Fun Science for Kids Class

Pearce Community Center will offer Fun Science for Kids, a six-week series of classes beginning Monday, September 14 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The class will include hands-on projects covering a variety of science topics. It is designed to stimulate curiosity and wonder in children in grades 3^rd through 6^th.  

The cost of the series is $36 for Foundation members; $40 for members; and $50 for non-members. Advance registration is required. 

Quilting Class

Fall quilting class meets Tuesday, September 1, 8, and 15 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. 

This quilting class is designed to help beginners learn; help quilters improve technique, and allow advanced quilters to share the best practices they have learned. Bring a sewing machine and supplies. The supply list will be provided at registration.

The cost for the class is $27 for Pearce Foundation members; $30 for Pearce members; and $40 for non-members.

The Learning Zone Coming to Pearce

We are excited to announce our new program, The Learning Zone, beginning Tuesday, October 7. TLZ is designed to provide K-8 students with a safe, positive environment conducive to the focus and concentration required to learn. 

TLZ offers two programs: Tutoring and Homework Help. Appointments for tutoring must be made in advance. Homework Help is a drop-in program; however, initial registration is required. 

TLZ tutors include local K-8 educators. Morgan Watson, junior high math teacher at Chillicothe Elementary Center is one of TLZ's tutors. She joined the program because she believes it is important to be available to students outside of the classroom. "Forty-two minutes goes so fast," says Morgan. "I want students to know I care and I'm available to them." 

Morgan Watson

Morgan is in her sixth year of teaching math, science, and engineering to middle school-aged children. Her credentials are impressive. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average, magna cum laude, with both her bachelor and master degree. She also earned certification from Project Lead the Way to teach engineering to middle school students. 

Her devotion to teaching young people manifests itself in her personal crusade to secure grant money for her classroom. In only six years, she has managed to win more than $22,000 in grants for the various classrooms in which she has taught. 

Tutoring will be available by appointment after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Working closely with you, the Tutoring Coordinator Sharon Padilla will discuss

Tutoring Coordinator Sharon Padilla

your concerns, and then consult

with your child's teacher to identify areas in need of improvement. Individualized lessons prepared specifically for your child will be presented by one of our highly qualified tutors. Through consistent communication and a common goal between parent, teacher, and TLZ, student learning and confidence will grow. Frequent, informal assessments will be prepared and presented to you and the teacher. 

One hour one-on-one tutoring sessions are available to purchase. Foundation members pay only $18.75; members pay $25; and non-members pay $30.

Homework Help is available from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. A tutor, along with the help of aides, will answer questions and give guidance on any school work your student brings to the Center. Our goal is to help students successfully complete homework assignments. In this quiet, supportive environment, the tutor and aides will also offer suggestions for effective study strategies. 

Homework Help punch cards are available to purchase. A 5-punch punch card is only $7.50 for Foundation members; $10 for members; and $15 for non-members. A 10-punch punch card is only $15 for Foundation members; $20 for members; and $30 for non-members.

Volunteer Tutor Aides Needed!
If you love seeing the light bulb click on in a child's eyes when they get it, volunteer in TLZ. Under the leadership of our highly qualified tutors, volunteers will check students into and out of the Zone; implement Center guidelines for addressing student's questions; monitor students in the Center; offer assistance with work students bring to the Center; suggest effective study strategies; and maintain a positive environment in the Center. 

Sound interesting? If you feel this list of qualifications applies to you, please contact us to see how you can help.

• Previous tutoring and or teaching experience preferred but not required.
• Completed two years of college, preferred but not required. Priority will be given to those in an education related field.
• Work comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds and exhibit patience and a positive attitude.
• Common Core experience or general understanding of Common Core standards preferred but not required.

Quilting Classes at Pearce

New Fun Science For Kids Class

Advance registration required. Contact Carie McIntyre at (309) 274-4209, ext. 104 or cmcintyre@pearcecc.com for more information.

Fall Swim Lessons Begin September 2

Swim lessons will be offered this fall to children ages six months and older. The eight-week session meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays and begins the week of September 2.

Lessons are available for three age groups. Parent/child lessons for children age six months to 35 months are offered on Tuesdays at 9:55 a.m.; preschool lessons for ages three and four years are offered on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.; and youth lessons for children five years and older are offered on Tuesday or Thursday at 4:15 p.m., 4:50 p.m., or 5:25 p.m. Adult lessons are offered on Tuesdays at 11:05 a.m.

The cost of the class is $33.75 for Foundation members; $45 for members; and $65 for non-members. Register for swim lessons at Pearce. 

Tiny Tots Mini Session Offered

Pearce Community Center is a mini session of Tiny Tots, a series of six-week classes for ages two to five years, beginning April 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tots will enjoy three weeks of Big Fun Gym and three weeks of Play 'N Learn. Adult participation is required. Children should wear gym shoes.

Foundation members pay only $18.75; $25 for members; and $30 for non-members. 

Ryan made a campfire crown in Play 'N Learn

Takin' a swing during Big Fun Gym

Blastball Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center is offering a six-week Blastball program for three and four-year-olds. The program begins Monday, April 14, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Gym shoes and adult participation are required.  Weather permitting, the program will be held outside.

Please register at Pearce by April 13. Pearce foundation members pay only $18.75; members $25; non-members $30.

AARP Safe Driver Course Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host the AARP Safe Driver course on April 8 and 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In Illinois, if an individual is 55, the primary driver of a vehicle, has a good driving record, and takes a course approved by the Secretary of State, all automobile insurance companies must provide a discount on automobile insurance premiums. Participants must attend both days to receive credit from their automobile insurance company.

The course fits the needs of anyone older than 50; however, those under 50 are also invited to attend. The course is a total of eight hours offered in two four-hour sessions.

AARP membership is not required; however, AARP members pay only $12; non-members pay $14.

To register, call Pearce Community Center at (309) 274-4209.

Tiny Tots Play and Learn Series Begins

Pearce Community Center is offering Tiny Tots, a series of six-week classes for ages two to five years, beginning the week of February 10. Each class in the series offers age appropriate activities to help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play and learn.

The Monday Play ‘N Learn class is offered from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and includes song and dance, arts and crafts, ABC’s, 123’s, and story time.  This class allows the parent or babysitter to drop off children or observe the instructor-led class. The parent or babysitter must stay in the center but is allowed to leave the class area.

Evening parent and child classes, offered from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., promote togetherness while playing and learning alongside each other. Big Fun Gym is offered on Mondays. Activities include sports games, mat tumbling and obstacle course and interactive circle time. On Wednesdays, Music ‘N Motion participants will sing to childhood favorites, dance along to the beat, interact in movements games, and play a variety of sounds on creative instruments. 

The cost of the class is $15 for Foundation members; $20 for members; and $30 for non-members. For more information on the Tiny Tot series, or to learn how to become a member of Pearce Community Center, call (309) 274-4209 or visit Pearce at www.pearcecc.com.

Tiny Tots Play and Learn Series for Ages 2 to 5