Maryville Elementary begins Citizen School

 Bringing to life what students are learning in school and making it a reality.

That is the primary goal of Citizen School at Maryville Elementary School.

“Citizen School is a new after-school program on Tuesdays where local community members will come to Maryville to show the students what they do at their job,” according to Counselor Kate Barron. “Ideally, Citizen School will include a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations, as well as interactive presentations.”

Some of the ‘teachers’ already signed up include a scientist, a newspaper reporter, a doctor and police officers.

“The doctor is going to talk about her job and then teach the kids some basic first aid,” Barron explained. “The scientist is going to do the same, but has a hands-on demonstration about the sun and stars.”

The concept of Citizen School resembles career day but Barron noted there are obvious differences.

“Citizen School isn’t just about careers and what a job entails,” she said. “Some of the ‘teachers’ are focusing their lessons more on providing a hands-on approach to what the kids are learning in school.”

For example, the scientist works at the University of Louisville Planetarium and has a demonstration planned about the sun and the stars.

“It ties in with what the kids are learning in school, but gives them an additional hands-on lesson, beyond the classroom,” she said. “This way kids can learn and see how what they are learning relates to real life and possible careers. Each teacher will talk a bit about what they do as well.”

She plans to canvas classes after the first few months of Citizen School to see what worked and if there are areas that need improvement.

“It is for all students at Maryville and it is being held after school because I needed to lead an after-school program and I got this idea from the Waiting for Superman documentary!” she said.

Bullitt County Public Schools has nearly 13,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12. There are 25 school facilities, a certified staff of over 850 and a classified staff of over 850 working every school day to make the district the leader in educational excellence.