Educating children is a vital part of the community, and the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian is working every day to make learning fun, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors was told Thursday.
MCM-Meridian Executive Director Barbara Zeller and Pauline Mobley, director of education & programs, update supervisors on their organization’s efforts to ignite creativity and wonder in its visitors. Zeller said this year marked the museum’s fifth year in operation, and it continues to have an impact both in Lauderdale County and the surrounding area.
“Time flies when you’re having fun, and we take fun seriously,” she said. “It’s one of our core values.”
Since opening, MCM-Meridian has seen more than 250,000 guests come through the doors, with the museum welcoming roughly 55,000 people each year. The museum also saw more than 5,000 field trips last year, with some traveling from as far as two hours away to visit the facility.
In addition to field trips and visitors, MCM-Meridian also has a strong after-school program serving approximately 40 students from Crestwood Elementary School each day. The program rotates through different subjects throughout the week and combines education and play to help kids learn.
Zeller said data from test scores show a significant change for those taking part in the after-school program.
“The students in that program have seen incredible gains in their test scores,” she said. “By some metrics tripling test scores just being with us an hour and a half every day.”
When school is not in session, MCM-Meridian offers day camps and workshops for area children. In addition to being fun and educational, it also provides a good childcare option for working families.
This year, Zeller said, the museum will also hold some summer workshops, which are shorter than the 8a.m. to 5 p.m. day camps. Those workshops will be focused more on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM fields.
In addition to its work educating young minds, the Children’s Museum employs local workers. With approximately 30 employees, Zeller said there are around 13 full-time positions with the remainder being part-time workers.
“A lot of our staff are our young people that are looking to go into the education field or related fields,” she said. “And so while our primary focus is serving children and families and educators, we also know that we are training up, and for a lot of them, their first real job.”
Coming up on June 4 is the museum’s annual Mingle at the Museum fundraiser. One of two events reserved for those 21 and up, the event will feature carnival style games, fun and entertainment, with funds going to support the museum and its programs.
For more information about MCM-Meridian or upcoming events, visit mschildrensmuseum.org/meridian.