Alexandria Public Schools Community Education

Join local artist Gail Kiltie as she instructs you step-by-step to make a holiday creation with paint, string art and buttons on a wood panel. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift! NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Class fee includes all art supplies.

Wish you knew how to use CPR and AED’s to save lives, or want to know what to do if someone you love is choking? If you don’t need a course completion card, this is the class for you. Cost includes a Family and Friends student manual. Class time – 2 hours.  Class size limited, register early!

Life is why! Wish you knew how to use CPR and AED’s to save lives, or want to know what to do if someone you love is choking? Looking for the basics in first aid. This class is geared toward helping adults with disabilities build these basic skills. Cost includes a Family and Friends student manual. Class time – 2 hours.  Class size limited, register early!

Need to learn how to provide first aid, CPR, or use an AED to help save a life for your job or volunteer activity? Do you need a certification card? Heartsaver is the course for you. Cost includes the AHA Heartsaver student manual and course completion card. Class size limited, register early!

There’s nothing like fresh fruit grown in your own yard! Learn how to plant and harvest apples, and how to protect trees and fruit from disease and insects. Taste a variety of apples the instructor has grown.

Once all students are in the room and the round has started, the topic or theme will be revealed. Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare, and create their painting. Although it doesn’t matter the brand of acrylic paint, all paint used must be acrylic. Students may use anything flat to paint on, i.e. canvas, cardboard, wood, plywood, hardboard, or any other two dimensional paintable surface. They are not limited to canvas. Canvases may not be larger than 24” x 24” (2 foot square). Students may bring in multiple canvases and paint on multiple canvases, but can only have one judged. Students may choose to paint in whatever style/genre/process they prefer. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Warning!  This is a highly intense category! Students will create 3 different works of art with 3 different themes and mediums in 2 hours. The topic or theme will be revealed at the beginning of each medium change. Students will receive a schedule of where they are supposed to be and when they are supposed to be there. A representative of the school will assist to bring participants to different locations. There will be a 10 minute break between each medium where students will clean up the previous medium and hear the topic/theme for the next medium. Students will be critiqued by a judge or multiple judges for each of the various mediums. Student scores will be added up and divided by 3 to get the average score. All supplies during this category will be provided by the host site to ensure consistency. Students may choose to create in whatever style/genre/process they prefer. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare, and create a single caricature. Looking for overall quality and development of character. Background is not a necessity but will definitely help their score. Students are to stick with 2D mediums, including digital, but the medium is their choice. Judge on likeness, personality, and an overall finished looking composition. Students should not use the internet for anything; this should be their talent without assistance. Students are allowed to talk to their subjects, but no one else. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students will have 2 hours to draw as many quality caricatures as they possibly can. Looking for likeness and personality at a very fast paced level. Finished looking outlines are acceptable; they do not have to be colored in, but some color will help their score. Final portraits should not be sketchy or in pencil, although pencil may be used if desired to place features and proportions. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. Students are allowed to talk to their subjects, but no one else. Subjects will be provided by the host site. Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students may use whatever medium they choose. Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare, and create their cartoon. Students may use regular drawing paper, art boards, or whatever else they choose to draw on. Students may use up to 3 pieces of paper, art boards, etc. for their cartoon. A student may restart multiple times without penalty. If students choose to create using a computer and Wacom tablet, using copy and paste is not allowed for similar comic book style layouts. Students will be asked to bring their own computer/device/tablet if they choose to work digitally. Artwork must be original, although reference pictures may be used for position and placement of characters, settings, and objects. Once all students are in the room and the round has started, the topic or theme will be revealed. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students will have 30 minutes to create the tallest project they can while throwing on the wheel. Students are able to choose what clay they bring. A stoneware or raku clay is recommended. Students are allowed 12 lbs. of clay (1/2 a bag). A scale to weigh the clay will be provided. Each student’s clay will be weighed by the judge before the competition begins. Students may use whatever technique (regular throwing, section throwing) they choose in order to create the tallest piece. If they choose to throw in sections, any number of sections may be used to create their piece. The diameter of the cylinder does not matter, but the consistency of the diameter throughout the cylinder will be critiqued. Bats will be provided by the host site. If a student is wanting to keep their cylinder, they should bring their own bats or method of transportation to bring back to their school. Judging will not be on the uniqueness or interest of a piece; this is a height only competition. Pieces need to have a trimmed, even lip. An uneven lip will be docked under the technical skills. If a piece flops, students will be deducted, but may wedge their clay and try again. Pieces will be sliced in half to judge thickness and consistency. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare and create their clay pieces. Students will bring whatever tools, clays, slips, etc. they choose to use. Students are allowed 12 lbs. of clay (1/2 a bag), but are able to use less if desired. A scale to weigh the clay will be provided. Each student’s clay will be weighed by the judge before the competition begins. Students may use multiple techniques to create their project including but not limited to wheel, coil, pinch, and slab. Students will not be penalized on mistakes made during creation of their work. Students will be judged on the completed handed-in work. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

2-3 artworks will be displayed with date, title, genre, and artist given. Students will have 45 minutes to research artworks. 1 hour and 15 minutes will be given for the discussions of artworks. Rounds can end early depending on length of discussions. Research ends after the allotted time. Students are to take handwritten notes, as opposed to typed or referencing their computer or device. Students will be judged on: oThoughtful insight. oInclusion of others in discussion. oRespect of others during discussion. oInsightful facts on artwork and/or artist. Students will not be judged based on personal views or beliefs. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their critique techniques throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to during the critique while amidst the competition. Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Once all students are in the room and the round has started, the topic or theme will be revealed Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare, and create their drawing Drawing can consist of single or multiple mediums including pencils, pens, inks, markers, charcoal, pastels, etc. Rulers may be used. If paint is used, it should be applied with something other than a brush. Students may use regular drawing paper, art boards, or whatever else they choose to draw on. Students may use up to 3 pieces of paper, art boards, etc. for their final drawing as long as they have a cohesive quality to them. A student may restart multiple times without penalty. Paper may not be larger than 24” x 24” (2 foot square). Students may choose to draw in whatever style/genre/process they prefer. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Once all students are in the room and the round has started, the project scenario will be revealed. Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare, and create their project. Students may use multiple programs to complete their design. Students may use a Wacom tablet on their project. A pre-set picture, stamp, or paint brush may not be used. All content, including pictures, needs to be original. Reference images may be used, but must be changed enough as to not copy that image. Students may research and use online tutorials in order to learn a new technique they wish to incorporate. Students are required to bring headphones so there won’t be distraction for others in the round. Since there are multiple different drawing programs available, students may choose to use a program they are familiar with, as long as they use their own computer (students should not download programs or add-ons to host site labs). The host site can specify if they would like students to use their own device or if they will provide a lab. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students will have 2 hours to plan, take, prepare, and edit their photography. Once all students are in the room and the round has started, the topic or theme will be revealed. Students may use any extra lenses, flashes, tripods, filters, etc. they choose. Students will be allowed to leave the room for up to one hour. Students need to stay on the host site campus, but are free to explore inside or outside, unless specified by the host site manager. The picture must be new, not taken before the competition began. Students may use a cell phone to take pictures, but need to have the pictures completed and edited on a computer. When students are out in the field taking pictures, they are on an honor system where they can be in a similar area as other competitors. Interactions may take place between them and others, but anything about technique, picture choice, composition, etc. may not be shared between them or the public. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Students will have 2 hours to plan, prepare, and create their junk sculptures. Students are to bring 3 pieces of junk to share with other participants. They are not to use any of the junk they brought in due to possible pre-conceived ideas. Students will also have access to a community pile of junk. Junk sculptures should be able to stand on their own. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Once all students are in the room and the round has started, the topic or theme will be revealed. Students will come prepared to make up to 2 batches of Rice Krispy treats. Students may bring pre-made fondant, chocolate chips, candy, and any other decorative material they choose. Supports of various sorts can be used, but should not be seen unless they can be implemented into the theme given. Final sculpture needs to be at least 75% Rice Krispy. Students may add as well as subtract from their chunk of Rice Krispy using whatever tools they wish to bring in. Sculptures do not need to be edible. Judges and spectators are not to talk to the student about their artwork throughout the creative process. No suggestions of what to do to the artwork while amidst the competition. At some point during the round the student must call the judge over and briefly explain their artist intent/artist statement. Students will be timed and cut off at 3 minutes, allowing a couple seconds to finish a thought or sentence. The judge and/or student can make notes regarding the artist statement on the back of their score sheet. Judges may ask ONE clarifying question from each artist, no more.  Register for 2 categories and you must bring your own supplies, materials and tools. Registration fee includes lunch.

Hand crafted, long fermented, hearty, crusted, and creative!  Instructor David Vaske will introduce you to bread-making techniques that go beyond the basic recipes and raise your baking skills to a whole other level. Explore the stages of bread making, creative intermixing of recipes, and guidelines for converting standard recipes into no knead refrigerated recipes! In Artisan Breads II we will start with some basic recipes, introduce the levain method for sourdough, and bake many variations of breads from a refrigerated or frozen dough that is prepared in advance of baking! Open to beginning and intermediate bakers, this course requires the ability to stand for periods of time and the ability to eliminate the urge to knead your dough!Artisan Breads I is not a pre-requisite to Artisan Breads II but some of the techniques introduced in Artisan Breads I will not be covered in Artisan Breads II.  

The holidays are so much fun, and even tastier when you can make and share some special treats. Educator Sharon Bisson will be sharing her creative cookie ideas and lessons in the kitchen. All supplies included and kids will bring home cookies to share! Please list any food allergies upon registration and click on the price drop down to receive your Compass Student Discount, if applicable.

The holidays are so much fun, and even tastier when you can make and share some special treats. Educator Sharon Bisson will be sharing her creative cookie ideas and lessons in the kitchen. All supplies included and kids will bring home cookies to share! Please list any food allergies upon registration and click on the price drop down to receive your Compass Student Discount, if applicable.

The holidays are so much fun, and even tastier when you can make and share some special treats. Educator Sharon Bisson will be sharing her creative cookie ideas and lessons in the kitchen. All supplies included and kids will bring home cookies to share! Please list any food allergies upon registration and click on the price drop down to receive your Compass Student Discount, if applicable.