

Grants Pass Learning Center, 2250 NW Heidi Lane, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
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Science Lab Grades 3-4
Grades:
3-4
Course Day:
Tuesday, 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Occasionally
My goal for this class is to foster curiosity and wonder while guiding discovery through hands-on exploration! This core science class is designed to cover all Next Generation Science Standards for grades 3-4, during a two-year loop. Each year, we will spiral through topics from four science domains: physical, life, earth and space, and engineering. Classes will include short videos, stories, discussions, labs, models, experiments, and simulations. Students will work with partners, in small groups, and independently. A variety of curriculum-embedded and formal assessments will be used. In addition to science content, students will use language arts and math skills as needed to support and demonstrate learning.
Shauna Sorce
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Science Lab Grades 5- 6
Grades:
5-6
Course Day:
Tuesday 11:10am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Occasionally
My goal for this class is to foster curiosity and wonder while guiding discovery through hands-on exploration! This core science class is designed to cover all Next Generation Science Standards for grades 5-6, during a two-year loop. Each year, we will spiral through topics from four science domains: physical, life, earth and space, and engineering. Classes will include short videos, discussions, labs, models, investigations, and simulations. Students will work with partners, in small groups, and independently. A variety of curriculum-embedded and formal assessments will be used. In addition to science content, students will use language arts and math skills as needed to support and demonstrate learning.
Shauna Sorce
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Science Grades 7-8
Grades:
7-8
Course Day:
Thursday 11:10am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Occasionally
My goal for this class is to foster curiosity and wonder while guiding discovery through hands-on exploration! This core science class is designed to cover all Next Generation Science Standards for grades 7-8, during a two-year loop. Each year, we will spiral through topics from four science domains: physical, life, earth and space, and engineering. Classes will include short videos, stories, discussions, labs, models, experiments, and simulations. Students will work with partners, in small groups, and independently. A variety of curriculum-embedded and formal assessments will be used. In addition to science content, students will use language arts and math skills as needed to support and demonstrate learning.
Shauna Sorce
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
PE/ Mindfulness Grades 5- 6
Grades:
5-6
Course Day:
Tuesday 10:05am -11:05am
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Occasionally
This class is an opportunity to engage in physical movement and PE games, mindfulness exercises, and a little bit of brain science to help students have a great start to the day at our Grants Pass Learning Center. Most class periods will include 30 minutes of physical activity and 15 minutes of mindfulness, including short explanations of brain functions to build awareness and social emotional intelligence.
Shauna Sorce
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
PE/ Mindfulness Grades 7- 8
Grades:
7-8
Course Day:
Thursday 10:05am - 11:05am
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Occasionally
This class is an opportunity to engage in physical movement and PE games, mindfulness exercises, and a little bit of brain science to help students have a great start to the day at our Grants Pass Learning Center. Most class periods will include 30 minutes of physical activity and 15 minutes of mindfulness, including short explanations of brain functions to build awareness and social emotional intelligence.
Shauna Sorce
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
K-1 Learning Cohort
Grades:
K-1
Course Day:
Wednesday 10:05am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Occasionally
Kindergarten and grade 1 students will have an opportunity to learn and play together during this half day experience. Class time will include an opening circle with calendar, weather, and discussion, followed by read aloud, games, and hands-on activities that integrate science, social studies, math, and ELA extensions. A snack time will be included. Lunch and recess time will follow class. Parent support is welcome!
Shauna Sorce
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Community Storytellers: Social Studies and Writing
Grades:
1-2
Course Day:
Tuesday 10:05am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25
Homework:
Estimated 30 minutes weekly
This engaging course introduces students in grades 1–2 to the foundations of social studies and writing through stories, discussion, hands-on activities, and reflective writing. Students explore themes such as family, school, neighborhoods, community helpers, geography, history, and citizenship while building early writing skills. Each class includes a picture book read-aloud, interactive activity, and guided writing reflection to help students connect ideas to their own lives. Throughout the year, students practice narrative, informational, and opinion writing while learning about maps, timelines, traditions, and how communities work together. Weekly homework assignments should take no more than 20 minutes to complete.
Zelda Bullen
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Science Grades 1-2
Grades:
1-3
Course Day:
Tuesday 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$30
Homework:
Estimated 20 minutes weekly
This course will cover science standards for grades 1-2 using Generation Genius science videos to supplement lab activities in class. Each week students will watch a short video at home and complete a short quiz or reflection before we roll up our sleeves and do hands-on projects together in class.
Zelda Bullen
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
First Tech Challenge Robotics
Grades:
6-12
Course Day:
Thursday 10:05pm - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$200.00
Homework:
1 hour for CTE, additional .5 hour for Science or ELA credit option.
Ready to turn your curiosity into creation? In this exciting hands-on Robotics course, you'll design, build, and program a robot to compete in the official FIRST Tech Challenge—no prior robotics or coding experience needed! We welcome all skill levels, from beginners to future engineers.
As part of a real competition team, you'll collaborate to solve complex problems using science, technology, engineering, and math. You'll also level up your ELA skills through technical writing, presentations, and team communication, and dive into CTE pathways like engineering, computer science, and digital design.
Tournaments are held one Saturday per month in Roseburg from October through February. Additional work days outside of class time will be optional.
Students opting for additional credit in Science or ELA will take on greater responsibility on chosen projects including homework and a final paper or project.
Zelda Bullen
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Exploring Oregon’s History
Grades:
3-4
Course Day:
Tuesday 10:05am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25.00
Homework:
1-2 hours per week
This year, students will build a strong understanding of Oregon’s history, geography, and the people who have shaped our state. Through engaging lessons and hands-on activities, students will explore how geography influences the way people live, work, and travel across Oregon’s diverse regions.
Students will learn about the Native American tribes of Oregon, including groups such as the Chinook, Kalapuya, and Nez Perce. We will study their cultures, traditions, and deep connections to the land, while developing respect for the first peoples of our region and their lasting contributions.
Our study of Westward Expansion will focus on the Oregon Trail and the experiences of pioneers who traveled west. Students will examine the challenges settlers faced, the reasons for migration, and the impact of expansion on Native American communities.
Finally, students will investigate the Gold Rush, learning about why people moved west in search of gold and how this period affected Oregon’s development, economy, and population.
Throughout the year, students will practice important skills such as map reading, critical thinking, and analyzing historical events from multiple perspectives.
Students will also learn to plan, draft, revise, and publish the three required TNW essay types: expository, narrative, and persuasive. Writers will practice strong paragraphs, clear organization, and powerful sentences while building ideas with cited text evidence, details, and voice.
Miguel Baltazar
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Social Studies: Early American History and Exploration
Grades:
5-6
Course Day:
Thursday 10:05am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$25.00
Homework:
1-2 hours per week
This 5th/6th grade Social Studies class explores the people, events, and ideas that shaped early American history and the wider world. Students begin by studying early Indigenous civilizations, learning about the diverse cultures, innovations, and ways of life of Native peoples across North America before European contact. Emphasis is placed on respect, contributions, and the lasting impact of these communities.
The course then moves into the Age of Exploration, where students examine why European nations set out to explore, the routes they traveled, and the consequences—both positive and negative—of these encounters. Students will think critically about how exploration changed the world and affected Indigenous populations.
Next, students investigate the development of the original 13 colonies, comparing regional differences in economy, geography, and culture. They will explore what daily life looked like for colonists and how early ideas of self-government began to form.
The class culminates with the Revolutionary War, where students analyze the causes of the conflict, key events, and important figures. They will also examine how the fight for independence shaped the creation of a new nation.
Throughout the course, students will engage in discussions, projects, and primary source analysis to build historical thinking skills, connect past events to present-day ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of how history shapes our world today.
Students will also learn to plan, draft, revise, and publish the three required TNW essay types: expository, narrative, and persuasive. Writers will practice strong paragraphs, clear organization, and powerful sentences while building ideas with cited text evidence, details, and voice.
Miguel Baltazar
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Art Projects Lab
Grades:
6-12
Course Day:
Wednesday 10:05am - 12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
$40.00
Homework:
Homework is occasional and minimal.
Art Projects Lab is a flexible, project-based class where students explore a variety of art forms, materials, and techniques. Students will engage in both guided and open-ended projects, with opportunities to experiment, revisit skills, and develop their own ideas.
Projects may connect to themes from science, history, and culture, encouraging students to see art as a way of exploring and understanding the world. The class emphasizes creativity, effort, and process over perfection.
High school students may earn high school credit through an individually developed project, created in collaboration with the instructor and completed with additional expectations.
Amber Bishop
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Writing & Thinking: Voice, Truth, and Perspective
Grades:
6-8
Course Day:
Thursday 12:45-1:45pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
Homework:
2-4 hours per week
This core writing course builds essential skills across personal narrative, informational, argumentative, and analytical writing. Students will write from real experiences, investigate ideas, and learn to support their thinking with clear, specific evidence. The course emphasizes structured writing, thoughtful revision, and developing an authentic voice.
As a once-weekly core class, this course requires consistent effort outside of class. Students should expect regular homework, ongoing writing assignments, and active participation in discussion and peer feedback.
Parent partnership is an important part of student success in this course. Because writing can feel challenging or intimidating, students will benefit from support at home—such as encouragement, help staying on pace, and light editing or feedback during the drafting process. The goal is not perfection, but steady progress and engagement with the work.
Amber Bishop
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
US History
Grades:
9-12
Course Day:
Thursday 12:45-1:45pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
Homework:
2-4 hours per week
This course offers a comprehensive and critical exploration of United States history for students in grades 9–12, emphasizing both traditional narratives and diverse perspectives. Using The American Pageant, 18th Edition by David Kennedy and Margaret O’Mara alongside Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States, students will engage with history through multiple lenses—examining political, economic, and cultural developments while also considering the experiences of marginalized groups often underrepresented in conventional accounts. Instruction will intentionally blend these two texts: The American Pageant provides a structured, chronological foundation of key events and themes, while A People’s History challenges students to question dominant narratives and explore history from the viewpoint of workers, women, Indigenous peoples, and other historically excluded voices. Through comparative readings, discussions, and analytical writing, students will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of how history is constructed. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate differing historical interpretations, and articulate informed perspectives on the American past and its ongoing impact on society today.
Brianne Johnson
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Personal Finance / Career
Grades:
9-12
Course Day:
Wednesday10:05am-12:10pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
Homework:
2-4 hours per week
Personal Financial Education is a one-semester high school course that introduces students to essential financial literacy skills through selected units from the Next Gen Personal Finance Semester Course. Students examine career pathways, banking services, budgeting strategies, taxes, types of credit, credit management, and investing. Through real-world applications and decision-making activities, students build the knowledge and habits needed to manage money responsibly and prepare for financial life after graduation.
Tentative Guest Speakers
Guest speakers will be used throughout the course to connect personal finance concepts to real careers and adult financial choices. Students will engage with speakers from a variety of fields and reflect on how career pathways, income, taxes, budgeting, borrowing, and long-term planning affect life after high school.
Tucker VanMatre
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades:
Middle School Mathematics Core Support
Grades:
6-8
Course Day:
Wednesday 12:45pm - 2:55pm
Location:
GPLC
Automatic Allotment Deduction:
Homework:
2-3 hours
This course provides targeted, in-person math support for middle school students using the ALEKS online learning platform. Meeting once per week, the class is designed to reinforce foundational math skills, build confidence, and support individualized learning pathways. Students will work through personalized ALEKS modules aligned to their current skill level, while receiving direct instruction, guided practice, and small-group support from the teacher.
In-person sessions focus on clarifying challenging concepts, developing problem-solving strategies, and strengthening mathematical reasoning. The course emphasizes growth, persistence, and mastery, allowing students to progress at their own pace while receiving consistent academic support.
Tucker VanMatre
Instructor:
Instructor Email:
Grades: