JCJC KIDS' COLLEGE CLASS DESCRIPTION
Megan Stringer: Microbiology
Education: M.S. in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University
Experience: 3 years of teaching experience at Jones County Junior College.
Description of course: Students will discover the unseen life on earth by studying microorganisms. Microscopes and labs will be utilized to teach all about tiny organisms that people cannot see. Students will discover the differences between a pathogenic and nonpathogenic organism. The importance of cleanliness and hygiene will be emphasized.
Stephanie Green: Criminal Justice
Education: M.S. in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi
Experience: 10 years as a psychology and human growth and development teacher at Jones County Junior College
Description of course: Students will learn how the criminal justice system works and why it is important. They will learn how based on an age appropriate lesson how to investigate a crime and find a culprit; classes will focus on gathering evidence, identifying suspects, interviewing witnesses and using techniques to solve the crime.
Dana Knight: Spanish
Education: M.Ed. in gifted education from William Carey University
Experience: 13 years as a Spanish teacher at Northeast Jones High School
Description of course: The students will learn basic Spanish conversational skills through vocabulary study and practice. Learning techniques include the use of role-lay, total physical response, music, and cultural crafts to reinforce the study. Holiday customs in Latin America and Spain will also be examined and explained. This year’s vocabulary focus will be a review of greetings, numbers, food, and descriptions. New areas of study will include weather, family, parts of the body, holidays & festivals.
Sheri Taylor: African Art
Education: B.A. in graphic design from Mississippi State University
Experience: 4 years as Graphics Coordinator of Teaching Learning Resource Center at the USM; twelve years as a private art teacher
Description of course: The art focus will be centered on African art and culture. The students will lean about the culture of West Africa and create art that is both decorative and functional. Possible projects include tie-dye, decorative masks, and drums.
Cara Hyatt: Physical Education
Education: M.B.M. from Colorado Technical University
Experience: 3 years as an English instructor at NEJ High; two years as an English instructor and assistant basketball coach at JCJC
Description of course: This course is designed to acquaint students with various sports and recreation activities. Students will engage in problem solving activities in which group dynamics and team building will be emphasized through group discussions and participation in facilitated competition. Students will gain the ability to take initiative and explore personal values through various games and activities.
Artie Adams: Music
Education: M. Ed. in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi
Experience: 20 years of music teaching experience. Artie is currently the band director at South Jones High School.
Description of course: Children will learn basic music theory as well as how to read music. They will also perform on various percussion instruments in the class.
Patti Smith: Reading
Education: M.A. in reading education from the University of Southern Mississippi
Experience: 7 years as a reading and English instructor at JCJC
Description of course: The students will be exposed to a variety of high interest age appropriate literature throughout the week to encourage reading for enjoyment. Students will have daily opportunities to be actively engaged in books through hands-on thematic activities, drama, and storytelling. Reading comprehension skills and fluency will be naturally enhanced through the students’ interaction with text on a daily basis.
Rebecca Patrick: Journalism
Education: M.S. in public relations from the University of Southern Mississippi
Experience: 12 years as a journalism instructor and student publications sponsor at JCJC.
Description of course: Children will learn the five principles (who, what, when, where, and why) of journalism through reflective writing in a daily Kids’ College journal. Each day will focus on a specific aspect of journalism which includes interviewing, interpreting, researching, and writing.
Lisa Little: Kids Cuisine
Education: Masters in education from the University of Southern Mississippi
Experience: 12 years teaching experience.
Description of course: Students will learn how to follow a recipe and make healthy “no cook” snacks. Students will be able to eat their creations and participate in other activities focused on helping in the kitchen.
