Fall 2025 course descriptions
Employment Skills (E) / Arts (A) / Independent Living (I) / General Studies (G)
Apartment Living – Learn how to furnish an apartment, fix minor repairs and deal with common emergencies while preparing to live on your own. Instructor: J. Bogdan.......... I
Boredom Busters – Feeling bored? Learn new activities, games and hobbies that can occupy your time and keep your brain active! Instructor: J. Todd...... I/G
Build a Board Game – Do you love to play games with your friends and family? Use the principles of STEAM to create your own game. Take turns playing your classmates creations. Instructor: J. Todd ........... G
Can I Make it on My Own? – Do you know how much it is to rent an apartment; what’s the cost of living, relaxing and entertaining? Learn how to stay safe, sew on a button, and change a light bulb. Find out what it takes to live independently. Instructor: M. McKinley..... I
Career Town – Take a tour of a fictional town and learn about many different careers of the town’s citizens. Discover what jobs exist in different town centers such as the hospital, the fire station and the school. Instructor: N. Luster......... E
Charting the Lifecourse – Utilizing the framework of the same name, identify your vision of a good life. What goals do you have for yourself in areas such as career, living and relationships? Instructor: C. Marx......... I/E
College Academy: Healthcare Careers* – Explore a wide range of meaningful careers in the healthcare field. Learn what careers exist beyond being a doctor or nurse and what qualifications you need to start your journey. Instructor: H. Gibson ....... E
College Academy: Intro to Public Speaking* – Most college level courses require the ability to craft an essay and to present it to your classmates. This class will help you develop these skills. Instructor: H. Gibson........ E
Comic Book Literature – Comic books aren’t just art- they tell stories as well. From superheroes to graphic novels, learn about this form of literature. Instructor: J. Todd........ A/G
Communication and Problem Solving – Part of the Personal Development for Success series, this course will discuss verbal and non-verbal communication and basic problem-solving skills. Instructor: L. Hewitt.... I/E
Cooking with Curiosity – This curriculum from the Edible Schoolyard Project aims to increase student’s kitchen skills and confidence around preparing food. This is a hands on course that will require using basic kitchen equipment such as knives, oven and stove and handling food. Instructor: L. Hewitt.......... I
Employability Skills – There are some skills that every employer is looking for, no matter the field. Learn about the top employability skills to help you get and keep a job. Instructor: C. Davidson.... E
Essential Retail Skills – Are you interested in working in a store? Maybe you already do! Learn or brush up on necessary skills to work in retail such as effective communication, using a cash register and product stocking using a mock store. Instructor: J. Bogdan......... E
Explore Ireland – Take a virtual trip to this stunning island nation. Learn about the people, the sights and the customs of the Emerald Isle. Instructor: J. Bogdan......... G
Figure it Out – Have you ever wondered why people say things like “so hungry I could eat a horse” or “clean as a whistle?” Learn about the types of figurative language and how to use them in conversation. Instructor: L. Hewitt...... E/G
Filling Out Forms – Job applications, college admissions, financial information and health histories are just a few of the forms and applications that are common in adulthood. Learn how to appropriately complete these items independently. Instructor: M. McKinley. I/E
Improving Relationships– Personal interactions are part of life- learn how to best approach friendships, co-workers, and roommates. Instructor: L. Hewitt....... I/E
Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Study the musicians, bands and music of the 60’s and 70’s. Choose the musicians that you are interested in learning more about. Instructor: C. Davidson.... A
Mock Trials– Learn about the judicial system through a series of Fairy Tale mock trials. Take on the roles of judge, lawyers, witnesses and the jury. Guilty or innocent? You decide! Instructor: J. Copenhaver .... G
Movie Review – What types of movies are there and which one’s appeal to you? Students will have the opportunity to discuss movie types, share a favorite clip or trailer, create a movie poster and discuss what professional reviewers look for in blockbuster hits. Instructor: J. Copenhaver....... A/G
Music and Art for Relaxation – Music listening and relaxing art such as coloring or painting are great ways to unwind after a stressful day. Listen to a variety of genres of music and try your hand at simple art that can help you “mellow out.” Instructor: J. Todd.......... I/A
Music that Changes the World– Music can move people to consider new ideas. Learn about musicians and music that changed people throughout the years. Create your most influential music playlist. Instructor: H. Gibson ....... A
New York Travel – Explore cultural sites to visit in one of the world's most exciting places. Make a bucket list of things to do in New York City. Instructor: J. Todd.... I/G
Personal Care: Nutrition and Exercise – Learn how keeping a balanced diet and regular movement play an important role in your health and well-being. Modify popular recipes to healthier versions using substitutions, learn about healthy portions and practice simple exercises to stay fit. Instructor: L. Hewitt........... I
Personal Planning: Time Management – Managing jobs, class schedules and appointments can be a challenge. Learn how to best manage your time in adult life. Instructor: J. Bogdan...... I/E
Pixar Animation- Storytelling – Using the Pixar in a Box curriculum, learn how Pixar animators bring characters and tales to life. Create your own character and tell their story with this interactive course. Instructor: L. Hewitt..... A/G
Puzzle Practice – Puzzles come in many forms and help us build many skills. Work together each week to solve new puzzles from jigsaws to brainteasers and riddles. Instructor: L. Hewitt...... E/G
Questions and Comments –This social language course helps students practice the conversation skills of asking questions and making comments with their peers. Instructor: L. Hewitt........ I/E
Reading Club – Each week, read about current events and interests. Discuss your readings in small groups and report what you learn to your classmates! *Third grade reading level required. Instructor: C. Davidson.... G
Save the Planet: What is Your Role? – There are many issues affecting our planet. Create a student led list of issues you want to research and discuss actions that you can take to help. Instructor: H. Gibson........ G
Science Fiction – Do you enjoy imagining life in a galaxy far, far away? Then this class is for you. Each week, we will discuss popular science fiction stories, movies and games. Instructor: J. Copenhaver. G
Simple Machines – Do you know the difference between a lever and a pulley? Design and use simple machines in this hands-on class. Instructor: J. Todd............ G
Social Media Safety – Sites like Snapchat, Instagram and Tik Tok can provide great ways to connect with others if used safely. Learn methods to avoid danger and conflict on the internet. Instructor: M. McKinley... I
Sunshine Club – This class is going to spread cheer and good will to others in need. We’ll send get well cards and write letters and thank you notes to people who need a smile. Instructor: J. Copenhaver...... A/E
The Art of Getting Along – Learning to work with others is an important skill. Study fictional social situations and create a plan for the person to succeed. Instructor: H. Gibson ..... I/E
Think Tank – Have you ever wanted to create your own business? Work through all the steps with your classmates as you design a restaurant concept to pitch to the class. Instructor: N. Luster......... E
Uncommon Sports – Have you ever heard of chess boxing or underwater hockey? Learn about these and other unusual sports. Maybe you’ll find a new hobby! Instructor: J. Todd............ G
Understanding Instructions – Following directions is important in everyday activities. Sharpen your listening skills using fun real-life activities. Instructor: M. McKinley. I/E
Wonder Stories – Have you ever wondered if fish sleep? What makes an echo? Why popcorn pops? Explore questions such as these through a series of wonder stories. Instructor: M. McKinley... G
Your Best Life – You determine your future. Explore ways that you can shape your personal and professional life choices. Instructor: H. Gibson...... I/E
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: M. McKinley.... 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.