Parents, Don't Forget To Pack 3-Ring Binders and Ballpoint Pens—School Starts (For You Too) Next Week

Local kids aren't the only ones heading back to the daily grind of teachers, books, and homework assignments this September.
With a course catalogue this coming semester that covers just about everything from Tai Chi meditative exercise to Website Design, it is no surprise why the Scarsdale Adult School has flourished since its conception in 1938.
Jill Serling, who serves as the not-for-profit institution's executive director, credits the lasting success of the institution to its continually diverse subject matter taught by professionals of ranging fields. That is what keeps the members of the community coming back for more each year.
"What makes [SAS] different from others is the kinds of classes we offer. That's what makes us unique compared to other continuing education facilities like us, and that's what our students want from us."
That, and their policy of rolling admission. "Anyone can join at any time," she added.
Some of the new workshops offered this season: (to see the complete list, click)
Westchester People of the Past:  
Working on the notion that one cannot understand the future if one doesn't know the past, this informative three-part course will educate the county's residents in getting to know the faces of those trailblazers who came before them.

• Movers and Shakers of Westchester's Past (begins 9/20/10)
• Westchester Women of the Past (9/27/10)
• Sports Stars of Westchester's Past (10/7/10)

Argentine Tango for Beginners:

Taught by aficionados Kathy Cressent and Carlos Sampelayo, even the clumsiest of dancers will learn the basics of this romantic movement through this learning experience. (Begins 9/16)
Creating the Memory Vessel:
Students will have the opportunity to take a frame or container, use found texts, objects, or photographs to recreate a memory in a three-dimensional form. Course will focus on the use of design, geometric and organic shapes as a means of communication. (Begins 9/16)
By expanding the appeal to all kinds of ages and aspects of life, the educational facility has seen their admissions spike.
"In the last year and a half, we've hit a stride in our enrollment." she said. "We've had between a 20-25 percent increase in registration."
To accomplish this feat, the team has worked to adjust the curriculum in order to help gear it towards a younger demographic.  
In meeting the needs of the 20 and 30-somethings looking to learn something new, the school added a whopping nine Zumba exercise classes this fall/winter. 
This expansion only adds to the myriad of other fitness classes starting in September, including "'ABS'olute Abs by Jazzercise," which holds its first installment the 13th. 
Keeping parents in mind, the idea of providing useful tips for handling the stressful days of family life did not escape the creative minds of Scarsdale Adult School.
Next Stop On the Track: A Workshop for Mothers of School-Age Children will help mommies of all ages to help better grasp their strengths and values, while working to prioritize compartments of their lives in everyday and long-term decision making. (Begins 10/20)
She also related positive feedback by Westchester residents to the time-honored success of the academic melting pot.
"[SAS] really is known for its humanity," Serling said. "The community has been terrific in its support of our method of continuing education."