SMACE • Summer 2025 Catalog • Active Adults Program
• Drawing Classes, p. 5
• Watercolor Classes, p. 5
• Fall Prevention Classes, p. 7
• Yoga Classes, p. 8
• Tai Chi Classes, p. 9
• Current Events Class, p. 9
• Writing Memoirs & Stories, p. 9
• Spanish Classes, p. 3
• Italian Classes, p. 3
• Join the West Bay Community Band, p. 3 GET INVOLVED IN ONE OF OUR COMMUNITY
MISSION STATEMENT
San Mateo Adult and Career Education prepares adults from diverse backgrounds and educational needs for success in college, career, and community engagement. Our programs provide equitable opportunities to access and acquire academic, workforce, life, and technology skills.
Fully accredited by the schools commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
SCHOOLWIDE LEARNER OUTCOMES
• Students will set and meet academic, career and/or (individual) goals at any age.
• Students will gain knowledge and apply critical thinking skills to achieve their goals.
• Students will engage with, integrate and utilize technology.
EQUITY & ANTI-BIAS STATEMENT
The Equity and Anti-Bias Committee is searching for ways to support our school’s attempt to raise staff, teacher and student awareness regarding how race and other factors affect our behavior, thinking, curriculum and the environment at our school community. We are committed to open discussion, formulating a clear policy, providing resources and meaningful training to help all staff.
We are confident that the formulation and efforts of this committee will be an opportunity to communicate with one another and understand our own struggles and experiences surrounding bias. We are in this together. And together, we will all put our best efforts towards a common goal- to ensure that we treat others and that we are treated with the dignity and respect we each deserve.
DREAM, BELIEVE, SUCCEED.
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Greetings and Welcome to our 2025 Fall Semester! At San Mateo Adult & Career Education (SMACE), we are committed to and pride ourselves on “preparing individuals from diverse backgrounds and educational needs for success in college, career and community engagement." Begin or continue your journey with us! Whether you want to learn English, study for the GED, become a phlebotomist, or go to college, the opportunities are endless. Sign up for classes and take that first step toward achieving your educational and career goals. Join SMACE and become part of our exciting school community! We are here and waiting to meet you!
Sincerely, Angela Taylor |
Director
Scan the QR code or click to get started. Start your future today!
Angela Taylor, Director
COMMUNITY CLASSES
Community Classes are meant to encourage skill development and socialization. Courses are open to adults of all ages.
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Learning another language offers numerous benefits, such as improving memory, enhancing brain function, and reducing cognitive decline. Consider enrolling in one of our classes Spanish or Italian classes and start learning today!
Immerse yourself in the Spanish language from the comfort of your home, or work on your conversational Italian in the Level 1 or Level 2 class we offer.
WHAT WE OFFER:
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
• Spanish Level 1
• Spanish Level 2
• Conversational Italian Level 1 (offered in person & online)
• Conversational Italian Level 2 (offered in person & online)
MUSIC
APPRECIATION
• West Bay Community Band*
*This class is also part of our Programs for Active Adults.
Student Voices
“Want to learn Italian and actually enjoy it? Conversational Italian with Tiziana Balestra is the class for you! Tiziana is an exceptional teacher who expertly blends grammar, practical conversation, real-world scenarios, and cultural insights, making learning Italian interesting, exciting, and fun.”
- Gabriel C.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Instructor: Mary Weng Spanish Level 1
Italian Level 1 -
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
9/22 - 12/15 6:30PM - 8:30PM Fee: $170 No class 11/24
9/3 - 11/5 4:00PM - 5:30PM Fee: $170
Instructor: Mary Weng Spanish Level 2 F 9/5 - 11/7 12:30PM - 2:00PM Fee: $170 Online
Foster City Community Center
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra Conversational Italian Level 2In
8/14 - 12/11 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Foster City Community Center
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra Conversational Italian Level 1In Person M 9/22 - 12/15 10:00AM - 12:00PM Fee: $170 No class 11/24
MUSIC APPRECIATION
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band* M 8/11 - 12/8 6:00PM - 8:00PM No class 9/1
Location TBD
Fee: $140 Online
Instructor: Tiziana Balestra
$190 No class 11/27
9/4 - 12/11 6:30PM - 8:30PM
PROGRAMS FOR ACTIVE ADULTS
These are classes for adults age 50+ and designed to encourage the pursuit of knowledge through lifelong learning. Whether it’s developing a passion for painting, learning how to draw, improving your fitness, or writing a memoir, these classes have wonderful benefits for adults.
WHAT WE OFFER:
APPLIED ARTS & MUSIC
• Small Group Drawing and Painting, Level 1
• Small Group Drawing and Painting, Level 2
• Watercolor Painting (7 weeks)
• Watercolor Painting (8 weeks)
• Fundamentals of Fine Art
• West Bay Community Band*
*This class is also part of our Community Classes.
• Fall Prevention 1
• Fall Prevention 2
HEALTH & FITNESS CURRENT EVENTS, MEMOIRS AND STORIES
• Move, Stretch, & Strengthen
• Pilates & Yoga Fusion
• Small Group Yoga
• Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice
• Yoga for Health - In Person (San Bruno & Foster City)
• Small Group Tai Chi: For Beginners
• Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
• Small Group Tai Chi for Better Balance
ITʼS MORE THAN JUST A CLASS
These classes can help you meet people who share your interests and offer an inexpensive way to try something new! Consider getting a guest pass to one of our Health & Fitness classes or enrolling in an art class to learn how to draw. There’s something for everyone!
• Current Events • Writing: Memoirs and Stories
Scan the QR code or click to view more class details and enroll today. Try something new! CLICK
APPLIED ARTS
Enhance your art skills in drawing and painting! Class sizes are kept small so each student receives personal instruction.
ELEVATE YOUR WATERCOLOR SKILLS WITH MATT CRANE
Intermediate to experienced adults will benefit from demonstrations on technique and composition. Personalized instruction or consultation available upon request.
QUESTIONS?
Curious about what materials you need for these classes? Email Program Coordinator Jeri McGovern at jmcgovern@smuhsd.org for a materials list.
SMACE, Rm. 23
Instructor: Matt Crane Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 1 Th 9/18 - 10/23 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Fee: $110
Small Group Drawing and Painting Level 2 Th 11/6 - 12/18 1:30PM - 3:30PM
T 9/9 - 12/9 12:30PM - 2:30PM W 9/10 - 12/3 12:30PM - 2:30PM
Learn the fundamentals of art: drawing, color, shape, form, value, perspective and texture, in a variety of mediums: graphite, watercolor, color pencils, water soluble colored pencils, pastels, portraiture, and more! The class is non-judgmental. All skill levels are welcome.
MUSIC APPRECIATION
If you’ve been itching to play again, come join the West Bay Community Band! Our band has over 40 fun-loving musicians who enjoy playing music of all styles and appreciate being part of an ensemble. For more information, contact Erinn Washburn at erinnwashburnschool@gmail.com. JOIN THE BAND, NO AUDITION REQUIRED!
Instructor: Washburn West Bay Community Band*
Location TBD
Fee: $140
8/11 - 12/8 6:00PM - 8:00PM No class 9/1
*This class is also part of our Community Classes.
HEALTH & FITNESS
These classes provide opportunities to optimize physical and mental fitness, helping to improve your functional balance and overall agility.
OUT A HEALTH & FITNESS CLASS WITH A GUEST PASS
A Guest Pass is a great way to sample a class before enrolling in it! Guest Passes can be used for most Health and Fitness classes and can be purchased for $12 from the instructor or online.
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Jeri McGovern Fall Prevention 1
Fee: $60
T 9/16 - 10/14 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Purchase A Pass
Scan the QR code or click to purchase a Guest Pass for yourself or a friend!
“As a 79-year-old, I was seeking both physical activity and social connection, and the Tai Chi For Beginners class provided just that. The confidence I’ve gained from improved balance has greatly enhanced my daily life. I look forward to each session and the opportunity to make new friends.”
8/11 - 9/15 4:00PM - 5:00PM
9/22 - 10/20 4:00PM - 5:00PM
10/27 -12/1 4:00PM - 5:00PM
9/1, 11/24 Fee: $60
Online
Fee: $75
8/11 - 12/15 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Instructor: Juliet Martine Online Yoga: A Gentle Effective Practice No class 9/1, 11/24
- Peggy L. Scan the QR code to visit our website and enroll in a class today! Simply find the class you’re interested in and click on REGISTER NOW to get started. You can also find class descriptions and more information on our website.
Small Group Tai Chi
Improve your balance, flexibility, and agility with a small group Tai Chi class. Learn and practice movements designed to enhance stability, increase joint mobility, and improve coordination.
MEMOIRS AND STORIES
Writing: Memoirs and Stories F 9/5 - 12/12 10:00AM - 12:00PM F 9/5 - 12/12 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Online
Instructor: Judi Leff
Fee: $165
Small Group Tai Chi: For Beginners
Millbrae Rec Center, Senior Gym
Instructor: Debbie Au
Student Voices
W 9/3 - 12/17 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Fee: $75 No class 9/24
Small Group Tai Chi: Advanced
Foster City Community Center, Starboard Rm
Instructor: Debbie Au
“Taking Judi Leff's Memoirs and Stories writing class was an incredibly enriching experience. Judi excels at cultivating a supportive and inspiring environment. Her guidance and insightful feedback taught me how to overcome writing blocks and discover my authentic voice.
CURRENT EVENTS
Th 8/14 - 10/9 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Th 10/16 - 12/11 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Fee: $100 No class 9/25, 11/27
Foster City VIBE Center
Instructor: Debbie Au Small Group Tai Chi: For Better Balance
Connect with other adults who enjoy engaging in thought-provoking, lively conversations about the world in which we live. New topics weekly, drawn from local, national, and global events. Keep your mind sharp through engagement!
Current Events
Online
Instructor: Judi Leff
Th 8/14 - 9/11 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 9/18 - 10/23 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Th 11/13 - 12/18 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Fee: $75 No class 9/25, 11/27
T 8/22 - 12/12 1:30PM - 3:00PM
Fee: $90 No class 11/25
LOCATIONS
789 East Poplar Ave. San Mateo, CA 94401 (next to San Mateo High School)
San Mateo Adult & Career Education
789 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Central Park Recreation Center
50 E 5th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Belle Air Elementary School
450 3rd Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066
Foster City Community Center
1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
Foster City Recreation Center
650 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
Mills High School
400 Murchison Dr. Millbrae, CA 94030
Millbrae Recreation Center
477 Lincoln Circle, Millbrae, CA 94030
San Bruno Senior Center
1555 Crystal Springs Rd, San Bruno, CA 94066
San Mateo Senior Center
2645 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94403
Scan or click the QR code to visit the San Mateo Union High School District website
The Navigator NewsBlast is your compass to navigate through the sea of opportunities and resources available at SMACE. Your journey towards personal and professional development starts here with the Navigator NewsBlast!
Student Council
Experience democracy in action by joining our Student Council, where your voice matters. As a member of the Student Council, you'll collaborate with peers to address student concerns, plan engaging events, and enact positive change within our school community. Elevate your leadership potential and leave a lasting legacy as a representative of your fellow students.
