Ms. Jess
Explore the human experience through brain games, art, and a basic introduction to Psychology. Guided by Jess Sigure, local Registered Play Therapist, this elective promotes critical thinking and self-discovery. Personal choice is encouraged while students participate in planned activities that foster understanding and connection with themselves and others. Join us for fun games and learning!
Mr. Bryce
Want to show off your knowledge and compete against other schools to show them Double Helix is the best? In this elective, students will compete with each other (Jeopardy style) by answering random questions and buzzing in to say the answer! The team will attend competitions throughout the year at nearby schools and maybe even host one at DH to compete against other middle school teams! This elective is a great way to learn and have fun at the same time! Bryce Wardlaw is a UGA student studying Biological Engineering.
Ms. Tyler
Come play theater games, tap into your creativity and help solve a mystery. This semester we will work as a class to build our own characters and perform a mystery themed show. Tyler Stansky is a Double Helix parent who has been professionally involved in teaching theater for the last five years. She currently works with Cedar Shoals High School theater troupe and other local organizations.
Mr. Ron
In this class of imagination, teamwork, and storytelling, you'll learn a brand-new, easy-to-play roleplaying game—Magical Kittens Save the Day—where YOU are a brave little feline with secret powers and a big mission: protect your humans and solve magical mysteries! Don’t worry—this isn’t D&D. It’s simpler, sillier, and packed with heart. Once we all understand how to play, we’ll split into groups and rotate who runs the game each week. That’s right—you’ll get a chance to be the Kitten Master, guiding your friends through cozy or chaotic adventures! Each game comes with a pre-written story to run—but you're encouraged to go off-script, build your own world, and tell your own collaborative tales.All you need is your imagination, a love for stories, and a little cat-titude. Ron O’Callaghan is a registered nurse with a passion for all types of games.
Ms. Brooke
Dive into the world of coding with this beginner-friendly Python course! Students will learn to write programs, solve fun challenges, and create personalized projects to build their skills. The semester will wrap up with an exciting hackathon where students showcase what they’ve learned by building their own Python projects. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and creativity! Brooke Ellis is a Computer Science major at the University of Georgia and enjoys playing video games and crocheting in her free time.
Ms. Tyler
For this elective we are going to take a journey through time and talk about different types of storytelling and how they have influenced current forms of storytelling. We will also flex our creative writing muscles and try to also write in these styles of storytelling. Tyler Stansky is a Double Helix parent who has been professionally involved in teaching theater for the last five years. She currently works with Cedar Shoals High School theater troupe and other local organizations.
Ms. Kylie
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the wild side of art! In this hands-on class, you'll become a creative inventor—crafting your own pens, brushes, paints, and even art containers using materials straight from nature like clay, rocks, wood, leather, and pine needles. From mixing natural pigments to designing prints and tools, you'll explore how artists around the world have used the Earth as their art supply store. If you like building things, experimenting, and getting a little messy, this is the class for you! Kylie Hamlin is a local educator who specializes in authentic outdoor experiences.
Mr. Miles
In this class, we'll play all kinds of outdoor games. Whether you love sports or hate them, you'll have fun playing in this class. We will have some competition, but only the kind that makes the games more exciting! Examples of games we will play: Capture the Flag, Steal the Bacon, Kick the Can, Flag Tag, Touch Football, Frisbee Golf, Jump Rope Contests, and countless others. Sometimes, we will even make up our OWN games with our own rules!
Ms. Wanda
Ready to write like a pro and make your signature stand out? In this hands-on class, you'll learn the art of cursive writing—how to connect letters smoothly, write beautifully, and express yourself with style. Whether you're brand new or just want to level up your penmanship, this class will give you the skills and confidence to make your mark (literally). Plus, it’s fun, relaxing, and surprisingly satisfying. Join us and let your writing flow!
Ms. Tyler
This class is going to be a journey. We will start the semester with a mini round of D&D to get those unfamiliar with the game play familiar. We will then do a side quest tabletop D&D game. The audio and writings from this game will then be used to re-create our side quest as a real life story. Tyler Stansky is a Double Helix parent who teaches a wide variety of elective classes.
Mr. Tim
Discover the world of stand-up comedy! This course will serve as both a look at the history and evolution of stand-up comedy and as a practical course that will cover joke mechanics and writing for stand-up as well as performance techniques. Students will also learn confidence within public speaking, story telling, and how to apply these skills to the world outside of stand-up comedy. Over the course of the class, students will write and practice leaving them with their own five minute comedy set. Tim Pruitt is an accomplished producer, performer, and director of over 250+ comedy shows.”
Ms. Lily
Get moving, get grooving, and feel the beat! This high-energy dance class is your chance to learn awesome moves, build confidence, and have a blast with friends. Whether you're a beginner or love to dance already, this class will keep you smiling while you sharpen your rhythm, coordination, and creativity. From hip hop to freestyle, we bring the fun—just bring your energy!
Ms. Eleanor
Would you like to feel calmer, happier, and more peaceful inside? During this session, students will have the opportunity to experience the many benefits of yoga including increased strength and flexibility, better attention and focus, and stress management. Join us for breathing exercises, yoga poses, and yoga games! Eleanor Landman is a retired school counselor and long-time yoga practitioner who loves sharing the joys of yoga with students.
Ms. Tiffanie
Grab your yarn and hook and hang out and chat about crochet! Each week in The Crochet Club, we will unplug and get together to practice crochet. All of the sessions will be unique and special because you will be there! Learn stitches, practice with patterns, and encourage each other in our creativity. Tiffanie Reid is a former Double Helix parent who thoroughly enjoys teaching our Narwhals.
Mr. John
Get ready to spark your curiosity and power up your problem-solving skills! In this hands-on class, students will explore the exciting world of electronics using safe, battery-powered kits—no plugs or soldering required. You’ll build real circuits using resistors, capacitors, transistors, and more as you experiment with lights, sounds, and sensors. Using fun tools like snaps, springs, and breadboards, you’ll learn how electronic components work together to bring cool inventions to life. And when things don’t go as planned? No worries! We’ll use easy-to-follow flowcharts to troubleshoot and find creative solutions—just like real engineers do. John McNeece is a Double Helix parent who builds and fixes amps and other musical equipment.
Whether you’re a grandmaster in training or just curious how the horse moves, Chess Club is the place to sharpen your mind, learn new tactics, and have some serious fun. We’ll cover the basics of traditional chess, but we won’t stop there. Get ready to explore inventive strategies and alternative ways to play—from Bug House chess and 3 player chess on a round board with custom rule sets and puzzle challenges that flip the board on its head. Ron O’Callaghan is a registered nurse who loves games of all kinds.
Ms. Deisy
Unlock the pages of modern, age-appropriate romance novels—and the real-life lessons hidden between the lines. In this elective we’ll read a variety of middle-grade and YA love stories, then dive into conversations about what we discover: red and green flags, communication, friendship fallout, and family impact. Each book ends with the big questions: Should these characters stay together? Was that behavior acceptable? By the end of this elective, students will not only increase reading skills, they'll also sharpen their personal radar for healthy vs. unhealthy relationships—learning when love lifts us up and when to walk away. All genders welcome; empathy required! Ms. Deisy teaches ELA at Double Helix.
Ms. Katie
Do you want to learn how to hand-sew? Do you want to make a buddy for life? Take this class and learn the basics of hand sewing and how to create a monster/plushie/object out of fabric, felt, and embroidery! Katie Schoeffner teaches Social Studies at Double Helix.
Ms. Kimberly
Welcome to Keyboarding! Master essential typing skills in this fun and interactive class. Gain an edge in today's tech-savvy world through typing games and engaging activities. Unlock your potential and embrace the digital future with confidence! Kimberly Curlee teaches Science at Double Helix.
Ms. Shin
In this class, students will be introduced to the world of money, markets, and making smart choices. Through an interactive simulation, students will navigate twelve virtual months of real-life financial scenarios—balancing budgets, managing debt, making career decisions, and facing the unexpected. Along the way, they'll sharpen their decision-making skills and gain a practical understanding of how the economy affects everyday life. Whether it’s living paycheck to paycheck (or at least understanding why financial pitfalls happen) or decoding economic headlines, students will build the confidence and know-how to face the financial realities of adulthood—with fewer surprises. An interest in current events and economic trends is a must. This class is open for students in grades 6-8. Shin Law teaches Math at Double Helix.
Ms. Deisy
Do you have what it takes to be a leader? This elective is a year-long commitment where the first half of the year will mainly be focused on establishing our student council and roles, learning and applying leadership skills, planning events, working with PTO for fundraising, volunteering, as well as learning the basics of Treering, our yearbook platform, and taking pictures. In the second half of the year, students will work hard to create the DHSS yearbook and organize end-of-the-school-year festivities. Previous members are encouraged to continue. New members are welcome but MUST COMPLETE AN ONLINE APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS CLASS. Deisy Camacho teaches ELA at Double Helix.
Ms. Katie
Do you love art but sometimes get stuck or frustrated with tricky parts like drawing rooms, roads, or finishing your pieces? You’re not alone—and this class is here to help! Together, we’ll dive into the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in a fun and supportive way. You’ll discover new techniques, build confidence, and figure out which skills you want to sharpen. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your art, this class will give you the tools to grow and create with pride! Katie Schoeffner teaches Social Studies at Double Helix.
Ms. Kimberly
Interested in the creepy and unknown? Want to find out how superstitions came to be? Explore the paranormal with your peers and find out why humans are so interested in the weird and abnormal! Discover the bizarre and fascinating aspects of the natural (and supernatural!) world, from peculiar organisms to extraordinary scientific phenomena. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the darker side of science and expand your knowledge in an unforgettable way! This class is open to students in grades 6-8. Kimberly Curlee teaches Science at Double Helix.
Ms. Shin
In this class, students will transform simple cardboard into complex creations using sharp tools, inventive thinking, and a healthy dose of perseverance. This course is designed for makers who are ready to challenge themselves, work collaboratively, and embrace mistakes as part of the creative process. From crafting intricate structures to designing moving parts, students will sharpen their STEAM skills while learning to turn their wildest ideas into real, tangible projects. A high tolerance for frustration and a passion for problem-solving are a must! For students in grades 5-8. Shin Law teaches Math at DHSS.
Ms. Tyler
In this marketing class, students will use their individual talents and skills to create items to sell at a Holiday Market. Students will build a prototype of their design, refine the prototype based on peer feedback, create business names and logos, determine the cost of their product, and learn how to market it to their friends and family. They will have time in class to create multiple sets of their product. Tyler Stansky is a Double Helix parent who teaches a wide variety of elective classes.
Ms. Katie
Do you love helping the Earth? Do you like unique challenges? This class will use found objects, used materials, old donated goods, etc. to discover ways to create new works of art and help our Earth at the same time. Katie Schoeffner teaches Social Studies at Double Helix.
Ms. Kimberly
Mythbusters is a hands-on science elective where students investigate popular myths to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction. From testing the 5-second rule to exploring whether it’s better to run or walk in the rain, students will use experiments and scientific research to uncover the truth. Other myths might include: you only use !0% of your brain; lightning never strikes the same place twice; or gum stays in your stomach for seven years. If you’ve ever wondered whether science can bust a myth - this is your chance to find out. Kimberly Curlee teaches Science at Double Helix.
Ms. Shin
In this thought-provoking elective, students will journey beyond the surface of beloved Disney films to examine the deeper historical, cultural, and social issues woven into their stories. Through a critical lens, students will analyze four iconic movies—Wall-E, Encanto, Lilo and Stitch, and The Princess and the Frog—to explore how Disney portrays identity, environment, family, culture, and class. This course encourages students to question the narratives that shape mainstream media, uncover the real-world influences behind these animated classics, and evaluate the impact of representation and storytelling on popular culture. Students will engage in rich discussions, sharpen their analytical skills, and learn to see familiar tales in a whole new light. Shin Law teaches Math at Double Helix.
Ms. Adrienne
This elective is a mix of creative costuming and over-the-top fashion. Students will use simple construction methods to design and build wild looks, masks, accessories, and more throughout the semester. The course will culminate in a costume parade and party that the students will dream up and execute. Several guest instructors will teach different lessons and share inspiration. Adrienne Antonson is the founder of STATE the Label fashion and interiors and a proud Double Helix parent.
Ms. Ashley
Plants are a part of all of our daily lives, but how well do we know the plants around us? In this class, we will get to know botanical friends native to our area and beyond through identification walks, stories and folklore, natural dyeing, games, and learning basic healing and culinary qualities of herbs and plants. Ashley Dunn is an educator and Double Helix parent.
Mr. Jordan
Play guitar, ukulele or mandolin in this fun class where you’ll learn proper techniques, discover how musical notes and chords work together, and practice playing along with others in a supportive environment. No experience needed! Perfect for complete beginners. You can bring your own instrument or rent directly through Guitar Center for $30/semester. Jordan Russell is a professional musician with 18 years of experience and a dad who knows how to make learning fun!
Mr. Amos & UGA Student Teachers
The UGA Art classes offer a dynamic creativity-based program that can enrich your artistic skills, knowledge, and imagination! We will build on a variety of topics, materials, and creative processes to make vibrant works of art that tap into your interests and aspirations. We aim to make art as an exciting way to make connections, build community, and appreciate a more colorful view of life! Amos Mangalit is a visual artist from the Philippines currently pursuing a PhD in Art Education under the Fulbright Program. He will be joined by various UGA art education students each week.
