Learning for Life
Our St. Mary’s Community Courses offer educational opportunities for adults to learn something new or discover a hidden passion. Courses will cover a variety of topics and be led by alumnae, faculty, staff, and local professionals. From mahjong to embroidery, there's something for everyone!
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Vampires 101: What Monsters Teach Us About Ourselves
Just in time for the spooky season, join Ms. Love for a bite-sized version of our Upper School English elective, Literature of the Monster and the Monstrous! This October, sink your teeth into the ultimate literary shapeshifter: the vampire. In this one-off class, we will fast-forward through vampire history by analyzing excerpts from Bram Stoker's Dracula and the pop-culture phenomenon Twilight to discuss how storytellers have used monsters to define what it means to be human in order to "other" those who don't fit the norm and how the monster has shifted over time. Get a firsthand look at how SMS juniors and seniors are learning to critically analyze literature!
Instructor: Jessica Love, Upper School English Teacher
Date: Thursday, October 29
Location: Morrow Room
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Everyday AI: A Gentle Introduction
Join us for a friendly, plain-English overview of AI large language models (LLMs) designed specifically for beginners. No technical background required!
- Demystifying AI: A non-intimidating look at what AI LLMs actually are (and aren't) and how they work in simple terms.
- How Students Are Using It: Insights into how AI shows up in our students' academic lives.
- Everyday Tips & Tricks: Practical ways to use AI LLMs in your daily personal life, from meal planning, budgeting, and travel itineraries to drafting tricky emails and brainstorming creative projects.
- Prompting Made Easy: Simple, practical shortcuts to get useful, accurate answers.
- Whether you're curious or just want to keep up with the tech in your household, you’ll walk away with easy, actionable confidence!
Instructor: Caroline Goodman, US English Teacher/Integrated Curriculum & Technology Specialist
Schedule: Tuesday, November 3
Location: Morrow Room
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $50
Needlepoint 101: Let’s Get Stitching!
Always wanted to try needlepoint but have no idea where to start? In this beginner-friendly class, Chloie will walk you through the basics—from threading your needle and anchoring your thread to learning stitches you can use on all kinds of needlepoint canvases. And the best part? We’ve got your supplies covered! Your class kit includes:
- one needlepoint canvas
- threads
- needle
Whether you’re completely new to needlepoint or just need a little refresher, you’ll leave class ready to tackle your first project—and hopefully a little obsessed with stitching!
Instructor: Chloie Madden '24
Schedule: Saturday, November 14
Location: Morrow Room
Time: 2:00 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $100 (Includes canvas, needle, and thread)
Estate Planning - Are You Ready for Your Kids to Go to College?
No matter your age or stage of life, having an estate plan is one of the most important decisions you can make. Join the experienced attorneys at Bruce Law PLLC for this presentation, including practical, easy-to-understand guidance on the essentials of estate planning!.
You'll learn the difference between wills and trusts, strategies to protect your assets, why powers of attorney are critical to every estate plan, and the basics of what to know before your child goes to college. Whether you're just getting started or looking to update an existing plan, you'll leave with valuable information, answers to your questions, and the confidence to make informed decisions about your family’s future.
Instructors: Kevin Bruce, Anthony Norris, and Imani Bruce
Date: Tuesday, November 17
Location: Morrow Room
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $50