Continuing Education
The South Orangetown Central School District offers a variety of continuing education programs that promote lifelong learning and personal enrichment for community members of all ages. Course offerings are published below twice annually.The Continuing Education program is expanding its offerings to meet the diverse interests of lifelong learners in our community! Individuals qualified to teach new courses are encouraged to email a proposed course description, personal resumé and letter of reference to Director of Continuing Education Terry Campanella at tcampanella@socsd.org.
Payment for all programs must be made by check payable to “South Orangetown Central School District (SOCSD)” and mailed with registration and any other required documents to Terry Campanella, SOCSD Continuing Education, 160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, NY 10913.
Now Enrolling: Fall 2025/Winter 2026 Programs
Click the links below to view programs.
For Students
SAT Review
See below to register for SAT Review courses and download the form. Registration for the course does not include registration for the SAT exam. Students must purchase their own review book, The Official SAT Study Guide: Second Edition, from The College Board (not Baron’s or Kaplan); ISBN 978-1457316845. Students must attend both English and Math classes. The following is the time and location for all SAT Review courses: English - 3:10-4:40PM, TZHS Room 409 | Math - 3:10-4:40PM, TZHS Room 310.
March 14, 2026 SAT
Five-Week Review Class
English (Mr. Novak): Tuesdays – February 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10
Math (Mr. Kousoulas): Thursdays – February 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12
Fee: $325
To view and download the registration form, click here.
Please note: the SAT Review courses are taught by NYS-certified teachers and current faculty members of TZHS. In the event Mr. Novak or Mr. Kousoulas are absent, and to avoid cancelling the class, Ms. Duffy will substitute for Mr. Novak and Ms. Connell or Ms. Murphy will substitute for Mr. Kousoulas.
NEW: Red Cross Babysitting Certification
The American Red Cross Babysitter Certification training course gives those 11-15 years of age the skills and confidence to safely, and responsibly, care for children and infants. It equips learners with real-life readiness skills they need to handle any situation with confidence and competence. The program is designed to ensure child safety, increase learner engagement and deliver long-lasting value. Upon completion of the course, participants will earn a 10-year certification.
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 9:00AM–3:00PM
Location: SOMS Room 176
Fee: $130
To view and download the registration form, click here.
Fitness & Wellness
Barre
Barre is a toning, full body workout. It engages muscles deep inside your body that squats, lunges and sit-ups do not reach. With high reps and low-impact movements, Barre challenges anyone looking to fine-tune their muscles — no ballet experience required.
Date: Tuesdays – October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 2, 9
Time: 6:00-7:00PM
Location: TZHS Cafeteria
Fee: $75 (combo price for both Barre and Barre Mini-Session: $120)
Instructor: Catherine Belcastro
Barre Mini-Session
Date: Tuesdays – January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3
Time: 6:00-7:00PM
Location: TZHS Cafeteria
Fee: $55 (combo price for both Barre and Barre Mini-Session: $120)
Instructor: Catherine Belcastro
Cardio/Sculpt Class
This class is a half-hour of fun cardio followed by a half-hour of strength moves – all set to upbeat music. Participants will improve their aerobic fitness as well as their muscular strength. Please bring a mat and light dumbbell weights. Soup cans can substitute for weights if participants do not own dumbbells.
Date: Wednesdays – October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19; December 3
Time: 6:45-7:45PM
Location: WOS Room 72
Fee: $65
Instructor: Laura Hudson
NEW: Chair Yoga
Date: Tuesdays – October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 2, 9
Time: 6:30-7:30PM
Location: TZHS Library
Fee: $100
Instructor: Lavina Wahdwani
Community CPR
(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
This Health and Safety Institute Community CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certification course includes adult, child and infant CPR. This course will teach participants how to recognize and perform CPR on a person in cardiac arrest, as well as how to manage a foreign body obstruction (choking).
Date: Thursday – November 20
Time: 6:00–9:00PM
Location: TZHS Library
Fee: $75
Instructor: Steve Harris, SOAC
NEW: Gong Fu – Fascia Connection
(Tai Chi for Energy, Recovery and Real Power)
Forget “spa Tai Chi.” The Gong Fu – Fascia Connection awakens your body’s fascia system (the elastic, spring-loaded network that drives energy, power, recovery and focus under pressure). Through direct-lineage martial arts and modern fascia science, you will: build elastic strength and prevent injuries; relieve stress and sharpen mental focus; and, recover faster and move with natural power. This is Taiji as it was meant to be – energizing, adaptable and alive. Bring water; your fascia is hydraulic.
Date: Mondays – October 6, 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17, 24; December 1
Time: 6:45–7:45PM
Location: TZHS Cafeteria
Fee: $70
Instructor: The Fire Mountain School
Hatha Yoga
Participants can expect a yoga practice that suits their goals. Modifications will be provided for those who want to stay at a beginner level; variations will be offered for those who want to challenge themselves. Rooted in a deep understanding of self, attendees will leave class with a stronger connection to their mind, body and spirit.
Date: Tuesdays – October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 2, 9
Time: 7:30–8:30PM
Location: TZHS Library
Fee: $100
Instructor: Lavina Wadhwani
NEW: Hatha Yoga Mini-Session
Participants can expect a yoga practice that suits their goals. Modifications will be provided for those who want to stay at a beginner level; variations will be offered for those who want to challenge themselves. Rooted in a deep understanding of self, attendees will leave class with a stronger connection to their mind, body and spirit.
Date: Wednesdays – January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4
Location: TZHS Room 304
Fee: $65
Instructor: Lavina Wadhwani
NEW: Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation helps us develop concentration and steadiness of mind. Through mindfulness meditation, you will learn to focus on the present moment – cultivating awareness, acceptance, and compassion for our thoughts and feelings without judgment.
We will explore a variety of practices including guided meditations, breathwork, gentle movement and other mindfulness techniques that can be integrated into daily life. These practices support emotional balance, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance clarity and focus. The deeper intention is to foster a sense of well-being and presence – to live more authentically, with kindness, ease, and connection to ourselves and others. Over time, we learn to feel more at home in our own bodies, more awake in our hearts and more present in the world.
This class is open to everyone – whether you are completely new to meditation or looking to deepen an existing practice. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing to support ease and relaxation during your practice.
Date: Wednesdays – October 15, 22, 29; November 5
Time: 6:45–7:45PM
Location: TZHS Room 608
Fee: $85
Instructor: Maureen Mercer
Pickleball
Learn new skills while enjoying open play! Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pickleball player, this class will give you a chance to learn new skills or brush up on your current skill set – all in an open-play format.
Class I
Date: Mondays – October 6, 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:30–7:30PM
Location: CLE Gym
Fee: $75
Instructor: Rachele deLisser
Class II
Date: Tuesdays – October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18
Time: 6:30–7:30PM
Location: CLE Gym
Fee: $75
Instructor: Rachele deLisser
Class III
Date: Wednesdays – October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19; December 3
Time: 6:45-7:45PM
Location: WOS Gym
Fee: $75
Instructor: Bob Hudson
Class IV
Date: Thursdays – October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4
Time: 6:45-7:45PM
Location: WOS Gym
Fee: $75
Instructor: Bob Hudson
Please note: four separate classes are being held. Classes will be assigned randomly and are on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limit of eight per class; there are no special requests and registration by email is not accepted. Please be sure to check your email to confirm enrollment.
NEW: Stress Management
This course will teach participants various methods to handle stressful situations. Participants will learn the importance of: reframing negative thoughts into positive ones; living in the moment through various mindfulness and grounding techniques; and, self-care.
Date: Mondays – November 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:30–7:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 608
Fee: $100
Instructor: Lauren Walters
About the instructor: Ms. Walters holds an MA in Mental Health.
Stretch Class
Set to soothing music, this class is a combination of yoga and athletic stretches which targets all the muscle groups. Participants will improve their flexibility, balance and strength. Please bring your own mat.
Date: Thursdays – October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20; December 4
Time: 6:45-7:45PM
Location: WOS Room 72
Fee: $65
Instructor: Laura Hudson
Volleyball
This exciting program is for experienced volleyball players who understand the fundamentals of the game and are comfortable with bumping, setting, spiking and serving. Have a great time while enjoying moderate competition with other players skilled in organized play following standard game rules! Recommended for intermediate and higher experience levels; not suited for beginners.
Date: Wednesdays – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19
Time: 6:45-8:45PM
Location: SOMS Gym
Fee: $75 (combo price for both Volleyball and Volleyball Mini-Session: $125)
Instructor: Aydin Akdemir
Volleyball Mini-Session
Date: Wednesdays – January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4
Time: 6:45-8:45PM
Location: SOMS Gym
Fee: $55 (combo price for both Volleyball and Volleyball Mini-Session: $125)
Zumba
Experience an absolute blast in a class of heart-racing, muscle-pumping and body-energizing movements! With easy-to-follow dance steps, Zumba fuses Latin and international rhythms with fast and slow beats to create a routine that tones and sculpts your body while burning fat. No dance experience needed. Wear workout clothes and sneakers. Participants should consult their physician prior to registering.
Date: Mondays – October 6, 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17, 24; December 1
Time: 6:30-7:30PM
Location: SOMS Cafeteria
Fee: $85 (combo price for both Zumba and Zumba Mini-Session: $130)
Instructor: Jenny Favre
Zumba Mini-Session
Date: Mondays – January 5, 12, 26; February 2, 9
Time: 6:30-7:30PM
Location: SOMS Cafeteria
Fee: $55 (combo price for both Zumba and Zumba Mini-Session: $130)
Instructor: Jenny Favre
Culture & Community
NEW: Creative Writing Workshop
Whether you are just starting out or getting back into writing, this six-week workshop will help kickstart you into telling your story – taking you from the inception of your idea, to a step-by-step plan on how to execute your final draft! You will learn how to: cultivate your idea; decide the right form; structure a cathartic arc; and, plot like a pro. Each 90-minute class will include a PDF workbook with instruction, writing prompts, discussion and Q&A. All genres and experience levels are welcome.
Date: Wednesdays – October 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 19
Time: 6:30-8:00PM
Location: TZHS Room 304
Fee: $100
Instructor: Amanda Moresco
About the instructor: Amanda Moresco, is a WGA writer and has assisted Oscar-winning writers for film and television for the past 20 years. As a director, she has completed four short films and is in development for her first feature film. Amanda is currently the co-artistic director of the Actor’s Gym – an acting, writing and directing workshop in NYC.
Digital Photography
This course, designed for beginners and those who want to get better results by learning how to use their camera fully, will cover basic and advanced concepts including: the importance of sensor size; shutter speed; aperture and RAW shooting; and, the differences between point-and-shoot, mirrorless and DSLR cameras. The first class will cover the fundamentals of buying a good, digital camera.
Date: Thursdays – October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20; December 4, 11
Time: 6:30-7:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 319
Fee: $55
Instructor: Anthony Pantliano
NEW: Exploring the Regional Cooking of Italy (Veneto)
Explore various traditional dishes of the region of Veneto – one of Italy’s northern regions, and home to famous cities like Venice and Verona. In these two, two-hour classes, participants will prepare the following meals together with our instructors and, of course, will sit down and taste all the finished products!
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Class I:
Risi e Bisi – a classic Venetian dish consisting of rice and peas.Pollastro in Tecia e Fasoi – a traditional recipe from Vicenza consisting of slow-cooked chicken with tomato and beans.
Zonclada – a traditional dessert from Treviso featuring ricotta, raisins and cinnamon in a flaky crust.
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Class II:
Pasta e Fasoi – a hardy, tasty traditional soup made with beans, herbs and pasta.Verze Sofogae – a rustic, traditional Venetian dish featuring Savoy cabbage, sausage and herbs.
Fregolatta – a typical dessert from Veneto made with almonds, sugar and vanilla which, after baking, is broken into rustic pieces or coarse crumbs for serving.
Class I: Thursday – October 30
Class II: Tuesday – November 18
Location: SOMS Room 179
Fee: $110 (includes food and supplies)
Instructors: Roberta Avantifiori and Tricia Castelli
Please note: this is a popular, limited-size class; please register early. Classes begin promptly at 5:45PM.
Learn to Play Guitar (Advanced)
This continuation of the beginner course will cover chord progressions found in popular songs, the 12-Bar Blues, pentatonic scales, power chords, beginning lead guitar and finger-style accompaniment patterns. Please bring an acoustic guitar.
Date: Thursdays – October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20
Time: 7:30–8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 608
Fee: $90
Instructor: Louis Gentile
Learn to Play Guitar (Beginner)
Students will receive an introduction to guitar care, tuning, basic chords and strumming patterns used in many popular songs. Styles such as folk music and blues will be used as a foundation to learn simple theory, music notation and basic melodies. Please bring an acoustic guitar.
Date: Thursdays – October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20
Time: 6:15–7:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 608
Fee: $90
Instructor: Louis Gentile
NEW: Line and Wash – Colored Inks, Watercolors
– You Get To Choose
This art course will include The Old Neighborhood to Rural Americana. Participants will enjoy the fun and satisfaction of creating colorful images in whatever media you enjoy most – colored inks, watercolor, watercolor pencils, etc. The activities require a minimum of artistic aptitude or experience. The serious amateur artist will develop transferable skills as well as new approaches to the visual arts. The atmosphere is relaxed and always welcoming. Students provide materials; a supply list will be emailed prior to the start of the class.
Date: Tuesdays – October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 2, 9
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 712
Fee: $95 (plus supplies purchased by student)
Instructor: Christie Black
NEW: Mah Jongg (Advanced Beginner/Strategy)
Already know the basics and ready to take your game to the next level? Join us for a fun, supportive class designed to boost your confidence and sharpen your skills. We'll focus on smart decision-making, defensive play, reading exposures and understanding when to shift strategies — all in a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. Participants should be comfortable with the fundamentals of the game and bring their 2025 Mah Jongg card, which can be purchased online at www.nationalmahjonggleague.org.
Date: Thursdays – January 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Location: TZHS College Room
Fee: $95
Instructor: Tamara Greene
Mah Jongg (Beginner)
Learn this ancient Chinese game made modern! Beginner Mah Jongg will teach you how to play, and help develop strategies and confidence — all while having fun. The 2025 National Mah Jongg card is required; order online at www.nationalmahjonggleague.org or call (212) 246-3052.
Date: Thursdays – October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Location: TZHS College Room
Fee: $95
Instructor: Stacy Budkofsky
Please note: the class size is limited to 12.
Personal Technology & Finance
How to Drastically Cut Costs
If you are trying to cut costs and learn how to save thousands of dollars because your retirement or savings plan has lost money or you could lose your job, this course could help you. Topics include: saving money by investing on your own with no-load mutual funds; the benefits of credit unions; buying used cars; and, saving money when buying car, home and life insurance.
Date: Wednesday – October 22
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 601
Fee: $50
Instructor: Bev Nathan
Please note: there is an optional $20 material fee for additional information payable to the instructor.
How To Drastically Reduce Your College Costs
Participants will learn how to avoid large college loans. Discussion topics include: FAFSA; different types of grants and loans; scholarship sources; work study programs; federal vs. private loans; problems of Parent PLUS loans; refinance loans; and, 529 plans. Helpful websites and books on this matter will also be discussed.
Date: Wednesday – October 22
Time: 7:30-9:00PM
Location: TZHS Room 603
Fee: $50
Instructor: Rick Nathan
Please note: there is an optional $20 material fee for additional information payable to the instructor.
Introduction to Microsoft Office
(Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
These courses will get you up and running on Microsoft Office – including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We will cover useful, real-world skills that you can use in your home or to advance your capability and productivity at work. Classes will be useful, easy to understand, fun and, most importantly, never intimidating.
In the Microsoft Word class, you will learn how to create, edit and save files. Participants will create professional-looking documents with text, pictures and graphics. In the Microsoft Excel class, participants will learn basic spreadsheet design, formulas, functions and calculations. The Microsoft PowerPoint class will show participants how to design graphics, and create attractive presentations and slideshows.
Each class will be tailored to the needs of each participant; it is ideal for those just learning Microsoft Office or those with some experience who are looking to expand their skills.
Word Module
Date: Thursdays – October 9, 16, 23
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 308
Fee: $60 for one class; $110 for two classes; $160 for all three classes
Instructor: Stuart Kerty
Excel Module
Date: Thursdays – October 30; November 13, 20
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 308
Fee: $60 for one class; $110 for two classes; $160 for all three classes
Instructor: Stuart Kerty
PowerPoint Module
Date: Thursdays – December 4, 11, 18
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 308
Fee: $60 for one class; $110 for two classes; $160 for all three classes
Instructor: Stuart Kerty
Please note: prerequisite – basic Windows PC skills and experience with a mouse and keyboard are required. Most of these skills will be transferable to using Office for Mac, but we will use Windows PCs in the class. On the registration form, please indicate which module you choose: Word, Excel, PowerPoint or all three.
NEW: Protecting Your Assets (Virtual)
Learn how trusts and other estate planning documents can be used to protect your home, pass assets to your children, legally avoid estate taxes and nursing home costs, and avoid problems that may arise out of the probate process.
Date: Wednesday – October 29
Time: 6:45–8:45PM
Fee: $20
Instructor: Michael J Greenberg, Esq.
Please note: this class will be presented virtually; registrants will receive Zoom login information on October 28. Please be sure your email address is legible and correct on the registration form.
NEW: Retirement Planning Boot Camp
Did you know that most people spend more time planning a week-long vacation than they do their retirement? This boot camp series aims to change that and better position you for your golden years. Upon completion of our three-class series, you will have a good understanding of some of the most common challenges pre-retirees (and even many retirees) encounter. This series will cover five key areas: investing (including how to provide an income stream that outlives you); IRA strategies (rollover options and common RMD mistakes); tax planning (knowing the actions you should be taking throughout each stage of retirement); healthcare (managing expenses, transitioning to Medicare and long-term care); and, estate planning (how to prepare for a smooth transition of your assets).
Date: Tuesdays – November 4, 18; December 2
Time: 7:00-8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 608
Fee: $60
Instructor: Paul Muller
About the instructor: Paul Muller graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a degree in Economics and has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He is a Certified Financial Planner TM professional, Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) and holds a FINRA series 65 registration through Vision Retirement.
Secrets That Wall Street Does Not Want You To Know
Have some money to invest? This lively seminar is a must for those who want to learn from a consumer advocate. Learn how to navigate buying or leasing cars, buying insurance, investing with or without financial planners and investing in mutual funds on your own. After taking this course, you will have the confidence to invest on your own or interview financial planners to find those who will truly work for you. You will learn how to stretch and save your hard-earned money.
Date: Wednesday – October 22
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 603
Fee: $50
Instructor: Rick Nathan
Please note: there is an optional $20 material fee for additional information payable to the instructor.
Selling On eBay
Learn from an eBay Power Seller how to sell successfully from start to finish. Topics include: how eBay works; safe trading using eBay buyer/seller protection; learning the value of your items; pricing your merchandise; writing a description; photos; shipping your goods; eBay fees; collecting your payment; delivery confirmation; handling feedback; and, more. Participants will be able to develop their own eBay listings upon completion.
Date: Wednesday – November 5
Time: 6:45-8:45PM
Location: TZHS Library
Fee: $65
Instructor: Rick Feingold
Starting Your Own Business
Learn behind-the-scenes practical information on how to start a successful home-based, second-income business that can become full-time. You will learn how to decide on a business or product to sell with minimal problems and how to avoid making major financial mistakes. Franchising will be discussed.
Date: Wednesday – October 22
Time: 7:30-9:00PM
Location: TZHS Room 601
Fee: $50
Instructor: Bev Nathan
Please note: there is an optional $20 material fee for additional information payable to the instructor.
NEW: The Dollars and Sense of Owning a Restaurant
This two-week course is geared towards those individuals who dream of one day owning and operating a restaurant as well as those interested in investing in one. As a long-time restaurant veteran, the instructor is knowledgeable in all aspects of the food service business: concept; menu; operations; management; marketing; budgeting; bookkeeping; financing; real estate; leasing; maintenance; and, many other aspects.
Date: Mondays – November 10, 17
Time: 6:00–8:30PM
Location: TZHS Room 601
Fee: $100
Instructor: Otto Harris Ekstut
About the instructor: Otto Harris Eckstut’s career spans nearly five decades of success in the restaurant business from Boston, MA to Savannah, GA. For 25 years, Harris owned and operated the landmark MontSerrat Restaurant on Philadelphia’s famed South Street. In the late 1970s, he assisted in the development of Bay Village on Long Beach Island, NJ.
Understanding AI (Artificial Intelligence)
This introductory course begins by explaining the different types of AI in our lives, with a focus on Chat GPT as well as other apps that are easy to use once you have the time to work with them. We will discuss how AI can aid in our daily lives or help us just by becoming more informed.
Date: Monday – November 3
Time: 6:45-8:45PM
Location: TZHS Room 308
Fee: $65
Instructor: Jim Mulligan
Contact
Continuing Education
160 Van Wyck Road
Blauvelt, NY 10913
Terry Campanella
Continuing Education Director
(845) 379-1012
