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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