Visual andPerformingArts Merge

performing arts on the JCCC campus as part ofthe pilot program for Stages and Studios: AllArts Day, a partnership between the NermanMuseum of Contemporary Art and the CarlsenCenter education programs.

The day owed its success, in part, to the organization of JCCC staff, Starside teachersand parents, volunteer docents and professionalactors and, in part, to the creativity and imagination of 10- and 11-year-olds.

“I thought the day went very well,” said KarenGerety Folk, curator of art education, NermanMuseum. “The kids loved it, and there was a lotof energy on campus.”

“It was gratifying to have the fourth-grade students on campus giving life to the partner-ship. The students were very excited and deeplyinvolved in both the performance and visualarts,” said Angel Mercier, program director,Carlsen Center ArtsEducation.

Mercier and Folk are responsible for the creation and implementation of SAS, securingprogram funding, developing study guides and activities according to Kansas curricularstandards for theater and visual arts, preciselyorganizing students’ time schedules and evenmailing an orientation CD in advance to each

Starside teacher to familiarize students with thelayout of the JCCC campus and museum spaces.

Students arrived for a 9:45 a.m. performance ofSpirit Horse, a play that explores family bondsand Stoney First Nations traditions, in YardleyHall of the Carlsen Center.

“The play was about fighting racism,” explainedstudent Haydn McGrew.

After lunch, students were divided into fourgroups for the visual arts portion of the day, whichincluded two tours and two hands-on activities.One docent-led tour took students to NativeAmerican art on the second-floor gallery of theNerman Museum and Regnier Center, and theother tour focused on animals in art on campus. In between tours, students created two art projects– a 3-D collage of an imaginary animal createdfrom geometric shapes and a Model Magic claycoil vessel incorporating animal figures.

“Art can be unusual,” said Liza Elwell, student,politely when asked what she thought aboutcampus art.

Students returned to the Carlsen Center from 2-3 p.m. for small-group tours of theater andbackstage spaces and a “talk back” with SpiritHorse actors.

On a warm spring day, 90 fourth-graders from Starside Elemen-

tary School, De Soto, experienced a full day of visual and

Cover: Karen Gerety Folk,curator of art education,Nerman Museum ofContemporary Art, andAngel Mercier, programdirector, Carlsen CenterArtsEducation, developedStages and Studios, a newprogram that combinesvisual and performing artsfor students.

ImaginationSoars with SAS

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(front row, left to right) KalebFreeman, docent Sharon Lund,Emily Robbinson, ColtonPasquale and JacksonThaemert look at DancingCoyotes by Diego Romero inthe Dean E. Thompson Gallery.

During the talk, students were asked to reflect onthe music, set, cultural symbolism and implica-tions in the play. Then students had their chanceto ask questions and make comments like “Whydid you use four actors to play 32 roles?” and“The pits is for people who forget their lines.”

Teacher Kristl Llamas said the children seemedto like the day, especially since there were lots ofhands-on activities to keep them involved.

“We are excited about today because we havestudents who have never had the chance to goto a museum or a theater,” said Chris Cappel,Starside art teacher.

Folk and Mercier say they plan to continue SASwith programs four times a year with four differ-

ent topics for different schools, pend-ing available funding. The pilotprogram was funded in part by dona-tions from private individuals and bythe Carlsen Center ArtsEducationprogram and the Nerman Museum.

“We want to continue offering SASprograms to students who do not oth-erwise have exposure to the arts,”Mercier said.

“This program combines the best ofwhat JCCC’s arts venues have to offerchildren in the community,” Folksaid.

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Lucas Dunn creates a coilvessel in the Museum’sstudio classroom.

Tamara Kingston, key stagehand, takes students through thetheater department’s scene shop.

Karen Gerety Folk led fourth-graders in making a 3-D collage of an imaginary animal.

Starting in the 2009 spring semester, JCCC’sparalegal training program opened a dedicatedclassroom in room 379 of the General EducationBuilding with 22 computers boasting high-speedInternet connections, wide-screen monitors andthe latest law office software. An open house forthe electronic classroom will be held 4-6 p.m.Friday, May 8.

Gone are the days of poring over volumes ofleatherbound books in a law library. Now stu-dents have instant access to a complete body ofstate and federal statutes and cases throughWestLaw and LexisNexis from their classroomdesks. In addition, students gain hands-on expe-rience with the most popular law officeprograms including Summation, CaseMap andTimeMap.

“Some attorneys are not that computer literate,especially in regards to the new legal software, sothey really depend on paralegals for assistance,”said Anita Tebbe, professor, and chair, legalstudies. “Anymore, you can’t really be a parale-gal without this kind of training.”

“The electronic classroom allows our graduates toleave the program ready to use the latest softwareand equipment, and prepared to adopt new formsof technology as they become available,” said JayNadlman, assistant professor, legal studies.

Tebbe anticipates an increased number of work-ing paralegals returning to JCCC for classesbecause they need this legal software training.

Current legal studies faculty credit Mike Pener,professor emeritus, with the idea of a two-phaseproject to make JCCC’s paralegals more com-petitive in the job market.

The first phase is the electronic classroom, andthe second is a courtroom simulation lab. Courtroom plans call for a three-judge bench,witness stand, jury box, court reporter seat andobservation area – all equipped with the latesttechnology for showing video depositions andevidence presentation.

Tebbe says the courtroom will provide a revenue-generating facility that could be used by outsidelaw firms for mock trials or arbitration sessions,host actual proceedings by an appellate court ortrial courts, which are accessible to the public, and allow for realistic student instruction and performance. Legal studies faculty are workingwith the Workforce, Community and EconomicDevelopment branch toward the courtroom’simplementation.

“As the role of the paralegal expands, they needaccess to the latest research and analysis tech-nologies,” said Norma Stratemeier, legal studiesprofessor. “Our graduates need to be versed inlaw office and courtroom software.”

For more information about the paralegal program, call Tebbe at 913-469-3184 oratebbe@jccc.edu.

Move over, Perry Mason. Wake up, Judge Judy. The practice of

law has gone electronic, and so has JCCC’s paralegal training.New Classroom

Legal studies faculty NormaStratemeier, Jay Nadlmanand Anita Tebbe are shownhere in the new electronicclassroom.

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Legal Studies Makes a Case for Technology

HCDC

Members of the AllenCounty Community Collegebaseball teamdisassembled the oldplayground equipment foruse by the city of Elsmore.photo credit Craig Sands

(left to right) TeachersShay Griffin, Lisa Havensand Jeni Smith lead 2½-to 4-year-olds on a walkpast the empty playgroundbefore renovations begin .

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Playground Takes a Recess

of Kilimanjaro? Adults think it’s child’s play, butexperts in early child care education like SaraMcElhenny, program director, Hiersteiner ChildDevelopment Center, know that outdoor playdevelops socialization, fine and large motorskills, imagination, exploration of the senses,respect for nature and cognitive skills.

So after 19 years, the HCDC is replacing itsplayground with nature-based outdoor learningcenters designed by landscape architects Bow-man Bowman Novick. The play area, scheduledto be completed in August, will be divided intothree age groups: ages 1-2½, 2-4 and 3-6.

Of course, safety is the primary issue, as well asphysical issues like accessibility, privacy, drink-ing fountains and protection from the sun andwind. However, the child in all of us will appre-ciate the fun elements – water play features,embankment slides, musical instruments, tireswing, hollow log, net climber, willow hide-a-aways and gardens.

“This is going to be a good learning environ-ment for children, full of things to do,”McElhenny said.

The new play area has been a dream of parentsand HCDC teachers for about four years. Earlyfundraisers included t-shirt and HCDC cook-

book sales and faculty/staff gifts. The projectcatapulted with $296,000 from the 2008-09JCCC budget and $20,000 from the M.R. andEvelyn Hudson Foundation. Donations of$16,000 are still needed to realize a full wish-listof amenities like prairie shades, wooden play-house, berm embankment slides and the toppriority – a rubberized surface that is softer and,in the long term, requires less maintenance thanthe alternative – engineered mulch.

Demolition of the site took place in February,thanks to the donated services of McAnany Con-struction. The Allen County Community Collegebaseball team disassembled and moved the oldequipment, which was sold to the city of Elsmore.

At this writing, construction was due to begin inApril with a community planting planned forfall, optimal planting time for trees, with willowbulbs slated for spring 2010. Look for chalkmarks on campus sidewalks this summer as chil-dren play at alternative campus sites duringspring and summer.

“I want children to enjoy the outdoors, to knowwho lives out there, and how to take care of it.Children need to get away from the computerand television and use their imaginations,”McElhenny said.

Who doesn’t remember their first playground, where swinging

was almost like flying, and the top of the slide was the summit

part-time employees and 18,000 students. To ease NKOTB syndrome, JCCC’s Staff and Organizational Development office has revived itsPartners and Protégés program that pairs newadministrative assistants with experienced ones.

Starting in the spring 2009 semester, 10 pairs ofadministrative assistants enlisted in the mentorprogram, which requests a yearlong commitment.

“I am thrilled with the program,” said Sally Gordon, administrative assistant, Staff andOrganizational Development, who facilitatesthe program. “Our partners have been employedat JCCC for a number of years, and protégésbenefit from their experience. It allows newadministrative assistants to network with peopleoutside their work area and see the campus as awhole.”

Initially, Partners and Protégés was instituted byCathy Misenhelter, manager, Staff Developmentand Human Resources Systems, and Dr. HelenBurnstad, former director, Staff and OrganizationalDevelopment, in 2003. The program became inactive but was reinstituted in the wake of a new hiring wave after the recent retirement ofmany longtime administrative assistants. Gordoninterviews protégés and pairs partners according tointerests. The partners encourage involvement incollege activities and meet with their protégés ona regular basis.

“If a new person has a question, they feel comfort-able in having someone to ask,” Gordon said.

During her first year, Janele Sumner, administra-tive assistant, social sciences and social services,was mentored by Betty DiCostanzo, administrativeassistant, science, now retired.

“A mentor is a good reference point. Betty toldme where to go and who to see when I neededdirection. She introduced me to people acrosscampus, and I attended Office ProfessionalsLeague meetings with her,” Sumner said.

Now Sumner has taken on the role of partner,mentoring Donna Wallace, administrative assis-tant, information services.

The partnership provides more than orientationinformation. Protégés encourage short- andlong-term goals and discuss ways new people canlearn through classes and seminars. It also pro-vides friendship.

“Betty and I started meeting a couple of times amonth for lunch, then we started walking everyday we could. We still get together when Bettyis on campus. Our partnering turned into afriendship,” Sumner said.

It’s hard being the new kid on the block, especially when the “block” is

a college with 20 buildings, almost 1,000 full-time employees, 1,400 Staff

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Betty DiCostanzo (left)mentored Janele Sumner(right), who in turn ispartner to DonnaWallace.

Debbie Ross,administrative assistant,Police Department, andJoan Curtis,administrative assistant,computingsciences/informationtechnology, make a goodpair; Curtis has Ross’former job.

Sally Gordon, whofacilitates Partners andProtégés, talks with herprotégé Norma Delaorra,administrative assistant,auditing.

Partners and Protégés

Second Service

Wassmer have raised their children and decidedto enroll at Johnson County Community College this spring to learn a new trade. Jones isan interior design major, and Wassmer, who hasbeen accepted to the University of KansasSchool of Nursing, is taking some of her prerequisite courses at JCCC. What neitherexpected was to be two of the key players onJCCC’s women’s tennis team coached by GlenMoser.

Jones was asked to join the team after strikingup a conversation with Moser during her son’sTae Kwon Do tournament at JCCC. Jones waswearing a John Newcombe t-shirt, and Mosernoticed and asked about it. As they continuedto talk, Moser found out she was a level 4.0United States Tennis Association player andjokingly asked if she would like to join the team.When she informed him she was a student,Moser assured her his offer was serious.

Wassmer’s journey to the team roster was simi-lar. A level 4.5 USTA player, Wassmer knewassistant coach Grant Priddy. When he foundout she was coming to JCCC for her classesbefore nursing school, he asked if she would beinterested in playing for the team this spring.

Both their families were very excited and supportive, and their teammates have been veryaccepting as well.

“I am just thrilled to have this experience,”Jones said.

Wassmer expressed the same feeling. “It hasbeen a wonderful experience and it is exciting tobe part of this team.”

Moser has high expectations for his two new“veteran” players. Both are projected to play inthe upper half of the singles lineup and could bepaired together in doubles play.

“We are very fortunate to have them join us thisseason,” Moser said. “They give us opportunityto contend in our matches this season and continue our streak of reaching the nationaltournament.”

Story by Tyler Cundith

The community college system in this country provides people a

unique opportunity for a fresh start. Marianne Jones and Becky

StudentsBecky Wassmer (right)and Marianne Jonesreturned to JCCC forclasses and tennis.

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Graduations ScheduledJCCC will have its commencement exercises at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the JCCC Gymnasium. Dr. John E. Roueche, directorof the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin, will be the speaker.

The GED graduation is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the JCCC Gymnasium.

Other graduations are:

� Respiratory Care, 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 13,Polsky Theatre

� Nursing Pinning, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13,Yardley Hall

� Honors Graduation, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 211 Carlsen Center

� Dental Hygiene, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Polsky Theatre

� Cosmetology, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, Polsky Theatre

� LPN Pinning, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, Polsky Theatre

A reception follows each graduation.

For more information about commencement exercises, contact the Student Information Deskat 913-469-3807.

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE12345 COLLEGE BLVDOVERLAND PARK KS 66210-1299

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Johnson County Community College

ThisMonthThis Month at JCCC is publishednine times a year by JohnsonCounty Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210-1299; 913-469-8500, fax 913-469-2559.www.jccc.eduThis Month at JCCC is producedby College Information andPublications and the Office ofDocument Services.

Editor: Peggy GrahamPhotographer: Bret GustafsonDesigner: Randy Breeden

When planning your estate, rememberJohnson County Community College. Formore information, call Emily Fowler,JCCC Foundation, 913-469-3835.

Dr. James Leiker, associate professor, history, led the faculty processionat the 2008 graduation.