Community Education News

Farewell Tamra!

It is with mixed emotions to share with you that I will be leaving Bloomington Public Schools. I've enjoyed my 15 years here as Community Education Director, Metro South Adult Basic Education Director and CHOICE high school principal. I am extremely proud of the work we accomplished together and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Bloomington community.   Thank you for your support of Community Education and Bloomington Public Schools! Everyone on the Bloomington Community Education team wishes Tamra the best in her new role with North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Community Education!

Metro South Expands Basic ESL

This fall Metro South Adult Basic Education is excited to expand its Basic ESL class to four days a week, instead of the previous two days. This new schedule will provide more opportunity for students to learn faster and advance to the next ESL level. The class is operated as a station rotation model class, which begins with a morning meeting with the whole class to introduce important topics to be learned, then students are grouped by language and language proficiency. The three groups of students then rotate every 25 min through phonics, computer, and writing stations. Each station is led by one of our great volunteers.

Did You Know?

Our Early Learning Services team had an amazing time participating in September's Heritage Days parade. Staff, volunteers, and friends celebrated all that is great about Bloomington Public Schools ECFE and Preschool programs!

Save the Date!

Bloomington Bookfest will be back for a second year of exciting literacy fun and activities! Circle Saturday, February 29th on your calendar and plan to join in the fun at Oak Grove Middle School. We'll have new local children's book authors, more fun reading activities, costumed characters, and a few surprises. Leap into reading on February 29th!

Staff Spotlight

This month we are pleased to highlight Bonnie Lacoursiere for our Staff Spotlight. Bonnie is currently an instructional para in our 4-year-old preschool program. She loves spending her days with the children in her care and helping them develop at this critical time in their lives. Bonnie came to Community Education in 1996 working in an ESL program. She mentions that her favorite part of her job is watching the children grow and admits they keep her motivated. Thank you Bonnie for over 20 years of service to Bloomington Community Education!

Did You Know?

Did you know you can become a Community Education lifeguard for FREE! Register for the November class, pass the test, and make a 6 month commitment to work as a Bloomington Community Education Lifeguard and your $235 class fee is waived! Employment is contingent on an interview and background check. Register for the class here or call 952-681-6134 for more information.

Artistry Grant

One again our Kids' SAFARI students will be participating in an after school art program provided by Artistry, through a grant received by the Bloomington Lions Club. The grant ensures that all 10 elementary schools and two of our middle schools will have the opportunity to participate in the Artistry program. Classes will run this fall and again in the spring, with 16 Kids' SAFARI students participating in each class. Examples of classes offered include: Duct Tape Art, building Troll and Fairy Houses, learning to Draw Animals, and making No Sew Blankets. Thank you to Artistry and the Bloomington Lions Club for making this happen!

Next Month

Next month: Getting ready for Holiday Bake and Take cookie classes, new activities at the Activity Centers, and much more!

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