Classes

St. Mary’s Students working hard at heathy living

Anna M. Bell, an instructional staff member at St. Mary’s Center, has been working hard to get her students to lose weight and get into shape.  The students are participating in our Wellness Program.  As part of the program, students work out every morning, five days a week, on stationary bicycles, treadmills and elypticals and so far this year have lost a combined weight of 84 pounds.

In addition, students learn about healthy eating and healthy activities. “Our students are quite sedentary and this exercise helps them get their weight under control and improves their  metabolic rate” Bell said. “Student health is important to us.  They are learning that it should be important to them, too”, she said.  Starting in November, The Wellness Program will add voluntary aerobics classes to the schedule.

Expressive Art Therapy Activities

Mona G. Wilkerson, instructional staff member at St. Mary’s Center, conducts expressive art activities daily.  The activities titled, “Celebrate Your Creative Self”, helps students act upon their artistic inspirations and to joyfully appreciate the creative process.  Students develop skills that allows them to express themselves both internally and externally.

Also part of “Celebrate Your Creative Self” are activities centered on Drama and Dance.  These are designed to give students an opportunity to express themselves through movement and as part of a group. Student art is featured in local art shows and galleries and has been entered in the fine art competition at the Special Olympics.  Students perform dance and drama presentations at community events, nursing homes and special events.

Computer is made a part of students lives.

St. Mary’s Center received an F.E.I. Grant from Congress to equip a Computer Learning Center for our students.  The grant provided the furnishings and equipment for 10 computer stations. This has given our students the opportunity to learn basic computer operation skills and to use the computer to learn.

Kelly Meadway, an instructional staff member, works with our students in small groups, to acquire the skills necessary to use a computer and to enjoy the educational and entertainment opportunities available on the computer.

Students of St. Mary’s Make Beautiful Music

Pat Harkleroad, a retired Jefferson County School Teacher, volunteers as a music teacher at St. Mary’s Center.  She teaches the playing of Hand Bells to our students. During the holiday season, the students perform before many community groups and at nursing homes.  The music is very soothing and quite beautiful.

The student performers feel a sense of accomplishment making such beautiful music and learn the value of teamwork. If you or your group would be interested in hearing our Hand Bell Group perform, call us at 502-244-0082.