http://www.mccpta-epi.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/0322-13_Performing-Arts-Catalog-2012.pdf
Big Learning, formerly MCCPTA-EPI, was founded in 1975 by MCCPTA to provide high quality and affordable educational enrichment programs for children in Pre-K through 8th grade. Our programs focus on experiential and play-based learning, inspiring children’s curiosity and excitement about learning. For over 35 years, Big Learning FLES and Science & Engineering programs have proudly enriched the lives of over 100,000 students in more than 80 schools across Montgomery County, MD.
Big Learning offers classes before and after school, as well as half-day workshops, school-day programs, and presentations about enrichment learning. If your PTA is interested in sponsoring Big Learning programs in your school, or if you have any questions concerning our programs, please contact us using the information listed below.
Big Learning Programs
CLICK HERE to visit the Big Learning website for more information
Mailing Address: 11721 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902
Executive Director: Dr. Karen A. Cole- Partnerships with local PTAs remain strong and growing! This fall 205 FLES (Foreign Language) classes are running at 72 schools (six more than last fall), and 85 Science and Engineering classes are running at 39 schools.
- Scholarship fund gave out almost $6,000 in scholarships this fall.
- Completely revised the Fall Science curriculum. K-1 students got to take home their own live worms and find outdoor habitats for them! Grade 4-5 students will be extracting DNA in test tubes. The new program is getting rave reviews from teachers and parents alike.
Foreign Language in Elementary Schools (FLES)
Big Learning Foreign Language: FLES offers quality, immersion-based foreign language classes in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and French for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. Children have fun and enjoy learning new languages from native speakers as they explore foreign lands through exciting stories, high-energy games, and imaginative interactive activities. With FLES, children gain confidence in hearing and speaking a new language and cultural awareness – opening doors to a global 21st century.
Director: Kirsten Rhodes
Program Administrator: Dorea McMahon
Big Learning Science & Engineering, formerly Hands On Science and Big Learning KID, sparks the curiosity in children with playful, interactive, hands-on science and engineering activities for children Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. By actively participating in exciting experiments and projects, our students explore the fundamentals of science, engineering and the scientific method. Our students also develop the critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and creativity skills needed to become innovators for life.
Program Administrator: Rhea Smirlock
Cultural Arts Showcase
This program sponsors a four-day event that occurs in late September and early October. This event showcases the talents of a variety of performers who are interested in performing for the children of MCPS in assemblies at the local schools. The PTA Cultural Arts Chairpersons are invited to this showcase so they will be able to make informed decisions about the assemblies in which their students will participate. All performers have been given prior approval by the Department of Academic Programs for MCPS.
Director: Seda Gelenian
MCCPTA-EPI Board of Directors
Jane de Winter, President
Kristin Trible, Vice President
Mary Carvajal, Secretary/Treasurer
Sara Devine, Board Member
Prince Havely, Board Member
Patricia Iliff, Board Member
Allan Levy, Board Member
Stacy Yu, Board Member