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Enrichment teachers bring experience to Duck U 
ENRICHING: Zaira Amado, above right, works with students participating in Duck University, helping them practice skills using Brainbuilder activities.
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By MARTHA STODDARD Duck University sites at T.H. Johnson and Taylor Middle School have been fortunate this school year to enjoy the company of many talented enrichment group teachers from Taylor and nearby communities. Enrichment teacher Donna Pipkin taught students crafts from decoupage to how to use a sewing machine. She manages Curves in Rockdale. Bess and Billy Hall also traveled from Rockdale daily. She used interesting literature to help students use reading, math and science skills. He worked with students to apply science skills growing flowers and vegetables in the school gardens. He also helped children build and paint wooden models and birdhouses. Griffin Rogers took time from his Rockdale business and his ranch to share his knowledge of radio and film, guiding his enrichment group in making original movies. Rockdale resident and Duck University Supervisor JoAnn Barcak taught arts and crafts, especially “About Me” books, at both campuses. Artist Karen Burges from Thrall introduced students to famous artists' styles through lessons about painting on canvas and creating collages on wood. Burges encouraged young artists “to let art fill them up as they work, and all of their worries will go away.” Several students from Southwestern University in Georgetown directed cheerleading, harmonica and singing groups. One college student taught volleyball. Taylor ISD staff further added new and exciting enrichment experiences for students. T.H. Johnson LifeSkills teacher Doug Austin, former assistant site coordinator for the first year of Duck University, taught sports like disk golf and flag football. He also designed science group tasks that involved measuring force in newtons and studies about transportation, flight and insects. Connie Gamez delighted children twice a week in cooking class and taught kitchen safety and how to follow healthy recipes. Students enjoyed eating what they cooked. Gail Kuhl enabled students, through different arts and crafts activities, “to express themselves and to share and compliment each other.” Art products from this group were given to local senior citizens and hospital patients as part of service learning projects. Zaira Amado challenged students' thinking with creative Brainbuilder activities. Jim Brogan instructed students in martial arts. Taylor resident Sandra Ging used her enthusiasm for learning and expertise from teaching at St. Paul's Lutheran Church to blend science concepts with gardening, art and projects for her group. At Taylor Middle School, Levi Wilson's “Gearing Up!” enrichment group students built and raced model cars. Instructors who traveled the farthest distance were Diversified Youth Service's karate and dance teachers from San Antonio. Two teachers coming from Austin were Guadalupe Salinas, a volunteer with Girl Scouts who directed a scout group, and chef Vic Zuliani, registered chef with The American Culinary Federation. Zuliani provided students with hands on experiences about etiquette and careers in the restaurant business. His students enjoyed cooking and eating nutritious foods. Duck University's family of dedicated, talented enrichment teachers has united Taylor with surrounding communities to provide students both enlightening opportunities to learn new things and models of people who made up their minds to achieve their goals in careers and in life.
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