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

Continuing Education Courses (Fall 2026)

    Registration

    There are three ways to register. The online/main-in registration deadline is Sept. 19.

    1. Online
    2. In-person: visit the Niskayuna District Office (1430 Balltown Road) on Wednesday, Sept. 16 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 fall 2026 continuing education session. They are organized by four categories:

      Creative Arts

      Dot Mandala Ornament

      Black ornament with white Mandala design.

      Try a new craft that will bring beauty and relaxation to your crafting time. Dot Mandala painting is an easily accessible craft that has roots throughout human history! Think about cultures such as Aboriginal, Native American, and so many more! Mandala, a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to ‘circle,’ is an art form that encourages meditation & relaxation. In this class, we will paint a dot mandala on a glitter ornament. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included—ornaments, tools, paints, written instruction, and step-by-step guided direction with Mary Margaret from Dots4Days.

      • Dates: Monday, Oct. 19
      • Time: 6-8 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 7-15
      • Fee: $35
      • Instructor: Mary Margaret Corcoran
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Dot Mandala Holiday Ornament

      Navy ornament with mandala snowman design.

      Let’s bring a bit of whimsy to the holidays! In this class, we will create a fun twist on traditional Dot Mandalas by incorporating a snowman into our design. There is no experience necessary. Mary Margaret from Dots4Days will guide you the entire way with step-by-step written instructions and hands-on direction. All supplies are included—all you need to bring is your holiday spirit!

      • Dates: Monday, Nov. 16
      • Time: 6-8 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 7-15
      • Fee: $35
      • Instructor: Mary Margaret Corcoran
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Dot Mandala Coffee Mug

      Black mug with colorful Mandala design.

      Need a unique gift for a friend, family member or even yourself? A hand-painted Dot Mandala coffee mug could be just the thing! In this class, you will learn how to paint a Dot Mandala on a ceramic mug. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included—mugs, tools, paints, written step-by-step instructions, and guided direction with Mary Margaret from Dots4Days.

      • Dates: Monday, Dec. 7
      • Time: 6-8 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 7-15
      • Fee: $35
      • Instructor: Mary Margaret Corcoran
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Evening Landscape with Acrylic Color

      “Evening Landscape with Acrylic Color” is a relaxing and creative continuing education class designed for students and adults who enjoy painting nature scenes. Participants will learn acrylic painting techniques such as color blending, layering, light and shadow effects, and composition while creating a beautiful evening landscape on canvas.

      • Dates: Monday, Sept. 28
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $15 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Coastal Beauty with Acrylics

      “Coastal Beauty with Acrylics” is a creative and relaxing art class designed for students and adults who enjoy painting scenic ocean views. Participants will learn acrylic painting techniques such as blending, layering, texture creation, and color mixing while creating a beautiful coastal landscape featuring beaches, waves, sky, and natural seaside elements. Suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

      • Dates: Friday, Oct. 16
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $20, $15 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Beautiful Fall Landscape

      “Beautiful Fall Landscape” is an engaging art class focused on capturing the warm colors and peaceful beauty of the autumn season. Participants will explore painting techniques such as blending, texture, depth, and color harmony while creating a scenic fall landscape with trees, leaves, and natural surroundings.

      • Dates: Monday, Oct. 5
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $20, $15 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Beauty of the Mountains with Watercolor

      “Beauty of the Mountains with Watercolor” is a relaxing and creative art class focused on painting the natural beauty of mountains using watercolor techniques. Participants will learn skills such as wet-on-wet blending, layering, color harmony, depth, and brush control while creating a peaceful mountain landscape. Suitable for beginners and intermediate learners who enjoy nature and watercolor painting.

      • Dates: Monday, Oct. 26
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Beautiful Fall Landscape with Watercolor

      “Beautiful Fall Landscape with Watercolor” is a creative and enjoyable art class that explores the vibrant colors and peaceful scenery of the autumn season. Participants will learn watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, layering, blending, and brush control while creating a scenic fall landscape with trees, foliage, and natural outdoor elements. Suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

      • Dates: Monday, Oct. 19
      • Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Evening Glow on Water with Watercolor

      Evening Glow on Water captures the calm beauty of sunset as warm golden and orange light spreads across the water surface. The reflections gently shimmer with fading daylight while the sky transitions into soft shades of pink and purple, creating a peaceful and reflective mood.

      • Dates: Monday, Nov. 2
      • Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Beautiful Village Landscape with Watercolor

      A peaceful watercolor village scene with charming cottages, a stone bridge over a gentle stream, and distant hills under a soft sky. The warm light and loose brushwork create a calm, rural atmosphere filled with natural beauty.

      • Dates: Monday, Nov. 9
      • Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Introduction to Oil Painting (two-day course)

      Two days introduction to oil painting course is designed for beginners who want to understand the basics of oil painting in a simple and practical way. On the first day, students will learn about materials, brush handling, color mixing, and basic techniques through small practice exercises. On the second day, they will apply these skills to create a simple complete painting, focusing on composition, blending, and texture. The course builds confidence and gives a clear foundation to continue exploring oil painting further.

      • Dates: Monday, Nov. 16 and Monday, Nov. 23
      • Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $15 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Beginner’s Drawing and Sketching (two-day course)

      Beginner’s Drawing and Sketching two days course is designed for students who are new to art and want to build a strong foundation. On the first day, students will learn basic shapes, lines, shading techniques, and how to observe objects correctly. On the second day, they will practice these skills through simple still life and sketching exercises to improve proportion, shading, and confidence in drawing.

      • Dates: Monday, Nov. 30 and Monday, Dec. 7
      • Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 2-16
      • Fee: $25, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Shweta Shubha
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Rubber Stamping (Holiday Cards)

      Get into the holiday spirit with beautiful handmade cards. Your friends will be amazed when they receive their cards made by you! You will go home with 6 beautiful holiday cards (3 designs, 2 each). Envelopes included. No stamping experience necessary. Please bring double sided adhesive and a small pair of scissors.

      • Dates: Wednesday, Nov. 18
      • Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 3-15
      • Fee: $20, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Ann Marie Burns
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Rubber Stamping (Gift Giving – Seashell and Sea Glass Frame)

      The holidays will be here and it’s time to think about gift giving. In this class you will make a unique picture frame using seashells and sea glass to give to family or friends. You just might not want to give them away! No stamping experience necessary.

      • Dates: Wednesday, Dec. 2
      • Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
      • Number of participants: 3-12
      • Fee: $20, $10 for materials
      • Instructor: Ann Marie Burns
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Unlock the Magic of Crochet

      In this three week course, you will learn how to crochet in the round. If you took my beginner class in the spring, or even if you didn’t, you’ll be single crocheting in a circle to create a crocheted pumpkin- a great decoration to have for fall. Maureen’s yarn boutique will supply everything needed at the first class. Come out to chill and chat while learning a new stitch. Participants should be able to single crochet.

      • Dates: Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15, 18 and 22
      • Time: 6-7:30  p.m.
      • Number of participants: 3-8
      • Fee: $120, $20 for supplies
      • Instructor: Maureen Pivacek
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Cake Decorating

      Whether you know your basics or trying for the first time, we’re happy to have you join! We’ll start with the basics like bag assembly piping shapes, borders, simple flowers then try out flowers with Russian decorating tips. Participants will make turkey, sunflower, pie and flower cupcakes. In our two hour course, we’ll make 6 amazing cupcakes for you to take home. All food supplies and take home containers are included.

      • Dates: Thursday, Nov. 5
      • Time: 6-8  p.m.
      • Number of participants: 4-15
      • Fee: $40, $30 for materials
      • Instructor: Tara Connors of Bash Parties
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

      Beginning Embroidery

      Shoes with embroidered flowers.

      Learn to embroider! Embroidery is relaxing, creative, and fun, and you only need to learn a handful of stitches to begin creating your own designs. In this class, you’ll get all the basic supplies you need, and we’ll cover how to get started, easy stitches, common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and inspiration and resource suggestions for your own projects. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve done a kit or two, you’ll get plenty of social, hands-on practice in a friendly, casual atmosphere.

      • Dates: Wednesdays – Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28
      • Time: 6-7:30  p.m.
      • Number of participants: 4-10
      • Fee: $130, $20 for materials
      • Instructor: Katie Beltramo
      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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          Health and Fitness

          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 – Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18
          • Time: 6-7 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 7-16
          • Fee: $75
          • Instructor: Miki Vysohlid
          • Location: Iroquois Middle School

          Everyday Yoga Breathing

          Mindful breathing is a simple yet powerful way to boost life-force energy and cultivate emotional balance. In this immersive workshop, you will learn simple yoga breathing techniques and the benefits for your body, mind, and heart. We will explore ways to incorporate them into daily life!

          • Dates: Monday, Oct. 26
          • Time: 6-7 p.m.
          • Fee: $20
          • 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 fall 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. We will meet in the parking lot of the Lishakill Nature Preserve. Class will take place rain or shine. Cancellation and refund available for heavy downpours or lightening.

          • Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
          • Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 4-15
          • Fee: $25
          • Instructor: Miki Vysohlid
          • Location: Lishakill Nature Preserve

          Gentle to Moderate Yoga – Session One

          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.

          • Dates: Thursdays – Oct. 1-29
          • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 5-15 (depending on room size)
          • Fee: $45
          • Instructor: Ericka Medina
          • Location: Iroquois Middle School

          Gentle to Moderate Yoga – Session Two

          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.

          • Dates: Thursdays, Nov. 5-Dec. 10 (no class on 11/26)
          • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 5-15 (depending on room size)
          • Fee: $45
          • Instructor: Ericka Medina
          • Location: Iroquois Middle School

          Basic Martial Arts

          Basic beginner martial arts for adults. Learn the importance of balance, coordination, and technique before adding speed or power. Class instruction includes standard warm-up, fundamental stances, basic strikes, and safe movement patterns. Taught by black belt karate instructor with over 40 years of experience in various martial arts.

          • Dates: Fridays – Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30, and Nov. 6
          • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 6-10
          • Fee: $105
          • Instructor: Fred Polster
          • Location: Iroquois Middle School

          Zumba with Kim and Susan

          Join the party and experience a fun, medium-intensity cardio workout! This 9-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. This session will also include holiday music! Designed for adults of all fitness levels, this class will help you boost your energy and your mood, improve coordination, and burn calories in a welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere. You don’t need any Zumba experience; come as you are and leave feeling even better!

          • Dates: Tuesdays – Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8
          • Time: 7:10-8:10 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 10-25
          • Fee: $80
          • Location: Craig Elementary School

          Bocce

          If you are looking to move your bocce game from the backyard to a real court, then this 6 week long course is for you. Looking to learn a new lifetime sport with friends, or meet someone new, then this is the course for you. Looking to be a part of the fastest growing club sport in America, then this is the course for you. The first three weeks of Bocce will be a combination of drills, and games to learn the rules and courts. The 2nd half will challenge you with match, and tournament play. There is a class cap of 24 players – So don’t be left out. Register today. Bocce e la Vita!

          • Dates: Thursdays – Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29
          • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 12-24
          • Fee: $35
          • Instructor: Jason Bach
          • Location: Bocce Courts

          Learn to Play Pickleball

          A 9-week Intro to Pickleball Series where you will progressively learn the basics of the fast-growing sport! Each lesson in the series is geared toward learning the ins and outs of the game from holding the paddle, to serving, dinking, volleying, third shot drop, court positioning, driving the ball, scoring and game play, and open-play etiquette.

          • Dates: Tuesdays – Sept. 29, (no class Oct. 6), Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, (no class Nov. 24), Dec. 1, and Dec. 8
          • Time: 6-7 p.m.
          • Number of participants: 12-16
          • Fee: $225, $5 materials fee
          • Instructor: Lauren LiGreci
          • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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                  Technology

                  Get Paid to Talk: An Introduction to Voice Over

                  From audio books to advertisements and beyond, we encounter recorded voices everywhere! In this one-night class, your instructor will take you behind-the-scenes in the voice over field for a fun and realistic look at how the voice over field really works. You’ll gain inside perspective on developing skills, and how to leverage your voice’s strengths and interests, and more. You’ll also have an opportunity to record a sample professional voice over under the direction of the instructor.

                  • Dates: Monday, Nov. 16
                  • Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
                  • Number of participants: 1-8
                  • Fee: $30
                  • Instructor: Anna Bourgeois
                  • Location: VoiceCoaches/White Lake Studios, 26 Vly Road, Albany

                  Creating Movies From Your Phone

                  Transform your smartphone photos and video clips into captivating movies! In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to create high-definition (HD) videos of your vacations, birthdays, and special events—perfect for sharing on YouTube or showcasing on your TV.

                  The instructor will tailor the lessons to match the experience level of the class, ensuring a comfortable and supportive learning environment whether you are a beginner or have some editing experience.

                  Software: You will learn using Movavi Video Editor 2021 Plus, an intuitive and user-friendly editing program.

                  Equipment Provided: The instructor will provide 10 Lenovo Windows laptops with the editing software pre-installed for your use.

                  • Dates: Tuesdays – Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, and Oct. 20
                  • Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
                  • Number of participants: 6-10
                  • Fee: $40
                  • Instructor: Thomas Horn
                  • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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                    Educational

                    Medicare 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! Class limit is 30.

                    • Date: Tuesday, Nov. 3
                    • Time: 6-8 p.m.
                    • Number of participants: 2-25
                    • No fee
                    • Instructor: Mary Yuhasz
                    • 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, Oct. 6
                    • Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
                    • Number of participants: 1-25
                    • Fee: $20
                    • Instructor: Neil Bindelglass
                    • Location: Iroquois Middle School

                    How to Sell Your Stuff

                    This course is the perfect accompaniment to “So, You’re Ready to Downsize.” Millions of Americans are downsizing and moving to smaller homes. And many older Americans have been in their homes for decades. This course will discuss how you can dispose of all of the items that you don’t want or won’t be taking with you when you move. Topics will include Craig’s List, Ebay, estate sales, giving things away and donating goods (and the tax benefits).

                    • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 7
                    • Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
                    • Number of participants: 1-25
                    • Fee: $20
                    • Instructor: Neil Bindelglass
                    • Location: Iroquois Middle School

                    College Prep Without Panic

                    College is about more than getting accepted—it’s about helping your child successfully transition to independent living. This workshop is designed for parents of high school students (grades 10-12) and will cover strategies for a smooth and practical transition. Whether your child is headed to a two-year college, four-year university, or another postsecondary path, you’ll leave with strategies, valuable resources, and greater confidence in supporting their journey into adulthood.

                    • Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7
                    • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
                    • Class limit: 10-30
                    • Fee: $100
                    • Instructor: Michelle Niro-Booth, Jennifer Reittinger, and Stephen Motto
                    • Location: Iroquois Middle School

                      Adulting 101 – What Every Young Adult Should Know

                      This six-week course is designed for high school seniors, college students, and young adults who are navigating independent living and early adulthood for the first time. Participants will learn practical life skills that build confidence, responsibility, and financial independence. Topics include:

                      • Budgeting and money management
                      • Paying bills and writing checks
                      • Understanding credit and banking
                      • Apartment and living expenses
                      • Time management and organization
                      • Professional communication and goal setting

                      Whether you are preparing to live on your own, starting college, entering the workforce, or simply looking to strengthen everyday life skills, this course provides practical tools for long-term success.

                      • Dates: Tuesdays – Sept. 29 through Nov. 3
                      • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
                      • Number of participants: 8-25
                      • Fee: $65
                      • Instructor: Joicheri James
                      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

                      Menopause Mayhem (sponsored by CDPHP)

                      This workshop, presented by Registered Dietitian Theresa DeLorenzo, will explore the hormonal shifts that occur during menopause, and the common symptoms that may be experienced. Learn how specific foods and physical activity can help to lessen symptoms and promote optimal health during this phase of life.

                      • Dates: Wednesday, Oct. 14
                      • Time: 6-7 p.m.
                      • Number of participants: 10-30
                      • No fee
                      • Instructor: Jevone Bowman
                      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

                      Hands Only CPR & Stop the Bleed Training (sponsored by Niskayuna Fire Department No. 1)

                      Be prepared to save a life when seconds count! Sponsored by Niskayuna Fire District No. 1, this hands-on training equips you with two critical emergency skills. First, learn Hands-Only CPR—a simple, highly effective chest compression technique used during cardiac arrest. Then, learn Stop-the-Bleed basics to control life-threatening bleeding in an emergency. No prior medical experience is necessary. Join us to gain the confidence to go from a bystander to a lifesaver!

                      • Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 29
                      • Time: 6-8 p.m.
                      • Number of participants: 10-20
                      • No fee
                      • Instructor: Lt. Nolan and Lt. Smith
                      • Location: Iroquois Middle School

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