Upper School Intersession 2025

Student sign-up timeline:

Monday, November 18 @ 3:15 – 12th Grade
Tuesday, November 19 @ 3:15 – 11th Grade
Wednesday, November 20 @ 3:15 – 10th Grade
Thursday, November 21 @ 3:15 – 9th Grade
November 21-30 – Sign-ups/changes open to all. After December 1, schedules will be frozen.

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8:55am PST

American Sign Language

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

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

Bill White

Owner, 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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Language

8:55am PST

Anxiety Society: A History of Nervousness from Railway Madness to Coca-Cola

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Why were grown men once absolutely terrified to ride trains? What would compel well-to-do women to swear off all physical activity and eat nothing but heavy cream soups? Why were doctors so worried about wristwatches? How did Coca-Cola – with traces of cocaine – become America’s favorite headache remedy?

In a word: anxiety.

In this session, we’ll explore the history of modern America through its wild, amusing, and sometimes disturbing responses to big changes that included the rise of cities, new technologies, lightning-fast transportation, access to drugs, and shifting gender roles and identities. To do this we'll examine medical literature, fairytales, Victorian fiction, and a bit of 19th century pseudoscience.

For students interested in history, medical mysteries, gender studies, source analysis, and storytelling.

Facilitators

Felicia Angeja Viator

San Francisco State University; TIME Magazine

Felicia Angeja Viator is an associate professor of history, a pop culture writer, and a bonafide horror nerd. She's also a history editor for TIME magazine and a curator for the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Felicia is the author of To Live and Defy in LA (Harvard University Press... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category History, Human Biology and Medicine, Wellness and Life Skills, Literature/Communications/Performance

8:55am PST

Beginning Guitar

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Students will learn the fundamental chord shapes on the guitar, as well as basic strumming, scales, and rhythmic concepts. We will also cover how songs are created and analyzed through the lens of contemporary rock/pop music. No experience required.

Facilitators

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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Music

8:55am PST

Chinese Brush Painting

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Chinese Brush Painting is considered as one of the oldest living arts in the world. It has existed for more than 6,000 years and is quite a fascinating and unusual art form. Each brush stroke is a defining move that is very hard to correct. The simplicity of a Chinese painting belies the complex and demanding process that the artist went through to produce it. This workshop is designed for course is designed to provide students with an awareness of Chinese Brush Painting and what makes it unique. Students will learn how to hold a Chinese brush, use it to execute basic strokes, and create artworks.

Facilitators

Felix Lim & Bobbi Makani

Felix Chan Lim, Ph.D. has participated in more than 180 art exhibits and has conducted more than 150 lectures and painting workshops on Chinese brush painting over the past nearly four decades. He was an associate professorial lecturer in painting for more than ten years, and his... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

8:55am PST

FMRI, Virtual Reality, and the Brain

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

How does the brain, a three-pound organ, give rise to all of the thoughts and feelings we experience everyday? How can new technologies such as virtual reality contribute to our understanding of the brain and human behavior?

This course will be an introduction to novel methods that scientists are using to learn about human cognition, emotion, and motivation. We begin the session by examining the the structure and function of the brain, and how scientists use neuroimaging to gain insight into the biological basis of behavior. We will then explore current methods like immersive virtual reality (VR), psychophysiological methods, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI). We will conclude with a discussion about how to apply these new methods to open questions in psychology and neuroscience, as well as some crucial ethical considerations that arise when utilizing such approaches.

Facilitators

Tara Srirangarajan

Stanford University

Tara Srirangarajan is a Psychology PhD candidate and NSF graduate research fellow at Stanford University. Before coming to Stanford, she completed her B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience at Northeastern University. Tara's research interests lie at the intersection of affective neuroscience... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Science, Philosophy/Social Science/Law/Politics

8:55am PST

Handcarved Blockprints on Paper and Fabric

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Design and sketch a custom blockprint. Using a clever transfer technique and linocutting tools, learn how to carve a rubber slab.
Print a set of cards, a drawstring bag, and a cloth napkin. Time-allowing use your blockprint to make a mini animated flip-book. You will complete the class with knowledge and skills to create more designs of your own!
No previous experience needed. All levels welcome.

Facilitators

Elaine G. Chu

Elaine G. Chu has taught workshops to people of all ages, including Nueva students for the past eight years. Her work has been published in "Greencraft" and "Somerset Studio" magazines as well as "1000 Artists‘ Books.” She co-authored "Wood Paper Scissors,” a how-to crafts book... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

8:55am PST

Hot Glass - Cool Designs

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Create your own hot glass experience in this hands-on hot glass class. Blow, shape, and color your project. Explore the technical and the artistic basics of glass working in this fast-paced beginner's class.

Facilitators

Douglass Brown

Half Moon Bay Art Glass

Douglass Brown has had a 40+ year history of working with glass in many different types of glass. 13 years ago, he opened up Half Moon Bay Art Glass and started giving hot glass experiences to the public and corporate team building events. Now with the help of his team, they have... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

8:55am PST

Knitted Cables

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Cables are fun to knit and can add texture and detail to any project. Learn how to work cables and traveling stitches both with and without a cable needle, as well as how to read cable stitch patterns and charts. If you’re ready to move beyond simple knit/purl patterns in your knitting, this is the class for you!

Facilitators

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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

8:55am PST

Learn to Play Bridge: Competitive Card Play

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

Do you like card games, puzzles, or problem-solving? Are you interested in the logical thinking and people-reading skills used in games like chess or poker? Do you want to try something different and fun? Bridge is a game you can play all your life. No experience necessary. Learn what you need to know to get started for a lifetime of fun at the bridge table.

Students who attend this session are invited to the open Bridge play session in the afternoon.

Facilitators

Jennifer Kuhn

Jennifer Kuhn is an ACBL bridge teacher and tournament director. She won the 2022 Red Ribbon National Pairs and can teach the game from the very beginning.

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Math and Games

8:55am PST

Polaroid Emulsion Lifts: Make Photographs that Look like a Memory Feels

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your favorite image into a Polaroid print, then carefully transfer the delicate, tissue-like emulsion onto watercolor paper. I'll teach you how to "lift" the emulsion layer, creating an image that flows, wrinkles, and even looks like it's floating—a cool, dreamy effect that actually looks the way a memory feels. No experience is necessary; just bring your favorite digital photos and get ready to dive into the world of handmade, experimental image making.

You'll work with paintbrushes and warm water to stretch, wrinkle, and blend your images. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with your own handmade emulsion lifts and all the know-how to keep experimenting at home. So, grab your favorite photos and join us for a workshop filled with creativity, experimentation, and the magic of Polaroids!

Examples: https://kathrynian.com/polaroid-emulsion-lifts

Facilitators

Kathryn Gentzke

Founder, The CCC Project

With a background in interdisciplinary arts and years of experience mentoring youth across the globe, artist founder Kathryn Ian Gentzke created a unique space where young writers and photographers can bring their visions to life.After graduating with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

8:55am PST

Rewiring Reality: Magic, Witchcraft, & the Radical Imagination

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST

TBA

This workshop explores magic and witchcraft as tools of the radical imagination—experimental and empowering methods for challenging the dominant narratives and systems of control in our lives and “rewiring” reality itself. Together, we’ll examine these multifaceted concepts, tracing their evolution, cultural significance, and philosophical relevance to our world today. Students will explore the intersections of magic with politics, art, and psychology, and have a chance to craft their own “spells” to confront and transform the limiting structures they encounter in their lives. No previous knowledge of the subject matter will be expected. All are welcome.

Facilitators

Joshua Gentzke

Joshua is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Monmouth College with a Ph.D. in religious studies from Stanford University. His research delves into the intersections of religion, culture, and environmental humanities, with a special interest in countercultural and alternative... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 8:55am - 11:30am PST
TBA

Content Category Philosophy/Social Science/Law/Politics, Equity and Social Justice, History, Literature/Communications/Performance

12:35pm PST

A History of Haunted Houses

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

The witch’s hat, towers and turrets, gingerbread latticework, and the attic. In the Victorian era, houses with these architectural details represented all the comforts associated with the American Dream. But by the 20th century, ornate Victorian homes began to warn us: something’s not right in there; something nefarious is lurking inside.
Why?
In this session, we’ll take a ghost tour through the cultural history of Victorian architecture in America. With a little help from the Brothers Grimm, Shirley Jackson, Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, and Sarah Winchester, we’ll explore what made these structures so iconically creepy.

Facilitators

Felicia Angeja Viator

San Francisco State University; TIME Magazine

Felicia Angeja Viator is an associate professor of history, a pop culture writer, and a bonafide horror nerd. She's also a history editor for TIME magazine and a curator for the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Felicia is the author of To Live and Defy in LA (Harvard University Press... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category History, Philosophy/Social Science/Law/Politics

12:35pm PST

American Sign Language

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

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

Bill White

Owner, 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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Language

12:35pm PST

Atomically Thin Crystals: A New Twist on Quantum Materials

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

In recent years, methods have been developed to peel atomically thin layers from bulk crystals simply using Scotch tape. By restacking them on top of each other, sometimes with an interlayer twist, it is possible to engineer new quantum materials that would not otherwise occur in nature. In many such systems, the electrons act collectively, leading to superconductivity, magnetism, and other exotic behavior which may have technological applications. In this session, we will present an overview of the broader field of these “two-dimensional” materials. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in related hands-on activities, including making their own two-dimensional flakes and seeing them in a microscope.

Facilitators

Ben Feldman

Stanford University

Ben Feldman is an Assistant Professor at Stanford University. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Haverford College, his PhD from Harvard University, and spent time as a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University. His research interests include study of electronic properties... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Science

12:35pm PST

Baking Arts: Croissants & Pain Au Chocolat

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

Learn how to make laminated dough from scratch that can be used to make croissants and pain au chocolat. Fundamental skills will cover weighing ingredients, proper mixing methods, rolling doughs, forming pastries and baking.

*This class takes place OFF CAMPUS at Baking Arts in San Mateo. Transportation options include the CalTrain or driving (no Nueva van provided). This class is not suitable for students with nut allergies.

Facilitators

Baking Arts

Baking Arts provides the San Mateo community with hands-on baking classes, specialty baking supplies, and unique spiced coffee.

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
Baking Arts 18 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Content Category Cooking

12:35pm PST

Chinese Brush Painting

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

Chinese Brush Painting is considered as one of the oldest living arts in the world. It has existed for more than 6,000 years and is quite a fascinating and unusual art form. Each brush stroke is a defining move that is very hard to correct. The simplicity of a Chinese painting belies the complex and demanding process that the artist went through to produce it. This workshop is designed for course is designed to provide students with an awareness of Chinese Brush Painting and what makes it unique. Students will learn how to hold a Chinese brush, use it to execute basic strokes, and create artworks.

Facilitators

Felix Lim & Bobbi Makani

Felix Chan Lim, Ph.D. has participated in more than 180 art exhibits and has conducted more than 150 lectures and painting workshops on Chinese brush painting over the past nearly four decades. He was an associate professorial lecturer in painting for more than ten years, and his... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

12:35pm PST

Fun Viral Foods Cooking

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

Tik Tok and Instagram has brought us visibility into so many different foods it is staggering, and many of them go viral. In this class you will learn how to make some fantastical viral foods that are sweeping the nation. You'll have the benefit of tested recipes and techniques from a local chef who offers many of these "viral" foods to local customers. In this class you'll learn how to make these viral sensations:
1. Spaghetti Donuts: Spaghetti that you can eat with your hands in the shape of a donut!
2. Tortillas Wraps: The quad method with a coupld of special cuts and folds that allows you to make a delicious snack or meal with just a tortilla and a few simple ingredients
3. Lemon Possets: An easy dessert with minimal ingredients, lemon possets blew up this spring and summer. Students will learn to make a basic fun & easy custard in aesthetically pleasing hollowed out lemon shells with just lemon juice, cream, sugar, zest & vanilla.

Facilitators

San Mateo Supper Club

Hello everyone! As a passionate chef recently graduated from culinary school, I’m here to blend my love for clean, wholesome ingredients with a flair for diverse cuisines. I have lived on the Peninsula my whole life and grew up loving to cook. Over the years, I've cultivated a deep... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Cooking

12:35pm PST

Hot Glass - Cool Designs

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

Create your own hot glass experience in this hands-on hot glass class. Blow, shape, and color your project. Explore the technical and the artistic basics of glass working in this fast-paced beginner's class.

Facilitators

Douglass Brown

Half Moon Bay Art Glass

Douglass Brown has had a 40+ year history of working with glass in many different types of glass. 13 years ago, he opened up Half Moon Bay Art Glass and started giving hot glass experiences to the public and corporate team building events. Now with the help of his team, they have... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

12:35pm PST

Intro to Aerial Silks

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

Ascend Aerial Arts at IMPACT! Kickboxing Fitness

This introductory class is for those curious about aerial silks or interested in developing strong core and upper body with conditioning exercises on and off the silks. No experience necessary. Try it once and you’ll be hooked! All participants must be in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in aerial silk activities.

This is an OFF CAMPUS session and students will arrive at the studio at 12:45 and depart at 2:45. Transportation will be pre-arranged.

What to bring to class?
- Yoga Mats and/or Large Towel are optional but recommended.
- Bring your water bottle to stay hydrated! We offer filtered water for refills.
- Cubicles are available to store your belongings.

What do I wear & not wear for aerial classes?
- NO “Metal” Policy. All students are asked to remove all jewelry before coming to class including rings, earrings, piercings, bracelets etc.
- NO ZIPPERS PLEASE! Wear clothing without metal parts (e.g. zippers) it may cause injury or snag the fabric while you are performing. If jewelry cannot be removed it must be covered with sports tape.
- Wear tops that are secure and that can be tucked in.
- Wear leggings. Be sure your pants have a secure waist – loose waistbands may get pulled off by the fabrics. DO NOT wear shorts WITHOUT leggings or tights underneath!
- Be aware of holes or sheer fabrics near the crotch of pants (this happens more often than you think, so check out your pants/shorts)

Facilitators

Ascend Aerial Arts at IMPACT! Kickboxing Fitness LLC

IMPACT! Kickboxing Fitness LLC

Students will work with Aerial Instructors Claire Lewis, Piper Shueh & Katerina Adamos-Jardine at Ascend Aerial Arts.

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
Ascend Aerial Arts at IMPACT! Kickboxing Fitness 836 Brittan Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070

Content Category Athletics and Movement

12:35pm PST

Jam Session

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

This will be a fun and relaxed session for intermediate/advanced players to enjoy playing together in a group. Greg will facilitate with suggested tunes and sheet music. Feel free to reach out in advance with requests or suggestions!

Facilitators

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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Music

12:35pm PST

Knitting for Beginners and Beyond

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

Learn how to knit or work on your stitches! This class is designed for both beginners, who want to be able to knit basic stitches to create projects of all types, and experienced knitters who want support as they work through a project. Students will learn how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off as well as important techniques of how to back out of your work to fix mistakes. In addition, knitting has a language all its own and some of this will be taught so the students can confidently buy their own yarn and read simple patterns. Useful handouts will be provided. Time will be given to practice and students will be able to take their work home for the evening and when the class is done. No experience necessary to take this class. Supplies will be included.

This class is offered twice; students are welcome to attend both if they want more knitting time.

Facilitators

Debbie Kitani & Lisa Ma

I’m a wife, mother, entrepreneur, knitter. I sold my software and services company back in 2001 and worked for the new company for 7 years. After I sold my company, I decided to learn how to knit and have been passionate about it ever since. The process of knitting is what intrigues... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

12:35pm PST

Lead an Intersession for Lower School Students

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

Nueva Hillsborough Campus

Spend some time with our lower school students! This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the youngest Nuevans and (re)visit the Hillsborough campus.

Participants will work in pairs or groups to design a 60-minute lesson for lower school students (you will need to do this BEFORE the session and Katie can help!). You can pick the grade and the topic of the class. Examples: storytelling, learn a new sport, arts & crafts, etc – the skies the limit! Great for students interested in teaching or who just want to have some fun being a kid again.

This session is on the HILLSBOROUGH CAMPUS. Transportation will be pre-arranged.

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
Nueva Hillsborough Campus 6565 CA-35, Hillsborough, CA 94010

Content Category Wellness and Life Skills

12:35pm PST

Needle Felting Soft Sculptures

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

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

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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Fine and Industrial Arts/Crafts

12:35pm PST

Personal Writing: Finding and Publishing Your Story

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

In this session we will use tools to to figure out what aspects of your experience could lend itself to memoir, whether in a short form or a book and as well as how to structure your material and potentially publish it. There are no prerequisites: just the desire to explore your experiences.

Facilitators

Melanie Thernstrom

Melanie Thernstrom is a New York Times bestselling author of three works of non-fiction and former writer for The New York Times Magazine. She wrote her first book, The Dead Girl, a memoir, while in college, based on diaries from high school and college. It was recently selected to... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Literature/Communications/Performance, Language

12:35pm PST

Singers: Get your Riffing On!

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST

TBA

We’ll learn and experiment with proven vocal exercises and scales designed to help you understand how those epic riffs are constructed, and how to get there.

Bring your favorite song as a backing track on your phone and come ready to play, sing, and laugh through hits and misses in a fun, caring, and safe environment.

Facilitators

Rocío Guitard

Master Instructor, Rocío Guitard Vocal Studio

Rocío Guitard has been a professional singer for over 30 years, with three solo albums to her name and multiple guest appearances on other artists’ records, plus extensive performing experience in Europe and the US. Her work as a voice pedagogy expert has led her to present at... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:35pm - 3:10pm PST
TBA

Content Category Music