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Middle School Intersession 2025

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Wednesday, January 8
 

8:00am PST

PRE-PLANNED ABSENCE
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm PST
If you know you won't be at school on Wedesday, January 8, please mark it here and don't sign up for any sessions.
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm PST
ABSENT

8:30am PST

Adventures in AI
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
Dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how AI works and discover the ways it impacts our everyday lives. From personalized recommendations to ChatGPT, we’ll uncover the hidden AI behind familiar technologies and get to play with some of the latest, cutting-edge tools. Join us to explore how creativity meets tech in surprising ways! (btw, ChatGPT wrote this :) )
Facilitators
avatar for Marissa Mayer

Marissa Mayer

CEO & Founder, Sunshine
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
L103

8:30am PST

Hamilton, Jefferson, and Fractions: Math and the U.S. House of Representatives
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
We're look at an interesting real math problem relating to the United States Congress. Why does Alabama have 7 representatives? It turns out the answer isn't as simple as you'd think, and it involves some division, some fascinating mathematical paradoxes, and some incredible history. Where else can you discuss Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and square roots all in one 75 minute session?
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
L102
  5-6 Grade

8:30am PST

The Art of Cooking Breakfast: Crepes, Pancakes, and Omelettes
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
Let’s cook breakfast together! In this class, students will create sweet and savory crepes, pancakes, made-to-order omelettes, and hot cocoa. No prior cooking experience required. Eat your culinary creations!
Facilitators
avatar for Michelle Greenebaum

Michelle Greenebaum

Together In The Kitchen
Michelle Greenebaum of Together In The Kitchen (and mom of an 8th grader at Nueva!) teaches the Art and Science of Cooking and Baking to kids, teenagers, and adults in the Bay Area. This is her 4th year teaching Intersession at Nueva. Her classes are hands-on, fun, and support all... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
Café
  5-6 Grade

8:30am PST

Coalition Building: How Politics Can Shape and Change Public Perception
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
I will talk about why there is often a shift which states are "swing states" over time, as well as how politicians choose certain topics & themes to focus on in their campaigns based on what is politically viable. Example questions include: How did Barack Obama carry several states that are now considered strongly Republican? Aside from purely just changes in public opinion, why do political parties shift their political stances over time? This session will be taught in a non-partisan fashion and is intended to teach students about the salience of political issues and how campaigning works from a calculated standpoint.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
J208

8:30am PST

Needle Felting
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
Needle felting is a fun way to create fuzzy soft sculptures using wool and special felting tools. We'll start with flat images that can be turned into pins or patches, then move into 3-D projects. You can felt your favorite food, animals, or abstract art - the sky's the limit!
Facilitators
avatar for Kira Dulaney

Kira Dulaney

Kira K Designs
Kira Dulaney has been teaching fiber arts classes and hosting crafty events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond since 2002. As a teacher, her focus is on providing valuable information in a stress-free environment, and supporting students through the learning process. She is... Read More →

Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
J210

8:30am PST

Ping Pong Adventure with National-Level Coaches!
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
Challenge yourself against international top table tennis players! Come and join the fun of playing ping pong! Engage in exciting drills, enjoy fun challenges, and have a chance to win small prizes from the USA National Training Center.

Our team of pro coaches is eager to guide you through the basics of this incredible and affordable sport. Don't miss your opportunity to learn from the best and uncover all the secrets of one of the most energy-intensive sports in the world!
Facilitators
avatar for 888 Table Tennis Center

888 Table Tennis Center

888 TTC is a new, 30,000 square foot USA National Training Center created for table tennis players of all abilities and ages.It was built to bring world-class training and playing conditions to the Bay Area, and for the broader community to access and enjoy the sport.
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PST
GCC Stage
  7-8 Grade

8:30am PST

Enter the World of Roekron! Live Action Battles and Role Play
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
Live Action Role Playing (LARP), players pretend to be someone else, living in a different time or place, and acting out events that might happen in that world. Many of these games involve battles, and so LARPers use safe, padded props that look like weapons to act out the combat. Unlike in a play where everyone has certain lines to say and the story is set, in LARP, the players each act out a certain person and make their own decisions for that person as the game evolves. Live Action Role Playing is a tremendous teaching tool and capable of dynamic, physically driven learning that transcends the usual boundaries of standard education. Due to the interactive, dramatic, hands on methods used in LARP, teaching is often effortless and fun. This class begins with basic battle training and rules of combat, followed by character creation and entry into the game world of Roekron, a game world continuously run for over two decades in the Bay Area and which currently has leagues all across the region with weekly and monthly meetups. Students will have a character at the end of this class that can be taken and used in any of the other Roekron League events they choose and may continue their story at future events if they wish.

Topics Covered:
- First Five Battle Rules
- Equipment Sets and Weapons
- Armor System of AV
- Basic Spell and Skill Types
- Overview of the Classes
- Character Species
- Character Backstory
- Alignments
- Flow of Events
- Playing a Monster or NPC
- Quests and Role Playing
- Magical Items and Money Cards
- Completing a Mission
- Transfer of Characters to other leagues

Check out these videos to get a sense of what we'll be doing!
Intro (2min)
The Regulars LARPing (SF Chronicle)- 
https://youtu.be/YdnqN-TcBq4

Core Rules-(13min)
The First Five Rules- 
https://youtu.be/K7PVm6rw2H8
Armor Zones- (3min)
https://youtu.be/N67hPOenaHU
Color Tags- (5min)
https://youtu.be/XIbgvo-5nnA

-Bonus Material-
TEDx Talk on LARPing with Kids and Teens- (10min)
https://youtu.be/L6xl-qYRHco

Sebastopol Times Article 2024
(10min read)
Facilitators
avatar for Christopher Melville

Christopher Melville

Director, FANWAR LARP
Born and raised in California, Christopher Melville has deep roots in education. He grew up in Willits, CA attending an alternative Montessori school founded by his parents. He went on to attend Sonoma State University, as a double major in English (Creative Writing) and Theater Arts... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
Field

8:30am PST

Learn to Play Ukulele
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
George Harrison wrote, “Everyone should have and play a ‘UKE.’ It’s so simple to carry with you and it is one instrument you can’t play and not laugh!” He carried his uke with him and gave away ukes to friends whenever he could. “Everyone I know who is into the ukulele is ‘crackers,’ so get yourself a few and enjoy yourselves,” he said. Good advice from a Beatle. This course offers an introduction to playing the ukulele. Geared toward both complete neophytes and experienced beginners, the course will teach students the basics of uke chords and strumming. A dozen or so chords will be covered as well as a few strum patterns and basic fingerpicking. Basic chart reading and rhythm studies will also be discussed. No experience required.
Facilitators
GV

Greg Vaughan

Greg Vaughan has taught guitar and ukulele at Gryphon Strings for over two decades. He specializes in contemporary music including alternative, punk, rock (modern and classic), acoustic (especially classic and new rock), and electric blues guitar. He also has taught group guitar and... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
C101
  5-6 Grade

8:30am PST

The Poetry of Objects: Still Life Creations
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
This class is an immersive journey into the art of still life drawing. In this class, we will delve into the silent narratives that everyday objects can tell. Much like a poet finds meaning in every word, we will discover the beauty and stories concealed within the objects that surround us.

Students will learn basic drawing techniques, and work with a variety of drawing materials. We will look at examples from art history for inspiration and guidance. Through the careful arrangement of objects, lighting, and composition, we will uncover the beauty in the mundane.

If you’re someone who loves to draw, this is a great class for you. If you’re someone who is afraid to draw, this is also a great class for you! Come and learn the basics, or continue to hone your skills. You'll be encouraged to unleash your inner poet, and create visual verses with pen and pencil!
Facilitators
NO

Nina Osborne

Nina Osborne is a multimedia artist, printmaker, and art educator with a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and an MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. As a mother of three boys aged 7, 9, and 10, she values nurturing creativity in young minds. Nina combines her... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
F101

8:30am PST

Understanding and Visualizing Word Embeddings for Modern AI Systems
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
In this session we introduce the concept of word embeddings as a proxy for "meaning" and explain the intuition of how they play an important role in modern AI systems. We will begin by starting with a simpler example - colors - and show how we can use a simple 3-dimensional vector to represent colors. We will then show the intuition of distance between colors and how colors that are closer to each other in distance are also closer to each other visually. We will then connect the concept of vectors to represent colors to vector in a higher dimension space that can represent the "meaning" of words and then show how words that have similar meaning will be closer to each other.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
EC213

8:30am PST

American Sign Language
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
Of the more than 380 languages used in the United States, only one of these consists of hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions, rather than the spoken word. Get a 'feel' for American Sign Language and Deaf culture as we learn the ASL alphabet, play games, sing and sign our way through this exciting hands-on workshop! You will learn enough signs to chat with your friends from across the room ...without making a sound!
Facilitators
avatar for Bill White

Bill White

Founder, Author, Teacher, Dad, Happy Baby Signs
Bill White is the founder of the Happy Baby Signs and co-author with Kathleen Harper of the internationally best selling book, Signs of a Happy Baby. He has facilitated baby sign language programs at Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, Sutter Health, Harmony Birth and Family, Blossom... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
J209
  7-8 Grade

8:30am PST

Consent and Treatment of the Dead in Museums
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
Museums curate and display human remains in order to research the past and to educate the public. But it has come to light that many of the individuals on display might not have considered the museum to be their ideal final resting place. Adding in individual and indigenous voices problematises the concept of curation of human remains, but many archaeologists see us on a path we can’t retreat from without radically changing the field. Museum visitors also expect to see skeletons, and most find it part of their education - and often inspires them to go into research of medicine. Additionally, ancient cultures and modern society have radically different views of the afterlife, consent, and burial practices that are often at odds with each other. In this session we’ll learn about and debate these differing views.

Key questions: How can we as curators and archaeologists balance these different value systems? Do the dead have a voice, and what would they argue for? What are some of the arguments for and against keeping human remains on a case-by-case basis? How can we develop more complex arguments than "I wouldn't want that to happen to my body" when all of our ideas of our bodies are different?
Facilitators
avatar for Stacy Hackner

Stacy Hackner

Dr Stacy Hackner is an interdisciplinary researcher who has worked with human remains in the British Museum, the Museum of London, and the UCL Pathology Museum, among others. Her work broadly covers feminist and decolonial archaeology, the role of women in society, and lower leg biomechanics... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
EC113

8:30am PST

Enter the World of Roekron! Live Action Battles and Role Play
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
Live Action Role Playing (LARP), players pretend to be someone else, living in a different time or place, and acting out events that might happen in that world. Many of these games involve battles, and so LARPers use safe, padded props that look like weapons to act out the combat. Unlike in a play where everyone has certain lines to say and the story is set, in LARP, the players each act out a certain person and make their own decisions for that person as the game evolves. Live Action Role Playing is a tremendous teaching tool and capable of dynamic, physically driven learning that transcends the usual boundaries of standard education. Due to the interactive, dramatic, hands on methods used in LARP, teaching is often effortless and fun. This class begins with basic battle training and rules of combat, followed by character creation and entry into the game world of Roekron, a game world continuously run for over two decades in the Bay Area and which currently has leagues all across the region with weekly and monthly meetups. Students will have a character at the end of this class that can be taken and used in any of the other Roekron League events they choose and may continue their story at future events if they wish.

Topics Covered:
- First Five Battle Rules
- Equipment Sets and Weapons
- Armor System of AV
- Basic Spell and Skill Types
- Overview of the Classes
- Character Species
- Character Backstory
- Alignments
- Flow of Events
- Playing a Monster or NPC
- Quests and Role Playing
- Magical Items and Money Cards
- Completing a Mission
- Transfer of Characters to other leagues

Check out these videos to get a sense of what we'll be doing!
Intro (2min)
The Regulars LARPing (SF Chronicle)- 
https://youtu.be/YdnqN-TcBq4

Core Rules-(13min)
The First Five Rules- 
https://youtu.be/K7PVm6rw2H8
Armor Zones- (3min)
https://youtu.be/N67hPOenaHU
Color Tags- (5min)
https://youtu.be/XIbgvo-5nnA

-Bonus Material-
TEDx Talk on LARPing with Kids and Teens- (10min)
https://youtu.be/L6xl-qYRHco

Sebastopol Times Article 2024
(10min read)
Facilitators
avatar for Christopher Melville

Christopher Melville

Director, FANWAR LARP
Born and raised in California, Christopher Melville has deep roots in education. He grew up in Willits, CA attending an alternative Montessori school founded by his parents. He went on to attend Sonoma State University, as a double major in English (Creative Writing) and Theater Arts... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
Field

8:30am PST

Improv Games from the Vault!
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
In this class we will be going all out with Improv games! Even if you have had improv before we will be exploring games we have never played. Quickly learning the basics of the games and jumping into creating characters, playing games, and having fun.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
J201-202

8:30am PST

Laugh Lab: Stand-Up Comedy Writing
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
In this half-day comedy writing workshop, middle school students will explore the exciting world of stand-up comedy, skits, and sketches. Through fun activities, group collaborations, and creative brainstorming, students will learn how to craft jokes, build characters, and create funny scenarios from everyday life. Whether they want to write their own stand-up routine or collaborate on a hilarious sketch with friends, this workshop encourages creativity and expression. By the end of the session, participants will have the chance to share their work in a supportive environment while gaining confidence in their comedic voice.
Facilitators
CR

Corey Rosen

My name is Corey Rosen.  My wife, Jenny, teaches drama and improv at Nueva. I am a writer, actor, producer and author of “Your Story, Well Told.”  I host The Moth StorySlam and have been featured on The Sarah and Vinnie Show and The Moth Radio Hour. My teaching specialty is... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 11:05am PST
D101

8:30am PST

Flavors of the Mediterranean: A Cooking & Tasting Adventure
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 2:40pm PST
Learn all about Mediterranean food and how fresh herbs, good fats, and balancing the five flavor elements translate into delicious food. We will learn how to make stove-top pizza with fresh tomato basil sauce and homemade dough, herb and olive oil hummus, tiramisu with seasonal fruit compote, and fresh mint lemonade. We will also have some fun tastings with various herbs, cheeses, olives, olive oils, and vinegars.

Menu
Stove-top pizza with homemade dough and tomato basil sauce
Herb and olive oil hummus
Tiramisu with seasonal fruit
Mint lemonade
Facilitators
avatar for Sam Mehra

Sam Mehra

Chef
Sam is a long-time Nueva parent who has lived globally and is an avid home chef. She enjoys creating new recipes and teaching using fresh and flavorful ingredients to create comfort food from around the world.Sam completed her culinary degree from the SF Cooking School in San Francisco... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 2:40pm PST
EC112

8:30am PST

Mock Trial
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 2:40pm PST
Do you have a passion for justice? Are you someone who likes to win arguments? In Mock Trial, you will argue your case as a prosecuting attorney or a defense attorney in a criminal trial and/or you will vigorously defend your client’s interests as an attorney in a lawsuit. You will learn the rules of evidence and how to question witnesses. Hopefully, you will gain a greater appreciation for the American system of justice.
Facilitators
avatar for Lee Miller

Lee Miller

College of San Mateo
Lee has been a professor of political science at College of San Mateo since 2008 and has been teaching in the Nueva summer program since 2012. Lee earned a Ph.D. in political science at UCLA and also has studied at Brandeis University (Massachusetts), Oxford University (England) and... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 2:40pm PST
J211-212

8:30am PST

You Must Be This Tall To Slay (Everyday Heroes TTRPG)
Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 2:40pm PST
The old, abandoned water park, Splashopolis, has been taken over by vampires! Locals have been going missing, animals have become dangerous around the park, and the slides have been twisted into the dreaded Castle Hydrocula. You and your comrades call yourselves UPDN (Undead Pursuit, Destruction, and Neutralize), and it’s your job to flush them out. Your plan is to get the innocents out safe while taking down the vampires with your tools and your wits. It’s a hot day at the waterpark, but do you and your team really have the advantage against this so-called Hydrocula and his vampire minions?

This game is played with the Everyday Heroes Tabletop RPG. The game uses the D&D 5th Edition System. If you know D&D, you know this game. Otherwise its easy to learn!
Facilitators
avatar for Dave Scott

Dave Scott

Evil Genius Games
I'm a game maker and father of a Nueva Student.

Wednesday January 8, 2025 8:30am - 2:40pm PST
EC108

9:50am PST

Coalition Building: How Politics Can Shape and Change Public Perception
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
I will talk about why there is often a shift which states are "swing states" over time, as well as how politicians choose certain topics & themes to focus on in their campaigns based on what is politically viable. Example questions include: How did Barack Obama carry several states that are now considered strongly Republican? Aside from purely just changes in public opinion, why do political parties shift their political stances over time? This session will be taught in a non-partisan fashion and is intended to teach students about the salience of political issues and how campaigning works from a calculated standpoint.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
J208

9:50am PST

Needle Felting
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
Needle felting is a fun way to create fuzzy soft sculptures using wool and special felting tools. We'll start with flat images that can be turned into pins or patches, then move into 3-D projects. You can felt your favorite food, animals, or abstract art - the sky's the limit!
Facilitators
avatar for Kira Dulaney

Kira Dulaney

Kira K Designs
Kira Dulaney has been teaching fiber arts classes and hosting crafty events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond since 2002. As a teacher, her focus is on providing valuable information in a stress-free environment, and supporting students through the learning process. She is... Read More →

Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
J210

9:50am PST

Ping Pong Adventure with National-Level Coaches!
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
Challenge yourself against international top table tennis players! Come and join the fun of playing ping pong! Engage in exciting drills, enjoy fun challenges, and have a chance to win small prizes from the USA National Training Center.

Our team of pro coaches is eager to guide you through the basics of this incredible and affordable sport. Don't miss your opportunity to learn from the best and uncover all the secrets of one of the most energy-intensive sports in the world!
Facilitators
avatar for 888 Table Tennis Center

888 Table Tennis Center

888 TTC is a new, 30,000 square foot USA National Training Center created for table tennis players of all abilities and ages.It was built to bring world-class training and playing conditions to the Bay Area, and for the broader community to access and enjoy the sport.
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
GCC Stage
  5-6 Grade

9:50am PST

Hamilton, Jefferson, and Fractions: Math and the U.S. House of Representatives
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
We're look at an interesting real math problem relating to the United States Congress. Why does Alabama have 7 representatives? It turns out the answer isn't as simple as you'd think, and it involves some division, some fascinating mathematical paradoxes, and some incredible history. Where else can you discuss Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and square roots all in one 75 minute session?
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
L102
  7-8 Grade

9:50am PST

Jewelry Making Basics
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
Learn the art of jewelry making in this hands-on workshop! Students will discover the basics of beading, crimping, and finishing techniques while completing a custom bracelet from start to finish. Along the way, they’ll get an introduction to pliers, jewelry-making terms, and materials. This fun and creative session is perfect for anyone who loves to design and wear unique accessories!
Facilitators
avatar for Tamara Madruga

Tamara Madruga

Teacher, Dragonfly Designs
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
F102

9:50am PST

The Art of Cooking Breakfast: Crepes, Pancakes, and Omelettes
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
Let’s cook breakfast together! In this class, students will create sweet and savory crepes, pancakes, made-to-order omelettes, and hot cocoa. No prior cooking experience required. Eat your culinary creations!
Facilitators
avatar for Michelle Greenebaum

Michelle Greenebaum

Together In The Kitchen
Michelle Greenebaum of Together In The Kitchen (and mom of an 8th grader at Nueva!) teaches the Art and Science of Cooking and Baking to kids, teenagers, and adults in the Bay Area. This is her 4th year teaching Intersession at Nueva. Her classes are hands-on, fun, and support all... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 9:50am - 11:05am PST
Café
  7-8 Grade

12:05pm PST

Did Baseball Save Us? The Negro Leagues, Japanese Incarceration, and Sports and Social Justice in America
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
You may have heard about Jackie Robinson and his breaking of the color barrier in baseball, but have you heard the history of the Negro Leagues and how baseball was segregated in the first place? Can you name some women baseball players who were also Negro League stars (yes, they could play baseball in the Negro Leagues even if not for Major League Baseball)? Did you know that baseball was one of the incarceration camp sports for Japanese Americans during World War II?

If these questions sound interesting and you'd like to learn more, please come join a discussion about the history of baseball in America that you may not have heard before, focusing on the Negro Leagues and baseball in the wartime incarceration camps. We'll be using books that involve primary sources to build our knowledge of this part of our country's history, and think about how this impacts sports as we watch and understand them today, with a focus on sports as sources of resistance and joy in 2025 and beyond.
Facilitators
avatar for Misasha Suzuki Graham

Misasha Suzuki Graham

Co-Founder, Dear White Women
Misasha Suzuki Graham has spent her life attempting to bridge gaps, both professionally and personally, and foster understanding among groups of people.  A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha spent over fifteen years as an accomplished attorney, specializing... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
EC213

12:05pm PST

From Name to Fame: How Brands Shine
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Have a business idea and want to build a brand around it? Join this session to discover how companies stand out through effective brand positioning and why it matters. We’ll explore how brand positioning can guide employees, attract customers, and keep a brand relevant in a dynamic market.

We’ll start by discussing the essentials of brand-building, then collaborate in small groups to create brand positioning for a sample product, with an opportunity to present your ideas to the class. This session is a chance to tap into your creativity and learn how businesses establish a compelling brand identity—no prerequisite skills  required.
Facilitators
avatar for Connie Fong

Connie Fong

I launched my career amid the dynamic dotcom boom of the late '90s and early 2000s. My passion for beauty and wellness began at Sephora, and over the past 20+ years, I’ve held leadership roles in marketing, brand, and eCommerce for both established and emerging omni-channel and... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
J208
  5-6 Grade

12:05pm PST

Jewelry Making Basics
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Learn the art of jewelry making in this hands-on workshop! Students will discover the basics of beading, crimping, and finishing techniques while completing a custom bracelet from start to finish. Along the way, they’ll get an introduction to pliers, jewelry-making terms, and materials. This fun and creative session is perfect for anyone who loves to design and wear unique accessories!
Facilitators
avatar for Tamara Madruga

Tamara Madruga

Teacher, Dragonfly Designs
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
F102

12:05pm PST

Cross Stitch Bookmarks
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Cross stitch is a fun and easy style of embroidery made up of X shaped stitches to create a pixelated design. You’ll get to choose a design, learn how to read the chart, stitch your design and a border, and create an adorable bookmark. Feel free to bring artwork to transform into a custom cross stitch pattern. No experience necessary.
Facilitators
avatar for Kira Dulaney

Kira Dulaney

Kira K Designs
Kira Dulaney has been teaching fiber arts classes and hosting crafty events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond since 2002. As a teacher, her focus is on providing valuable information in a stress-free environment, and supporting students through the learning process. She is... Read More →

Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
J210

12:05pm PST

Math Pool Party
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Imagine that you shoot a ball at a 45 degree angle from the bottom left corner of a pool table. What will happen? In this activity, we'll explore a variety of questions related to this basic set-up and discover how the answers differ based on the dimensions of the table.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
L104
  7-8 Grade

12:05pm PST

Ping Pong Adventure with National-Level Coaches!
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Challenge yourself against international top table tennis players! Come and join the fun of playing ping pong! Engage in exciting drills, enjoy fun challenges, and have a chance to win small prizes from the USA National Training Center.

Our team of pro coaches is eager to guide you through the basics of this incredible and affordable sport. Don't miss your opportunity to learn from the best and uncover all the secrets of one of the most energy-intensive sports in the world!
Facilitators
avatar for 888 Table Tennis Center

888 Table Tennis Center

888 TTC is a new, 30,000 square foot USA National Training Center created for table tennis players of all abilities and ages.It was built to bring world-class training and playing conditions to the Bay Area, and for the broader community to access and enjoy the sport.
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
GCC Stage
  7-8 Grade

12:05pm PST

The Science of Baking: The Great Chocolate Chip Cookie Experiment
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Join us in the food lab for “The Great Chocolate Chip Cookie Experiment''. First, we’ll examine the role of flour, leavening agents, sugar, eggs, fats, time, and temperature and how they work together to create delicious baked goods. After baking the control recipe, students will break into teams where they will change ingredients, proportions, and ratios in the recipe to see how it affects the cookie’s flavor, texture, spread and color. Be prepared for a lot of taste testing – and homemade hot cocoa to accompany the cookies!
Facilitators
avatar for Michelle Greenebaum

Michelle Greenebaum

Together In The Kitchen
Michelle Greenebaum of Together In The Kitchen (and mom of an 8th grader at Nueva!) teaches the Art and Science of Cooking and Baking to kids, teenagers, and adults in the Bay Area. This is her 4th year teaching Intersession at Nueva. Her classes are hands-on, fun, and support all... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:20pm PST
Café
  7-8 Grade

12:05pm PST

American Sign Language
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
Of the more than 380 languages used in the United States, only one of these consists of hand gestures, body movements and facial expressions, rather than the spoken word. Get a 'feel' for American Sign Language and Deaf culture as we learn the ASL alphabet, play games, sing and sign our way through this exciting hands-on workshop! You will learn enough signs to chat with your friends from across the room ...without making a sound!
Facilitators
avatar for Bill White

Bill White

Founder, Author, Teacher, Dad, Happy Baby Signs
Bill White is the founder of the Happy Baby Signs and co-author with Kathleen Harper of the internationally best selling book, Signs of a Happy Baby. He has facilitated baby sign language programs at Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, Sutter Health, Harmony Birth and Family, Blossom... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
J209
  5-6 Grade

12:05pm PST

Archaeological Sites And Their Importance Around The World
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
Did you know the pyramids are visible from downtown Cairo? But Stonehenge is in a protected countryisde area? And that people still live in Angkor Wat? We will look at ancient archaeological sites - who built them, how they have been interpreted, and how modern people use these monuments.
Facilitators
avatar for Stacy Hackner

Stacy Hackner

Dr Stacy Hackner is an interdisciplinary researcher who has worked with human remains in the British Museum, the Museum of London, and the UCL Pathology Museum, among others. Her work broadly covers feminist and decolonial archaeology, the role of women in society, and lower leg biomechanics... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
EC113
  5-6 Grade

12:05pm PST

The World of Wireframes
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
This class is intended for self-identifying girls

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to a world where girls feel equally confident participating in STEM fields and unleash their entrepreneurial potential? Look no further than The World of Wireframes Intersession by Lexie Polevoi! Lexie Polevoi is a current Product Manager in the EdTech space and the founder of Learn with Ms. Lexie where she teaches a problem-based entrepreneurship and empathy-based leadership curriculum to middle school girls. With The World of Wireframes, students will gain exposure to design thinking and product creation with the goal of feeling empowered and inspired to pursue entrepreneurship and any other field as the next generation of female thinkers. In a time when women hold only 6% of STEM CEO positions, this Intersession will help to break barriers and encourage students to embrace their STEM superpowers by teaching them a fundamental skill in the product lifecycle, creating wireframes.

No prior STEM experience? No problem! The World of Wireframes is an inclusive enrichment session for all self-identifying women from various backgrounds and experience levels. During this session, girls will practice problem-solving as they learn part of the product lifecycle and how to visually represent their ideas. The only prerequisites are a collaborative spirit and open mind! Join us in defying the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding female leadership and women in STEM. The World of Wireframes teaches students that women can excel in STEM and product work at any level. So, what are you waiting for? Enroll today and let's unleash your potential and conquer the world of entrepreneurship together!
Facilitators
avatar for Lexie Polevoi

Lexie Polevoi

Founder, Learn with Ms. Lexie
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
L101

12:05pm PST

CS Scripting: Can a Computer Program Write a Paper for You?
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
Have you ever had to write a five-page paper, but only filled up four pages? This workshop will teach you how to write a computer program to solve this problem! We’ll discuss strategies and algorithms for generating “random text”. Then, using the Python programming language, we’ll write a program that does what we want. This workshop would be appropriate for all levels of programming experience, from beginning to more advanced.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
L102

12:05pm PST

Improv Games from the Vault!
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
In this class we will be going all out with Improv games! Even if you have had improv before we will be exploring games we have never played. Quickly learning the basics of the games and jumping into creating characters, playing games, and having fun.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
J201-202

12:05pm PST

Learn to Play Ukulele
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
George Harrison wrote, “Everyone should have and play a ‘UKE.’ It’s so simple to carry with you and it is one instrument you can’t play and not laugh!” He carried his uke with him and gave away ukes to friends whenever he could. “Everyone I know who is into the ukulele is ‘crackers,’ so get yourself a few and enjoy yourselves,” he said. Good advice from a Beatle. This course offers an introduction to playing the ukulele. Geared toward both complete neophytes and experienced beginners, the course will teach students the basics of uke chords and strumming. A dozen or so chords will be covered as well as a few strum patterns and basic fingerpicking. Basic chart reading and rhythm studies will also be discussed. No experience required.
Facilitators
GV

Greg Vaughan

Greg Vaughan has taught guitar and ukulele at Gryphon Strings for over two decades. He specializes in contemporary music including alternative, punk, rock (modern and classic), acoustic (especially classic and new rock), and electric blues guitar. He also has taught group guitar and... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
C101
  7-8 Grade

12:05pm PST

The Poetry of Objects: Still Life Creations
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
This class is an immersive journey into the art of still life drawing. In this class, we will delve into the silent narratives that everyday objects can tell. Much like a poet finds meaning in every word, we will discover the beauty and stories concealed within the objects that surround us.

Students will learn basic drawing techniques, and work with a variety of drawing materials. We will look at examples from art history for inspiration and guidance. Through the careful arrangement of objects, lighting, and composition, we will uncover the beauty in the mundane.

If you’re someone who loves to draw, this is a great class for you. If you’re someone who is afraid to draw, this is also a great class for you! Come and learn the basics, or continue to hone your skills. You'll be encouraged to unleash your inner poet, and create visual verses with pen and pencil!
Facilitators
NO

Nina Osborne

Nina Osborne is a multimedia artist, printmaker, and art educator with a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and an MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. As a mother of three boys aged 7, 9, and 10, she values nurturing creativity in young minds. Nina combines her... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 12:05pm - 2:40pm PST
F101

1:25pm PST

Cross Stitch Bookmarks
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Cross stitch is a fun and easy style of embroidery made up of X shaped stitches to create a pixelated design. You’ll get to choose a design, learn how to read the chart, stitch your design and a border, and create an adorable bookmark. Feel free to bring artwork to transform into a custom cross stitch pattern. No experience necessary.
Facilitators
avatar for Kira Dulaney

Kira Dulaney

Kira K Designs
Kira Dulaney has been teaching fiber arts classes and hosting crafty events in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond since 2002. As a teacher, her focus is on providing valuable information in a stress-free environment, and supporting students through the learning process. She is... Read More →

Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
J210

1:25pm PST

Ping Pong Adventure with National-Level Coaches!
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Challenge yourself against international top table tennis players! Come and join the fun of playing ping pong! Engage in exciting drills, enjoy fun challenges, and have a chance to win small prizes from the USA National Training Center.

Our team of pro coaches is eager to guide you through the basics of this incredible and affordable sport. Don't miss your opportunity to learn from the best and uncover all the secrets of one of the most energy-intensive sports in the world!
Facilitators
avatar for 888 Table Tennis Center

888 Table Tennis Center

888 TTC is a new, 30,000 square foot USA National Training Center created for table tennis players of all abilities and ages.It was built to bring world-class training and playing conditions to the Bay Area, and for the broader community to access and enjoy the sport.
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
GCC Stage
  5-6 Grade

1:25pm PST

The Science of Baking: The Great Chocolate Chip Cookie Experiment
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Join us in the food lab for “The Great Chocolate Chip Cookie Experiment''. First, we’ll examine the role of flour, leavening agents, sugar, eggs, fats, time, and temperature and how they work together to create delicious baked goods. After baking the control recipe, students will break into teams where they will change ingredients, proportions, and ratios in the recipe to see how it affects the cookie’s flavor, texture, spread and color. Be prepared for a lot of taste testing – and homemade hot cocoa to accompany the cookies!
Facilitators
avatar for Michelle Greenebaum

Michelle Greenebaum

Together In The Kitchen
Michelle Greenebaum of Together In The Kitchen (and mom of an 8th grader at Nueva!) teaches the Art and Science of Cooking and Baking to kids, teenagers, and adults in the Bay Area. This is her 4th year teaching Intersession at Nueva. Her classes are hands-on, fun, and support all... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Café
  5-6 Grade

1:25pm PST

Did Baseball Save Us? The Negro Leagues, Japanese Incarceration, and Sports and Social Justice in America
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
You may have heard about Jackie Robinson and his breaking of the color barrier in baseball, but have you heard the history of the Negro Leagues and how baseball was segregated in the first place? Can you name some women baseball players who were also Negro League stars (yes, they could play baseball in the Negro Leagues even if not for Major League Baseball)? Did you know that baseball was one of the incarceration camp sports for Japanese Americans during World War II?

If these questions sound interesting and you'd like to learn more, please come join a discussion about the history of baseball in America that you may not have heard before, focusing on the Negro Leagues and baseball in the wartime incarceration camps. We'll be using books that involve primary sources to build our knowledge of this part of our country's history, and think about how this impacts sports as we watch and understand them today, with a focus on sports as sources of resistance and joy in 2025 and beyond.
Facilitators
avatar for Misasha Suzuki Graham

Misasha Suzuki Graham

Co-Founder, Dear White Women
Misasha Suzuki Graham has spent her life attempting to bridge gaps, both professionally and personally, and foster understanding among groups of people.  A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School, Misasha spent over fifteen years as an accomplished attorney, specializing... Read More →
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
EC213

1:25pm PST

Math Pool Party
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Imagine that you shoot a ball at a 45 degree angle from the bottom left corner of a pool table. What will happen? In this activity, we'll explore a variety of questions related to this basic set-up and discover how the answers differ based on the dimensions of the table.
Facilitators
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
L104
  7-8 Grade

1:25pm PST

Painting Mandalas
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Explore the calming and mesmerizing art of mandala painting! Students will create intricate designs using dots and patterns, discovering how symmetry, color, and shapes come together to form beautiful works of art. This workshop promotes focus, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment, leaving students with a stunning piece to take home.
Facilitators
avatar for Tamara Madruga

Tamara Madruga

Teacher, Dragonfly Designs
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
F102

1:25pm PST

Stamp Carving & Block Printing
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
Dive into the exciting world of printmaking! In this workshop, students will learn to design and carve their own custom stamps and use them to create unique prints on paper or fabric. This tactile, hands-on activity sparks creativity and introduces artistic techniques that students can use long after the session ends.
Facilitators
avatar for Tamara Madruga

Tamara Madruga

Teacher, Dragonfly Designs
Wednesday January 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:40pm PST
D101
 
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