Blaine Leaning Lab students experience learning outside of the classroom
ESL students take an educational bus trip
On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 36 learners enrolled in the Blaine Learning Lab morning ESL program had the opportunity to visit a former student living her dream-come true success story.
The ESL learners, staff, and volunteers climbed onto the number 25 Metro Transit bus for a trip to downtown Minneapolis. Crêpes Up Delicious, located in the Canadian Pacific Building, was the final destination. Earlier in the fall, a former ESL learner, Oksana Goldenstein, reached out to her teachers to inform them that she had opened a crepe shop and invited them and current learners to visit. After much persistence, Blaine teacher Polina Huffman was able to make that invitation a reality.
Once there, the learners were able to purchase delicious crêpes and meet with the successful business owner. However, the bus trip served a dual purpose. When looking for a way to transport the learners to Minneapolis, Polina reached out to our partners at Metro Transit. For the past 4 years, representatives from Metro Transit have partnered with the Blaine Learning Lab to provide yearly public transportation education. The students learn the transit rules, how to purchase passes, and how to navigate transit schedules— all while riding on an official city bus. This has been proven to be a very useful lesson, and is truly appreciated by all who participate.
Through partnerships like the one with Metro Transit, Metro North ABE is able to provide real life experiences that enrich the educational opportunities for all learners.
* Articles about this trip( complete with pictures and interviews with learners and staff) ran in the November 24th StarTribune, the November 30th Anoka Shopper, and was featured on the KARE 11 News at 6:00 PM on the day of the trip.
About Metro North ABE
Our mission is to inspire and challenge all learners to reach their full potential. We will teach the skills needed to succeed as responsible citizens in our changing world.
Our vision is to provide programs that effectively develop the skills needed by individuals to achieve their goals.
Location Supervisors & Site Coordinators
Pat Adams: Community Education Asst. Manager, Anoka-Hennepin Patrick Hobot: Supervisor, Anoka Technical College and
Anoka Ramsey Community College Kathleen Moriarty: Supervisor, Columbia Heights & Brooklyn Center Pam Moriarity: Site Coordinator, Elk River Melody Panek: Site Coordinator, St. Francis Cori Sendl: Director of Community Education, Centennial Molly Stewart: Supervisor, Blaine
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