Spring 2026 course descriptions
Employment Skills (E) / Arts (A) / Independent Living (I) / General Studies (G)
Acting and Improv – Put the ACT in active reading! Perform scripts that are fun and unique. Memorization is not needed but bring your creative side! Instructor: J. Copenhaver....... A/G
Bargain Hunters – Become a smart shopper! Learn how to find great deals, compare prices, use coupons, and budget. Complete shopping challenges to build money skills and smart saving. Instructor: L. Hewitt.................... I
Brain Boosters – Keep your mind sharp and have fun doing it! Students will strengthen memory, focus, and problem-solving skills through games, puzzles, challenges, and creative thinking activities. Each week offers a new way to boost brain power. Instructor: J. Bogdan ................... I
Bunco/Bingo – Learn number skills and let the good times roll! Each week offers fun, laughter and friendly competition with an educational twist. Instructor: N. Luster................... E
Chair Exercises– Learn to stretch, tone and relax your body using different forms of exercise. These activities will be modified to be completed while seated in a chair. Instructor: C. Davidson................ I
CLEAR Carnival – Step right up and learn real-world skills through the fun of carnival-style games! In this interactive class, students build independent living and employment skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, decision-making, and money management while playing and creating classic fair games with a life skills twist. Instructor: S. Jones.................. I/E
Closet Confidence – Look good and feel great! Explore personal style, learn how to choose outfits for different occasions, and practice dressing with confidence. From organizing your closet to finding clothes that express who you are, build independence through fashion and fun. Instructor: J. Bogdan ............... I/E
Community and Civic Life – Discover how to be an active and involved member of your community! Students will learn about local resources, volunteering, voting, and ways to make a positive difference. Instructor: S. Jones ..................... I
Connecting with Confidence– Build confidence in yourself and your relationships! Students will practice communication skills, learn how to express their feelings, set healthy boundaries, and handle tough social situations with confidence. Instructor: L. Hewitt................. I/E
Digital Music– Discover how technology has changed the way we listen to music. Explore streaming platforms, playlists, and digital music trends while learning to identify different genres and artists. Instructor: J. Todd..................... A
Discover Kansas City– Learn about the origins of our fantastic city on both sides of the state line. Learn about museums, restaurants, sports venues and interesting facts about the place we call home. Instructor: G. Milburn............... G
Doodle and Draw – Use fun internet tutorials to try your hand at drawing. Each week will be a different subject from landscapes to animation! Instructor: L. Hewitt................... A
Explore with National Geographic– Where would you like to go and what would you like to study? Discover the world through wonderful National Geographic magazines and videos. Instructor: J. Todd...................... G
Exploring Magical Worlds – What details make up the fantasy genre? From How to Train your Dragon to Harry Potter, learn about the elements of fantasy through books, movies and TV. Instructor: J. Copenhaver.......... G
Everyday Mindfulness– Slow down, relax, and enjoy the moment! Discover simple mindfulness practices to reduce stress, focus your thoughts, and feel more present and peaceful each day. Instructor: G. Milburn.................. I
Fun with Otters– Where do otters live and how do they raise their babies? Learn about these fun aquatic mammals. Instructor: C. Davidson.............. G
History of Theme Parks – Take a ride through time as we explore how theme parks began. From the earliest amusement parks to Disney, Universal, and beyond, discover how technology and storytelling come together to create unforgettable experiences. Instructor: J. Todd..................... G
Home and Lifestyle – Create a space and life you love through exploring simple ways to decorate your home or room, organize your space, and add personal style. Highlight fun recreation ideas that make home life happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. Instructor: L. Hewitt ................... I
Ink and Imagination – Let your creativity flow through words. In this inspiring creative writing class, explore storytelling, poetry, and personal expression through fun writing prompts. Instructor: L. Hewitt............... A/G
Kitchen Know How– Learn the essentials of cooking that you can use every day! Using basic kitchen skills and healthy meal planning, students will practice hands-on cooking while exploring how food choices support a happy, independent lifestyle. Instructor: L. Hewitt.................... I
Learning Journeys – Learning is a lifelong adventure! Each week, dive into an exciting new topic like science, nature, world cultures and more. Take a weekly journey that sparks curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. Instructor: S. Jones .................... G
Magnet Magic – Have you ever wondered how magnets stick, move, or make things work? Explore the mysteries of magnetism through fun experiments and creative projects. Test ideas, make discoveries, and uncover the real “magic” behind how magnets power our world. Instructor: TBD .................. G
Money Matters– A class for students who are ready to explore preparing a budget, completing assignments on their spending habits and identifying how much money it takes to meet their basic needs. Instructor: L. Hewitt.............. I/E
Mood Boosters – In this creative wellness class, explore how sound, color, and environment can influence mood and energy. Each week features hands-on art and music activities that help students create spaces, playlists, and habits that promote happiness and relaxation. Instructor: G. Milburn............... I
Music and Movement – Feel the rhythm and get moving with the help of online exercise and dance tutorials! In this class, students will explore different styles of music and movement by following guided videos and learning at their own pace. Instructor: S. Jones............... A/I
Music of the Movies – Music is often one of the most recognizable parts of a movie. From action and adventure to comedy or suspense, learn how music sets the tone of your favorite movies. Instructor: J. Todd.............. A
Oceans of the World – Dive into the wonders of our planet’s oceans as we explore the animals, plants, and ecosystems found at sea. Students will learn about ocean conservation, marine life, and how each ocean world is unique. Instructor: J. Todd.............. G
Personal and Professional Etiquette – Make a great impression wherever you go! Learn the basics of good manners, respectful communication, and professional behavior. Each lesson helps build both personal and career success. Instructor: J. Bogdan............. I/E
Pet Lovers Club – Celebrate the joy of animals in this fun class. Share stories about your favorite pets, learn about different animals, and explore how to care for them responsibly. Instructor: J. Todd........... I/G
Read the Room – Practice understanding body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to improve communication. Learn how to pick up on the clues people give and respond in positive, respectful ways. Instructor: G. Milburn........... I/E
Science in Our Lives – Learn the ways that science has changed our lives. Bring your science questions to class and we will research them. Instructor: C. Davidson........... G
Social Adventures – Plan it, host it, and make it fun! In this lively class, students will learn how to organize and enjoy social events—from picking a theme and making invitations to setting up activities and welcoming guests. Instructor: G. Milburn........... I/E
Superhero Academy – Become the superhero you’ve always imagined! Design your own superhero, envision costumes and props, develop “superpowers,” solve team challenges, and explore originality and teamwork along the way. Instructor: N. Luster........... G
Teambuilding 101 – Working together is an important skill in all areas of life. Compete in fun games and challenges to learn skills in cooperation and problem-solving. Instructor: S. Jones............. E
Technology and Daily Life – Explore how technology has transformed the world around us. Learn how tools like smartphones, apps, and computers have changed the way we work, communicate, shop, and have fun. Discover practical ways to use technology safely and effectively in everyday life. Instructor: G. Milburn .......... I/E
The Roommate Challenge – Team up and tackle real-life apartment adventures! Form roommate groups and work together to solve weekly household challenges—from budgeting and chores to communication and problem-solving. Build responsibility, and independent living skills in a fun, game-style setting. Instructor: J. Bogdan........... I
TikTok Topics– Create short, engaging presentations modeled after the quick, impactful style of TikTok. Students will research a variety of subjects and practice sharing their ideas in clear, creative, and bite-sized formats. Instructor: J. Copenhaver .................... I/G
Time Travelers – Step into the past and discover how people lived, worked, and dreamed! Journey through different time periods in American history—from the colonial days to modern times—to connect history to the world we live in today. Instructor: J. Bogdan............... G
Trust Your Instincts – “Trust your gut—it knows what your head hasn’t figured out yet.”
Learn to listen to your inner voice and make thoughtful choices. Explore how trusting your instincts can lead to stronger self-awareness and better decision-making in daily life. Instructor: S. Jones.............. I
Wild Weather – Tornados, floods and blizzards are all forms of weather to the extreme! Learn about historical weather events and how to remain safe if severe weather hits close to home. Instructor: J. Todd.............. G
Your First Job – Everyone remembers their first job. Learn the steps to obtaining your first job and problem solve issues that might arise along the way. Instructor: S. Jones............. E
*College Academy courses are intended for students who are considering pursuing an inclusive post-secondary program such as JCCC’s CONNECT. Homework and increased academic rigor will be included in these courses.