Newsletters 2017-18 Focus newsletter, [3] WINTER | Page 7

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PAGE 7 Preschool registration for 2018-19 school year now underway Discover Community Education! The Community Education department offers preschool classes, which prepare children for kindergarten by align- ing with the school district curriculum. In addition, students gain skills and experiences in learning to follow routines and rules, learning to get along with other children, beginning literacy, math and writing skills, and exposure to science, art and music. Licensed teachers monitor each child’s development and progress throughout the school year. Adult Learning Children must be three- or four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2018, to enroll. Registration began Feb. 1, and the lottery deadline is Mar. 1 at 8 a.m. Families living outside the school district boundaries may begin registration Mar. 12. “Preschool is an important step in the educational process,” said Beth Yokom, assistant manager of the early learning and preschool programs. “The preschool curricu- lum emphasizes play-based social-emotional and academic learning. Our teachers and staff work with families to make the school experience exciting and fun for these early learners, as it is their first taste of school.” Four preschool program options for both three- and four-year-old children have given the Anoka-Hennepin School District the opportunity to connect with and support students before they enter kindergarten. Some options include free transportation and a meal if families meet income guidelines and live or attend daycare in specific school attendance areas. Classes are held from September to May/June at locations throughout the Anoka- Hennepin School District. Full- and half-day options with morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday class times are available. Visit ahschools.us/preschool to view detailed registration information, or call the Anoka- Hennepin Schools Preschool office at 763-506-1500 with any questions. ■ We value the opportunity to bring quality educational programs to our community members, and there is something for everyone. Classes and activities are offered year-round. Register today! No matter what your interest or skill level, Community Education offers hundreds of classes year- round for adults ages 18 and up. Classes focus on technology, money, creativity, hobbies, home improvement, parenting, health, fitness and more! Call 763-506-5766 with questions. Adults with Disabilities Specialized classes offer educa- tional, recreational and social activities for adults with developmental disabilities that practice life skills to increase independence, communication, and community integration. Call 763-506-1290 with questions. Youth Enrichment Early Childhood Screening Early childhood screening is required for all children attend- ing Anoka-Hennepin Preschool, which serves as an early look at your child’s development. Screenings are conducted by qualified professionals to help identify specific needs a child may have. Anoka-Hennepin Schools offers this service at no cost. Schedule a screening by calling 763-433-4833 or visiting ahschools.us/earlychildhoodscreening. ■ Summer activities, classes and camps from Community Education Watch your mailbox: summer catalogs from Community Education to be delivered the first week of March! A wide variety of options, including a lunch bunch program to bridge morning and afternoon activities, will be available at Coon Rapids Middle School and Oak View Middle School for busy families with children entering preschool through grade eight. “All-day programming was very well-received by our families and our community last summer," said Sandra Bengtson, Community Services supervisor. “The summer program helps our schools bridge what students learned in the school year to the fall by providing not just enrichment, but social interaction, recreation and instruction through fun, hands-on classes and activities.” Students have the chance to catch up with friends from the school year, and make new friends while exploring arts, theater, STEM, athletic, musical and enrichment opportuni- ties, in addition to field trips. Students currently receiving free- or reduced-price meals through Anoka-Hennepin Schools may be eligible for a reduced class fee. For more information, call 765-506-1286. Visit www.discovercommunityed.com to browse classes and activities offered in the summer and during the school year. ■ FREE One Stop Workshop • Volunteer Recruitment Strategies for Parent Groups, Booster Clubs and Local Nonprofits • Successful Nonprofit Tips Saturday, February 24 • 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Resolving Conflict Educational Service Center • 2727 N. Ferry St., Anoka (Enter door No. 7) Register online at www.ahschools.us/onestopworkshop • Social Media Marketing • Connect with fundraising exhibitors The Community Schools pro- gram coordinates a wide variety of fun classes and activities to enhance your child’s academic and social experiences after- school, in the evening and on the weekend. Opportunities for students in preschool through grade eight include arts and crafts; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes; language and performing arts; sports and recreation; and swimming. Call 763-506-1260 with questions. Early Childhood Family Education Educational and e