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Spring 2025

Spring 2025 Electives

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursday
Block 1 Outdoor GamesDouble Helix Live!Playful PsychologyGerman Language & Culture Graphic DesignTheater GamesDrafting MasteryVolleyball Disc GolfTheater BasicsCoding Wild Earth Spring MarketDrawing & PaintingComputer ArchitectureCrochet Club
Block 2 Book Club Grades 4-6Studio GhibliPersonal StyleStock Market Game Student Council/YearbookCode BreakingOrigamiEngineering Explorers Yoga Social MediaOutsider ArtWild Earth UGA ArtDance Lacrosse Hygge: The Art of Coziness

Spring 2025 Electives - Monday Block 1

M1 - Outdoor Games ($5 supply fee)

Ms. Tiffanie

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! Tiffanie Reid is a former Double Helix parent who thoroughly enjoys teaching our Narwhals.

M1 - Double Helix Live! ($5 supply fee)

Ms. Tyler

It’s like Saturday Night Live - only the school version! Come learn how to create a comedy sketch from start to finish. We will write our own scripts, act out our sketches, and record them to watch back! Tyler Stansky works as a lead drama teacher at Little Characters Theater Troupe in Athens.

M1 - Playful Psychology ($0 supply fee)

Ms. Jess

Unlock the secrets of the mind in Playful Psychology! This exciting class, led by Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist Jess Sigur, invites you to explore human emotions and behaviors through games, interactive activities, and discussions.  Discover some of the brain science behind stress and learn about coping tools to help you navigate life's challenges. Practice problem-solving skills and develop insight while having a blast!  This class is purely educational; it is not therapy.

M1 - German Language & Culture ($10 supply fee)

Mr. Drew

In this class, we will explore the rich culture of Germany and German-speaking countries, through song, food, and games. Simple key German phrases, such as introducing yourself or asking where the bathroom is, will be the priority in the language portion. Games like Jeopardy and Bingo will teach us fun trivia about the German-speaking world. During Karaoke days, students will (optionally!) sing iconic German songs such as “99 Luftballons”. You may also know Mr. Drew as the TA in Math!

Spring 2025 Electives - Tuesday Block 1

T1 - Graphic Design ($0 supply fee)

Mr. Jason G.

Learn how to create stunning graphics, take amazing photos, and create engaging visual media in this introduction to the history, culture, and technology of graphic design! Jason Guthrie is an Associate Professor of Communication and Media Studies, a Media Historian, the Host of the Recollecting Carter podcast, and a Double Helix parent.

T1 - Theater Games ($0 supply fee)

Ms. Tyler

Theater games are for everybody! Come express yourself, move yourself, and even tell some jokes along the way.  This class is energetic and creative and will teach valuable communication skills as well as basic acting techniques.  Tyler Stansky works as a lead drama teacher at Little Characters Theater Troupe in Athens.

T1 - Magic 101: Drafting Mastery ($0 supply fee)

Mr. Ron

Step into the world of Magic: The Gathering and learn the art of drafting—a strategy-packed way to build your own deck on the fly! In this class, you’ll hone your skills in card evaluation, strategic thinking, and deck-building mechanics, all while competing in fun, fast-paced games with your classmates. Mr. Ron is an LPN with a penchant for games.

T1 - Volleyball ($5 supply fee)

Mr. Bryce

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of volleyball! In this fun and action-packed class, you’ll learn how to bump, set, and spike while playing games and mastering cool skills. Whether you're new to volleyball or already love it, every week will be filled with hands-on activities, teamwork, and challenges to help you grow as a player. By the end, you'll be ready to shine on the court and show off what you’ve learned. Let’s serve up some fun and make every moment count!  Bryce Wardlaw is a UGA student studying Biological Engineering.  

Spring 2025 Electives - Wednesday Block 1

W1 - Disc Golf ($0 supply fee)

Mr. Ben & Mr. Jared

In this class, we will learn about and play disc golf. We will learn the rules of this exciting sport and how it is played. We will learn the physics of why discs fly the way they do and how to make them fly in different directions and different distances. We will also talk about sportsmanship, keeping your calm while competing, and respecting nature while you play. Ben Makin and Jared Penso are parents of Double Helix students and avid disc golfers.

W1 -Theater Basics ($5 supply fee)

Ms. Tyler

Using monologues and scripted scenes, we will learn the basics of Blocking, Stage Direction, Projection, Facial Expression, Movement, and much more! This will be to work towards learning Fairy Tale Courthouse, a short play that we’ll perform. Tyler Stansky works as a lead drama teacher at Little Characters Theater Troupe in Athens.

W1- Coding ($0 supply fee)

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.

W1 - Wild Earth (Choose both W1 and W2),($30 supply fee)

Ms. Kimberly

The mission of this off-campus class is to connect children to the natural environment while they learn and have fun. We do this through exploration, play, and teaching earth skills like building structures, tracking wild animals, crafting, storytelling, and studying birds and native plants. We will learn knife skills, knot skills, and map-making. We will spend all of our time outside in the fields, forest, and along the stream at the 50-acre Piedmont Preserve. Please come dressed for the weather. Students must sign up for both W1 and W2 blocks. Camp Director Laura Hall has many years of experience working with children of various ages. Kimberly Curlee teaches Science at Double Helix.

Spring 2025 Electives - Thursday Block 1

TH1 - Spring Market ($5 supply fee)

Ms. Francesca

In this marketing class, students will use their individual talents and skills to create items to sell at a Spring Market. This class replaces the whole-school Holiday Market project that Double Helix has done in the past. 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. Francesca Cohn works in marketing but loves teaching children on the side.

TH1 - Drawing & Painting ($25 supply fee)

Ms. Sweeya

Discover your artistic side in this creative and hands-on art class! We will dive into the fundamentals of sketching as we explore lines, shading, and proportions, setting the stage for expressive masterpieces. Then, we will bring your imagination to life on canvas, learning essential painting techniques like blending, layering, and working with vibrant colors. This class emphasizes step-by-step guidance, creative freedom, and a supportive environment where everyone can let their artistry shine. Let’s sketch, paint, and create something extraordinary together!Sweeya Boorla is a biology student at UGA and an avid artist.

TH1 - Computer Architecture ($20 supply fee)

Ms. Brooke

Explore the inner workings of computers by learning about their key components—CPUs, memory, storage, and more. Students will get hands-on experience emulating the process of building a PC, and understanding how parts fit together to create a functional machine. By the end of the semester, they’ll know what makes a computer work! Brooke Ellis is a Computer Science major at the University of Georgia and enjoys playing video games and crocheting in her free time.

TH1 - Crochet Club ($10 supply fee)

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.

Spring 2025 Electives - Monday Block 2

M2 - Book Club Grades 4-6 (students must purchase assigned books)

Ms. Deisy

If you're like me and love reading fiction or would like to get more into reading, this class is for you!  Join me as we read a variety of novels in a variety of different genres!  From fantasy to thrillers to realistic fiction, we will read them and discuss our thoughts and theories together.  This elective requires reading outside of class.  Deisy Camacho teaches ELA at Double Helix.

M2 - Studio Ghibli ($15 supply fee)

Ms. Maryn

Dive into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli! This immersive class explores the beloved Japanese animation studio known for its captivating storytelling, rich artistry, and memorable characters. We’ll begin with an introduction to Studio Ghibli’s history, learning about its founding by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and discovering the cultural impact of films like *My Neighbor Totoro*, *Spirited Away*, and *Princess Mononoke*. Students will gain insight into the creative process, themes, and unique animation techniques that define Ghibli's iconic style. Throughout the course, we’ll watch and discuss selected films, analyzing their narratives, visual symbolism, and character development. Projects will include making soot sprite pom-poms, crafting Totoro bookmarks, and designing Spirited Away-inspired masks. Ms. Maryn teaches Social Studies at Double helix.

M2 - Personal Style ($10 supply fee + money for thrift trip)

Ms. Kimberly

Fashion can be a form of art!  Learn how to express yourself through your clothing and accessories. Follow fashion through the decades, steal tips from your favorite influencers, and learn how to make the most of the clothes you already have!  Class activities will include the occasional online shopping experience and a field trip to the thrift store.  Ms. Kimberly teaches Science at Double Helix.

M2 - Stock Market Game ($15 supply fee)

Ms. Shin

The Stock Market Game is an exciting simulation that gives students in grades 4-12 the opportunity to invest a virtual $100,000 for 10 weeks in real stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. At the end of the 10 weeks, teams with the highest total equity are eligible for a variety of prizes and awards. This is a state run competition and students will be automatically enrolled in the competition when they sign up for the elective. Students joining this class should be ready to learn how to analyze current economic conditions, read balance sheets, and be very comfortable working with numbers and data.

Spring 2025 Electives - Tuesday Block 2

T2 - Student Council/Yearbook ($0 supply fee)

Ms. Deisy

This is a year-long class open to current members only.  No new applicants will be accepted for the spring semester.

T2 - Code Breaking ($10 supply fee)

Ms. Shin

Cryptology is the study of secret codes and ciphers used to create and decipher hidden messages. In this engaging math course, students will explore historical methods of cryptology, including cipher wheels, the Caesar shift, polyalphabetic substitution, and the Vigenère cipher. Additionally, students will develop code breaking skills by analyzing and solving encrypted messages. Students joining this class should be comfortable with applying mathematics, pattern recognition, and be flexible and resilient in their learning. They should also be comfortable working with numbers and data.

T2 - Origami ($20 supply fee)

Ms. Maryn

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding and reflects the Japanese principle of shibui (subtle elegance), showcasing the remarkable creative possibilities inherent in a single sheet of paper. In this class, students will engage in new projects each week that challenge their fine motor skills while developing patience, spatial skills, and concentration! All of this combined stimulates the brain – especially when both hands are being used at the same time. Origami is truly a STEAM practice combining creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, communication, and innovation! Ms. Maryn teaches Social Studies at Double Helix.

T2 - Engineering Explorers ($25 supply fee)

Mr. Bryce

Welcome to our Engineering Explorers class! Over the next 18 weeks, well dive into the exciting world of engineering, where creativity and problem-solving come together to build amazing things. From designing bridges and launching rockets to making pinwheels and creating earthquake-proof structures, you’ll get to experiment, tinker, and bring your ideas to life with hands-on activities. Engineering isn’t just about building—it’s about exploring how things work and finding fun ways to solve challenges. Get ready to think like an engineer and have a blast while learning new skills and creating something awesome each week! Bryce Wardlaw is a UGA student studying Biological Engineering.

Spring 2025 Electives - Wednesday Block 2

W2 - Yoga ($0 supply fee)

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! Ms. Eleanor is a retired school counselor and long-time yoga practitioner who loves sharing the joys of yoga with students.

W2 - Social Media ($0 supply fee)

Ms. Shin

In this interactive course, students will develop and manage real-time social media campaigns for Double Helix’s Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Students will create content, engage with the community, and craft compelling updates. Students joining this class must have experience in video editing and photography, demonstrate strong writing skills for captions and scripts, and exhibit creativity and a collaborative mindset.

W2 - Outsider Art($20 supply fee)

Ms. Maryn

Discover the fascinating world of outsider art — works created by self-taught artists operating outside mainstream artistic norms. This elective delves into the history, philosophy, and cultural significance of outsider art, exploring its roots in personal expression and unconventional creativity. Through examining artists, class discussions, and hands-on projects, students will explore the diverse practices and visionary works of outsider artists from around the world. This class emphasizes themes such as individuality, the relationship between art and society, and the boundaries of creativity. Students in Outsider Art will take a field trip to the Georgia Museum of Art to learn about self-taught artists and the outsider artworks on exhibit there.Ms. Maryn teaches Social Studies at Double Helix.

W2 - Wild Earth continued (Choose both W1 and W2), ($30 supply fee)

Ms. Kimberly

This is a double-block class. Students must sign up for both W1 and W2 blocks.

Spring 2025 Electives - Thursday Block 2

TH2 - UGA Art ($0 supply fee)

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.

TH2 - Dance ($5 supply fee)

Ms. Sweeya

Step into the groove with a dynamic dance class where energy meets creativity! This dance class will explore electrifying styles like hip-hop, Bollywood (Indian), and more. This dance journey is tailored to all levels! Starting with foundational techniques, we’ll build up to choreography that combines rhythm, flair, and confidence. The sessions focus on step-by-step instruction, group practice, and creative expression, making it fun and approachable. With a blend of structured lessons and freestyle moments, every class is an opportunity to learn, grow, and Groove! Sweeya Boorla is a biology major at UGA and has taught various forms of dance to all ages.

TH2 - Lacrosse ($0 supply fee)

Mr. Jerry

Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in America, having been played by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived. Lacrosse was once played by teams of hundreds and was used to settle conflicts, train warriors, and celebrate community. It is currently the fastest-growing sport in America. Students will learn the FUNdamentals of cradling, passing, and catching the ball as well as the proper footwork, teamwork and position-specific skills of a lacrosse player. Your Coach, Jerry Morrow has been a Women's Lacrosse Official since 2001 and a youth and high school lacrosse coach since 2008. This course is suitable for all ages.

TH 2 - Hygge: The Art of Coziness ($25 supply fee)

Ms. Ashley

Come along on a seasonal journey as we learn about Hygge’s Danish and Norwegian origins, design a cozy space, learn to bake cookies and bread, play board games, practice crafts, take a walk through the neighborhood, and more! As the seasons change and spring arrives, we’ll spend more time outside, planning the perfect picnic, starting seeds, and making sun tea. Grab your fuzzy socks and let’s hygge (pronounced who-guh)! Ms. Ashley is an educator and Double Helix parent.

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