WinterM Program

Learn the basics of CHESS, including rules, piece movement, and algebraic notation, before moving on to strategy and tactics. Students will learn about openings, middle-game principles, and end-game strategies, while also practicing skills like problem-solving and concentration. 

Learn the basics of officiating sports such as football, basketball, volleyball and baseball/softball. Officiating not only makes you a smarter player in your desired sport, it also gives you an appreciation for the task officiating.

Officiating is also a great way to earn money on your schedule. Work that elementary school basketball league, or recreation volleyball. You can even be eligible to work Messmer's freshman games! So let's grab a whistle and start learning how to earn money doing something you WANT to do on YOUR time! 

Students will learn how to design, construct, and finish cabinets. They will identify and choose the appropriate lumber, sheet goods (like plywood and laminates), hardware, and adhesives for  projects. Students will work in teams when constructing their cabinets.

Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) Certification may be your first step into the healthcare field! This course covers fire safety, standard precautions, medication administration, and first aid and choking. While placement isn't guaranteed, we maintain strong connections with many healthcare facilities actively seeking to hire students with CBRF Certification.

Seniors with an interest in driving trucks and possibly pursuing a career as a commercial truck driver are encouraged to register for the intro to Commercial Driver's License WinterM course. This extended program spans two WinterM blocks and offers hands-on training with box and semi-trucks. You’ll gain essential skills, learn the ropes of the industry through vertical assimilation, and get real hours behind the wheel.

This course covers foundational hand-building techniques and glazing basics for all skill levels. Beginners will follow structured project prompts to build their skills, while returning students have the flexibility to pursue advanced, independent work. Depending on the complexity of their designs, participants can expect to complete between one and three finished pieces.

Available to juniors and seniors, this program provides comprehensive training in patient care, anatomy, physiology, and infection control. Students will also study rehabilitation, restorative care, and cultural diversity under the instruction of Aurora health care professionals. Upon completion of the curriculum, students will undergo assessment for state certification. Those who successfully become Certified Nursing Assistants will be eligible for a Youth CNA position at an Aurora Health Care facility.

CrossFit is a multidisciplinary fitness program designed to develop broad physical preparedness through varied, high-intensity functional movements. The curriculum integrates elements from gymnastics, weightlifting, and aerobic conditioning to ensure proficiency across ten recognized fitness domains. Each session centers on a "Workout of the Day" (WOD), which provides a unique combination of exercises such as rowing, squats, and bodyweight movements. This comprehensive approach aims to build versatile physical capabilities applicable to both daily life and competitive athletics.

A comprehensive program that combines theoretical classroom instruction with practical behind-the-wheel training to prepare new drivers for safe operation of a vehicle. The program covers traffic laws, vehicle mechanics, hazard awareness, and defensive driving techniques.
 

This introductory course will provide students with a foundation as a facial and lash technician. Students will learn skin analysis, facial massage, and application of products, as well as eye-area treatments like lash and brow tinting and waxing. The curriculum includes sanitation, client consultation, makeup application basics, and the use of professional tools and products to provide salable skills for the beauty industry. 

Students in this course will learn to identify furniture suitable for refinishing and gain the practical skills necessary to restore or update its appearance. The sessions focus on both traditional restoration and modern modification. Course requires creativity and patience!

This course introduces beginners to the fundamentals of guitar playing, including proper technique, tuning, and basic music reading through notation, tablature, and chord charts. Students will learn essential skills such as chords, scales, strumming, and picking while developing the ability to play simple songs and understand basic music theory.
 

This course combines theoretical knowledge, including nail anatomy, safety and sanitation, and business basics, with hands-on practice in manicuring, pedicuring, and artificial nail applications like acrylics and gels. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for state licensing exams by covering essential skills and the fundamental knowledge needed to operate safely and professionally in a salon environment.

This science course examines the various species of marine mammals. Students will engage with the material through guided classroom activities and independent research.

This is a month-long performance workshop culminating in a final cabaret showcase of musical theatre talent. The curriculum is specifically designed to uplift and celebrate stories, composers, and performers from diverse communities, with weekly focuses dedicated to individual solos, dynamic duets, and a large class musical number.

This introductory, hands-on course is designed to expose high school students to a variety of skilled trades and career opportunities in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Students will gain fundamental knowledge and practical experience in core areas, allowing them to explore potential career paths before entering the workforce or post-secondary training programs.

A Youth Associate Phlebotomist at Versiti is a part-time, entry-level role for high school or college students. The position involves supporting mobile blood drives by interacting with donors, assisting with administrative tasks, and performing some preliminary health screenings under supervision. The internship is paid and spans over the course of WinterM26; Students will continue their employment beyond WinterM26.

In 7 Bishops Blocks, students engaged in the Intro to Barbering workshop will receive an introduction to the history and ethics of barbering, basic safety and sanitation, and hands-on skills like haircutting, shaving, and styling. Students will learn to use barbering tools and may explore concepts like hair and scalp analysis and client consultation to determine if they want to pursue barbering as a career.