Parents and students look forward to Saturday Science Academy 2012-13
Parents and students look forward to Saturday Science Academy 2012-13
Alcorn State University Saturday Science Academy (SSA) recently held a very successful Parent/Student Orientation Day. The program opened to an enthusiastic crowd in Math and Science building auditorium. Everyone looked refreshed and rejuvenated after the summer break and in a sense it felt like the first day of school. Seating was scarce as people packed the room for formal introductions.
Staff, parents volunteer groups and corporate and community partners explained each of their roles and how each part was critically important to the overall SSA organization. The chairperson of Traceway Community Development Corporation (TCDC), Helen Hunter, touched on how the community is impacted by the Saturday Science Academy program and the responsibility that the community has provide the best possible learning environment for its children. The ASU Khem Klub provided a scenario of how not to act in a lab setting and discussed the upcoming lab experiments scheduled for the fall semester. Brenda Buck, Jefferson County administrator, explained to parents the importance of parent participation and involvement in the program.
First year students listened in amazement as “old-heads” yelled out the SSA Chant led by director, Mary Marie Trimble. “Good morning Saturday Science Academy. How do you feel?” The audience responded, “Fantastic! Terrific! Great! All Day Long. . .woo, woo, woo.” The skit performed by the Khem Klub was hilarious! However, each student paid close attention as lab safety rules and regulations were dramatically revealed. You could see the excitement in the students’ faces as the year’s future events were announced.
Although federal budget cuts continue to threaten and limit how much Saturday Science can provide for the students, morale and commitment remained high among the participants. Everyone was willing to provide whatever support needed. Parents, staff, and supporters will be brainstorming to find additional sources of revenue. “We are grateful to corporations and community organizations such as Entergy, the SHINE organization, Traceway CDC, Riverbend Environmental Services, LLC, Energy Systems Group (ESG) as well as individual supporters who have donated to SSA,” stated Mary Marie Trimble. “They have helped to expand the unique learning experiences offered at SSA.”
The day’s orientation activities ended with a video presentation highlighting last year’s accomplishments.
Saturday Science Academy is an outreach enrichment program funded by a Federal Title III grant to Alcorn State University. The objective of the program is to expand the knowledge of young students in math and science through fun, hands-on activities and other exceptional learning experiences so that they are comfortable and confident in pursuing higher learning goals and successful careers in the sciences.
For more information about SSA, contact Mary Marie Trimble, director, at 601.877.6119 or 6338.
Helen Hunter, chairman, Traceway CDC.
Students, parents and teachers at the orientation.
