Released August 22, 2003

AUGUST 22, 2003

SOUTHERN MISS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT TO BE TELEVISED

HATTIESBURG - The University of Southern Mississippi's Symphony Orchestra's "Mississippi: The Birthplace of America's Music" concert was first presented live in May as part of the 2002-2003 season. Mississippi Educational Television now will air the performance three times this month - Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.; Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 22 at 9:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by BancorpSouth, was created to pay tribute to Mississippi's musical heritage. The concert showcased gospel, blues, jazz and patriotic music. Featured performers included Mississippi bluesman Vasti Jackson, the world-famous Mississippi Mass Choir, a 1,200-voice Mississippi college, university and high school choir; Mickey Davis, the Mississippi Fiddler; Gary Grubbs, television and film actor; Tim Johnson, in a tribute to Elvis Presley; and jazz artists Larry Panella and Bill Murphy.

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SOUTHERN MISS TO PRESENT AUTISM WORKSHOP

HATTIESBURG - The School Psychology Training Program at The University of Southern Mississippi is presenting a workshop titled "Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Classroom: Effective Instructional/Behavioral Practices." The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Inn on the Hill Conference Center in Hattiesburg. The workshop will be taught by Dr. Susan M. Wilczynski, developer of Project BEST-CASE, Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, The University of Nebraska Medical Center. Through the workshop, participants should be able to acquire a number of skills, including the ability to define characteristic behaviors of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. This workshop is coordinated by the Center for International and Continuing Education (CICE). For registration information, please contact the CICE at (601) 266-4186.

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DAY OF SHARING FOR TEACHERS OF GIFTED SET AT SOUTHERN MISS

HATTIESBURG - The Day of Sharing for Teachers of the Gifted will be held Oct. 3 on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi. This conference, sponsored by the Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies, is designed to educate teachers on current curriculum and instructional issues in gifted education. Teachers of the gifted, regular education teachers, and administrators are encouraged to attend. There is no cost for attendance. Three speakers will be featured, including Kevin Besnoy, a doctoral student in curriculum, instruction, and special education with an emphasis in gifted education at Southern Miss, who will present "Technology Use with Gifted Children and Youth;" Dr. Lawrence Bellipanni, associate professor of Science Education and Biology at The University of Southern Mississippi, who will present "Fun Hands-On Ideas for Integrating Science into the Gifted Curriculum;" and Janet Wade, teacher of the gifted in Lamar County Schools, who will present "Designing a Unit on Geology for the Gifted Classroom." Dr. Conrad Castle, state consultant for Gifted Education, will also be present to give an update on gifted education in Mississippi. Teachers will be given time to share activities and ideas. For more information, contact the Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies at (601) 266-5236 or gifted.studies@usm.edu.

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SEMINAR IN BUILDING CODES SET AT SOUTHERN MISS

HATTIESBURG - The University of Southern Mississippi will present a seminar on the "Use and Application of the International Building Code" Oct. 27-30. The classes will take place in rooms B and C of the R.C. Cook Union on the Hattiesburg campus from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Professionals in a variety of fields can benefit from this seminar. Past participants include code enforcement officers, building inspectors, fire marshals, fire inspectors, safety officers, plans examiners, project managers, architects and designers, building officials and public works directors. The seminar is applicable to those beginning their careers and to those with years of experience. The course will be taught by Terrell Stripling, a graduate of the Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering. He has more than 19 years of fire suppression, fire prevention and code experience. Fees for the course are $449 per person regular rate and $399 per person group rate. The seminar is coordinated by Southern Miss Continuing Education and Distributed Learning. For more information, call 601-266-4186.

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SOUTHERN MISS PARENTING GIFTED CHILDREN CONFERENCE

HATTIESBURG - The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi will hold its 20th annual Parenting Gifted Children Conference Oct. 4. The conference is offered to assist parents and other concerned adults to better understand the unique intellectual, academic, and social-emotional needs of the gifted and talented. It will be held on the campus of Southern Miss in Joseph Greene Hall and the cost of attendance is $15. Dr. Conrad Castle, state consultant for Gifted Education, will be the keynote speaker. He will present "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Gifted Education in Mississippi." Sessions will also be held on study skills for gifted students, national standards in gifted education, science activities, technology, young gifted children, leadership, and multiple intelligences. For more information please e-mail gifted.studies@usm.edu, or call (601) 266-5236.

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