Newtown Continuing Education Director Jennifer Arnold recently highlighted some of the programs and offerings available to Newtown residents before the Board of Education.

“We serve the community members beginning at the young age of 5 all the way through adulthood. Our versatile learning hub truly serves throughout a lifetime,” Arnold said at a January 25 Board of Education budget meeting.

Arnold later shared some of the programs that are coming up in the spring for publication.

Newtown Continuing Education, she told the school board, offers state mandated programs — a GED for high school equivalency diploma program, a credit diploma program, an adult basic education program, the English as a second language program, and citizenship classes to prepare people to take the citizenship exam — along with adult enrichment programs. According to Arnold, there were over 300 registrations for adult enrichment programs in the fall of 2021, and there are over 100 selections to choose from in specific areas of interest.

Newtown Continuing Education also offers summer enrichment for students and camps. Those include the Summer Music and Art (SMART) Camp, Outdoor Explorers, and a cartooning camp.

In a recent e-mail, Arnold shared, “Newtown Continuing Education continues to offer a diverse selection of enrichment and educational programs for adults, ranging from financial education to arts and photography to cat herding; yes, cat herding! Our programs aim to provide a well-rounded, feasible insight to the skillset and or activity you choose to partake in. Professionals from around the area staff the courses you choose to engage in and provide guidance in a classroom setting. Whether you decide to participate in yoga or Pilates, our instructors know how to guide you as a beginner, or how to challenge you as a continuous participant.”

Spring course offerings for adults include country western line dancing, salsa, meditation, yoga, photography, computer skills for those looking to refresh or learn something new, Tai Chi, belly dance, history classes, and more. Interested course takers can register before March 18 to take up to 25% off some classes with an early registration (10%) and senior (25%) discounts off the price of select courses.

“We are always looking for new instructors looking to share their knowledge with the community and you can reach out to us via e-mail at continuinged@newtown.k12.ct.us,” Arnold wrote. “If you are interested in taking a course or looking at our offerings, browse online at newtown-ce.revtrak.net. Along with adult enrichment programs, we offer summer school for students in [kindergarten to twelfth grade], summer camps for students exiting kindergarten through eighth grades (registration opens in March), driver’s education courses, SAT Prep programs for high school students, GED, CDP, ESL, citizenship classes, and bus trips! Whether you want to enrich your skills, travel with us, or learn a new language, Newtown Continuing Education supports you in those aspirations!”

Arnold shared some of the upcoming programs. The courses and the descriptions as shared by Newtown Continuing Education follow.

Live the Life You Long For — Are you tired of feeling stuck in any aspect of your life? This program will help you get through those stuck places so you can live a more meaningful and authentic life. Through a series of exercises and class discussions, you will learn a new way to think about your life and what is possible for you. Tap into your inner wisdom. Develop self-compassion. Chart a new course for your life that is aligned with your heart and soul. The class will include homework exercises and practices that you will be able to utilize for the rest of your life. Up to 25% off. Class #: S22LLF1. Date: 3/2-3/23. Days: Wednesday. Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Location: Newtown High School. Instructor: Uma (Katherine Ann) Bode. Price: $45.

Tarot For Personal Growth — Instead of trying to predict the future, learn to read tarot cards for insight into yourself, your choices, your relationships, and all the situations that arise in your life. This series is designed to help you grow personally through contact with your own inner wisdom. Whether you are completely new to tarot or have been studying it for years, this series will give you tools to make better decisions in both your personal and professional life. This class is perfect for anyone interested in tarot and personal growth. Please obtain the Osho Zen Tarot Deck, if possible, prior to class, or bring whatever deck(s) you wish to work with. Up to 25% off. Class #: S22TPG1. Date: 4/6-4/27. Days: Wednesday. Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Location: Newtown High School.

Instructor: Uma (Katherine Ann) Bode. Price: $45.

The History of TV Westerns (1950s –1970s) — The period between 1950 and the early 1970s marked the golden age of American TV Westerns. Learn how radio shows of an earlier time would have an influence on American television westerns and their development into a weekly form of television. This lesson will also discuss the careers of many of the television stars of this uniquely American form of entertainment. Up to 25% off. Class #: S22H3. Date: 4/27. Days: Wednesday. Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Location: Newtown High School. Instructor: Leon DiMartino. Price: $44.

Beginner Country Western Line Dancing — Learn four to five classic country western dances. No partner or dance experience needed. Fun and simple instruction for all. This is great cardio exercise! Once you get moving you may not be able to stop! Dance all the dances that you have learned the last week. Comfortable clothing and flat dance shoes recommended. Up to 10% off. Class #: S22BLD2. Date: 4/20-5/25. Days: Wednesday. Time: 6 pm to 6:55 pm. Location: Newtown High School. Instructor: Cheryl Carpio. Price: $95.

Cat Herding — Yes, you can train a cat. You can teach your cat to sit. Learn how to make vet visits and car rides easier. Have you ever tried to give a cat a pill? Imagine putting your cat into a carrier with ease. Tips, tricks, and training will help. Training a cat will enrich its life, and make your life with a cat easier. There is no need to bring your pet (cat) to this class. We are unable to admit pets to the building. Class #: S22CH2. Date: 4/20. Days: Wednesday. Time: 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Location: Newtown High School. Price: $30.

For more information about Newtown Continuing Education and its offerings see the website newtown-ce.revtrak.net.

Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.