Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2019

FAMILY INTERACTIVE CENTER learn & play
WHAT IS
the Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center?
story by Susan Ruddiman photos courtesy of Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District’s Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center is a unique, one-of-a-kind learning experience designed for children of all ages and their families. Located off Market Street in Pascagoula, the center provides a wide array
of educational opportunities through hands-on activities and resources including flight aviation simulation, Wii and X-Box sports software, vintage video games, a planetarium with laser light show, iMac computer lab, black light room, a wetlands room, block room, lending library, a STEM room, a pirate ship room, a putt-putt golf course, a bank, fire station, grocery store and U-Build-
It Center, and a renovated gymnasium complete with stage and professional lighting for concerts, dramas and other productions and meetings.
A set of 500 chairs, folding tables and concession area make this venue ideal for corporate meetings and other gatherings. Since its grand opening in September of 2009, more than 180,000 people have participated in events at the center including performances by the Gulf Coast
Youth Symphony and Singing River Opera Company.
The center is housed in the former Carver High School, the African-American school open during segregation. The center is named for Aaron Jones, a beloved teacher and coach at Carver High. Vacant for many years,
the district’s Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich had a vision
for breathing new life into the building. With the school district undertaking the renovations, he sought out business and industry leaders to become sponsors of each of the themed rooms.
The district holds four Super Saturday events every school year, each with a different
theme, that are open and free to the community, giving parents and children an interactive, innovative place to learn and play together. Field trips, meetings and professional development are scheduled at the center during the week.
Aaron Jones Family Interactive Center
1415 Skip Ave., Pascagoula www.pgsd.ms | kmccorkle@pgsd.ms 228.938.6418 or 228.938.6503
66 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Pirate ship room
Fire station
Grocery store
iMac computer lab
Putt-putt golf course
Wetlands room