TAMIU Schedules Summer Programs for Kids, Teens

While the thoughts of Summer vacation may seem distant this Spring, Texas A&M International University is readying for two Summer programs geared for 1st-6th graders and 7th-11th graders.

"We're happy to be able to offer two summer programs this year, our popular Summer Children's Workshop for 1st-6th graders, and our Summer Academy for 7th-11th graders, first introduced last summer," said Oscar J. Munoz, Director of the University's Continuing Education Program which sponsors the programs.

Munoz said both programs focus on taking advantage of summer down time through exposure to new learning in exciting topic areas. Both will be held at the new TAMIU campus at 5201 University Boulevard in northeast Laredo.

"Traditionally, summer is a time when classroom lessons are replaced by activities that rarely incorporate learning or exchange of new ideas. We've concentrated on developing two programs which afford a variety of learning opportunities that are fun and eye-opening, and can help to assure that summer is a also a rich, mind-expanding experience for participants," he explained.

"We've made a special effort to capitalize on our new campus location and the amenities it affords us, such as our computer labs with Internet access and our spacious grounds and classroom facilities. The new campus has allowed us to explore new areas, for example, the sciences, which will afford some unique learning opportunities," Munoz continued.

The Summer Children's Workshop, now in its 10th year of operation, will be held June 17-July 12 1996 from 8 a.m.-12 noon daily. Registration fee is $200 per child and $180.00 for each additional child. Where applicable, science lab and computer lab fees of $10 will be assessed.

Course topics available for 1st-6th graders include a Macintosh Computer Lab, arts and crafts, "Exploring the Global Village," "Real-life Math and Science," theater arts, children's literature, music and cooperative sports.

Workshop classes are offered in session format with two early morning sessions followed by a healthy snack period and late-morning closing session.

Registration fee deadline for the Summer Children's Workshop is June 3, 1996 and space is limited. A late fee will be assessed after the registration fee deadline.

The Summer Academy, now in its second year of operation, is an extension of the Summer Children's Workshop that is intended for teenagers ages 13 to 18 in grades 7-8th and 9th-11th.

The Academy is scheduled June 17-July 12 from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday on the TAMIU campus. Cost of the Academy is $250.00 per student and $225.00 for each additional participant. If applicable, science lab and computer lab fees of $10 will be assessed. If students opt for a sculpture class, an additional $25 sculpture lab fee will be applicable.

Course topics available for 7th-8th grade participants include "Internet for Fun and Research," "Introduction to Sculpture," "Introduction to Computers," "Life Science-Forensics Lab," "Environmental Analysis Lab," "Library Science," "Math-Calculator Preparation for SAT," "Chess" and "Introduction to German."

Course topics available for 9th-11th grade participants include "Hypnosis for Personal Growth," " Introduction to German," "Introduction to Computers," "Parapsychology - Exploring the Unknown," "Creative Sculpture," "Math-Calculator Preparation for SAT," "Internet for Fun and Research," "Life Sciences-Forensics Lab" and "Environmental Analysis Lab."

Registration fee deadline for the Summer Academy is June 3, 1996. Space is limited and a late registration fee will apply after the deadline date.

For more information on the Summer Children's Workshop or Summer Academy at Texas A&M International University, contact the TAMIU Office of Continuing Education at 326-2720 or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 205 East. Information can also be requested by fax or email.

TAMIU office hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.