Schools

Adult School Classes Coming to Bridgewater

It is through a partnership between The Jointure and Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park.

With a partnership between The Jointure and the Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park, a total of 35 adult classes are coming to Bridgewater-Raritan schools.

According to Charlene Peterson—director of the Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park—this is a pilot program with classes being offered at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School and Hillside Intermediate School, with computer classes, Spanish, photography, cake decorating, yoga, tai chi, cardio boot camp, grant-writing, jewelry making, crochet and watercolor painting, among others.

The Jointure, Peterson said, has been providing educational opportunities in Somerset County since 1914.

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“In recent years, the impact of the economy and changes in adult learning needs resulted in declining enrollment of in-person adult classes,” she said. “In September, the resignation of The Jointure’s adult program manager allowed the board to consider other options to effectively continue serving the adult community.”

From there, a member of The Jointure’s board of trustees approached the Adult School about providing a joint opportunity.

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“At the same time, The Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park just finalized its strategic plan, redefining its vision and developing a plan for stabilization and growth,” Peterson said. “Expanding its geographic markets was one of the outcomes of that plan.”

Peterson said they began implementation with a pilot program to offer adult classes at Ridge High School this past fall.

A partnership was later established between the two organizations, Peterson said to provide adult classes in Bridgewater. The Adult School was to develop the programs and handle registration, Peterson said.

“In turn, it would benefit from The Jointure’s longstanding reputation in the community, its existing customer base and The Jointure’s relationship with the area school districts,” she said. “At the initial meeting between The Jointure and The Adult School, it was discovered that we shared a common belief that it is important to create a community of learners where adults can come together, under the guidance of qualified instructors, and share their interests with other like-minded people.”

Registration is underway now, Peterson said, and classes begin the week of March 4.

For more information about the different classes being offered, or to register, click here.


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