings, classes, and even online gatherings. In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Zoom, including account creation, meeting management, and the principles of virtual meeting etiquette. You’ll also learn to effectively engage with tools for sharing and interacting. Please bring your own laptop device.

      • Date: Tuesday, April 28
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $64
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Video Conference Microsoft Teams

      We are delighted to welcome you to the introduction of Microsoft Teams! Teams is an exceptional platform that facilitates virtual meetings, classes, and even online gatherings. In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Zoom, including account creation, meeting management, and the principles of virtual meeting etiquette. You’ll also learn to effectively engage with tools for sharing and interacting. Please bring your own laptop device.

      • Date: Tuesday, May 5
      • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $64
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Email Security Tips

      This course will provide you with the latest knowledge and skills to help you recognize phishing attempts, secure your emails, and safeguard your personal information.

      • Date: Tuesday, May 12
      • Time: 6-7 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-10
      • Fee: $25
      • Instructor: Khadi Diop
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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      Educational

      Medicaid Made Clear

      Are you confused about Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and prescription drug plans? This educational class will guide you through the different parts of Medicare and what each type of additional coverage means. We’ll also discuss the latest changes in Medicare, explain how and when to apply, and provide information on assistance programs available to help cover Medicare costs. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain clarity and confidence about your Medicare options. Join us and get the answers you need!

      • Date: Thursday, March 12
      • Time: 6-8 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-25
      • Fee: Free
      • Instructor: Mary Yuhasz
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      New Tax Code & Opportunities

      The new tax code covers a lot – new federal brackets, changes to state & local taxes (SALT), mortgage interest, property tax deductions, child tax credits, new senior deductions, etc. This impacts future retirement income sources, withdrawal strategies, health costs and next generation planning. Learn how to navigate pitfalls and how to turn new challenges into planning opportunities. There are three sessions to choose from.

      • Dates/Times:
        • Session 1 – Wednesday, April 15, 6-9 p.m.
        • Session 2 – Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
        • Session 3 – Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 30, 6-7:30 p.m.
      • Fee: Free
      • Instructor: Stephen Cash
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Adulting 101 – Strategies for Success

      This course is designed for individuals in the 18-26 age range who are often navigating early adulthood and independent living for the first time. Focused on the core principles of practical life skills, financial literacy, and personal responsibility are universally applicable and valuable to anyone 18 or older looking to strengthen these foundational skills. The course aims to empower individuals to confidently manage their daily lives and plan for future success.

      • Dates: Tuesdays – March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 14
      • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-40
      • Fee: $100
      • Instructor: Joicheri Jackson-James
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Defensive Driving

      This course is a six-hour accident prevention program taught in the classroom. Any principal operator of a vehicle completing the course is eligible to receive a 10% reduction in their liability insurance for a three-year period. A maximum of four points will also be reduced for those who are currently carrying points on their license. *Open to ages 16+

      • Dates: Mondays – April 20, 27
      • Time: 6-9 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 10-30
      • Fee: $40
      • Instructor: Steve Darling, Owner & Driving Coach at Easy Method Driving School
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      So You’re Ready to Downsize

      According to AARP, an American will turn 50 every eight seconds. That is more than 10,000 people every day. During this time, many people begin to think about downsizing, either by choice or because of health-related issues and it can be overwhelming. This class will give an overview about how to break this mammoth task down into manageable pieces. Topics will include: Sorting your possessions, how to downsize, space planning for a new residence, questions to ask before you hire a mover, home staging, when a Senior Move Manager is right for you, and questions to ask a Senior Move Manager before you hire them.

      • Date: Tuesday, March 24
      • Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 1-25
      • Fee: $20
      • Instructor: Neil Bindelglass
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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