Community Education

Learn a new skill, get in shape with fitness, health and well-being programs – all with qualified instructors

Calling all residents! St. Charles Parish Public Schools wants you to broaden your knowledge and sign up for a community education course.

Whether you like to cook or enjoy gardening, you can find a class that’s just right for you at nine convenient locations around the parish.

Listed below are five of the interesting and fun courses on schedule for the fall semester.

•Duck Decoy Wood Carving – Join Donald Meacham, experienced local duck carver, as he introduces you to the rewarding, relaxing, creative art of wood decoy carving.

This class is hands on and with Meacham’s guidance all students will learn the process of carving a block of wood, sanding and painting it into a life-like decoy. Location: Hahnville High School. Four sessions: Sept. 15, 22 and 29, and Oct. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Tuition: $20. A $15 supply fee in cash, payable to the instructor.

•Piloga – A new concept combination of yoga and pilates. Are you torn between pilates or yoga? Why not do both? This class, instructed by Johnnie Simoneaux, will combine the principles in a flowing series that will improve your stability, flexibility, extensively strengthen core, improve posture and practice relaxation techniques for a tantalizing complete mind body experience. All fitness levels are welcome to join. Students are asked to bring an exercise or yoga mat to each class as well as a stability ball and yoga strap. Location: Lakewood Elementary School. Eight sessions Sept. 17 and 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and Nov. 5 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

•Movie Extra 101 – Your Shortcut to Stardom – “You should be in films!” Have you ever been told this? Ever just wanted to see what it is like? Well now is your chance. More films than ever are being shot in the New Orleans area, and they always need extras. This course will teach you the ins and outs of getting work as a movie extra and what to expect

once there. As an added bonus, this course also covers other areas in the film industry like working as crew, modeling, and whether or not you should get an agent or join a union. You will also learn the tricks to “take it to the next level” if you are interested in acting. Location: St. Rose Library. Instructor: Gary Michael Smith, IMDB. Two sessions: October 24 and 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. Tuition: $60.00. Supply Fee: Book can be purchased for $15.55 from instructor at first session.

•Dog Behavior & Obedience Training (7 months and up)

Training is one of the best things you can do for your dog…and yourself. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want him/her to do. Obedience training does not solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem.

You will learn how to teach your dog basic commands; sit, stay, down, come and walking on a leash. In addition, you will learn tips on how to correct any unwanted behaviors including jumping, nipping, and excessive barking.

Dogs must be seven months of age or older, current on vaccinations and on a leash to be eligible to attend class.

Please, no aggressive dogs! Classes are held outside – bring a lawn chair with you. Maximum of only eight dogs per class – register early! Location: Lakewood Elementary School. Instructor: Martha Anthony, Canine Coach Two 2 session: October 1 and 8 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Tuition: $55.

None of these classes catch your attention? Pick up your fall semester course book at the school board office or online at http://www.stcharles.k12.la.us and click on the “community link.”

All courses are lead by qualified instructors and pre-registration is required for all classes, so sign up today – the deadline is Aug. 31.

Other class offerings for the Fall 2009 session include:

•Art – Duck Decoy, Watercolor Painting, Calligraphy, Acrylic Painting

•Business and Careers – Entrepreneur Growth Strategies, Writing a Business Plan, How to be a Super Communicator, Writing for Magazines, Self-Publishing, Grant Writing + more

•Children, Pre-Teens, & Teens – Tumblebus, Taekwondo, Catz Youth Fitness, Babysitter Training, Theatre, Cooking, Art for Children, Mad Science, Music, Zoomobile, Bugmobile, Scrapbook, Rockets, Candy Making, Jewelry, Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Party, Prince & Princess Party, Mexican Fiesta, Pirates & Pixies Party, Juggling, Weather, Ghostly Cookie House, Christmas Ornament Painting, Making a Gingerbread House, Reindeer Brunch + more

•Computers – Computers for Beginners & Seniors, Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, Power Point

•Crafts – Jewelry, Soap Making, Pottery, Holiday Angels, Cornucopia Arrangement, Mama Made, Baby/Toddler, Autumn Silk Flower Wreath, Wreaths for the Christmas Holidays with Bow Making + more

•Culinary – De-Boning Poultry/Turduckens, Cookin` Cajun, Cake Decorating, The Art of Sausage Making, Vegetables 101, Sushi 101, Italian Cookies, Wilton Petit Fours, Appetizers, Wilton Cookie Bouquets, Wilton Candy Making, Halloween, Fall and Holiday Cupcakes + more

•Dance – Jitterbug/East Coast Fun, Ballroom Dancing, Line Dancing, Cajun Dance, Belly Dance, Norteno & Samba, West Coast Swing – Salsa – Rumba – Cha-Cha – Merengue

•Financial – Strong Women: Powerful Financial Strategies, Market Swings Do Not Have To Limit Your Dreams, Plan for a New Retirement, Teens & Money, Wills & Successions – just to name a few!