Mankato Community Education

Art Club: Cultivating Creativity with Local Artists

Thanks to the Minnesota State Arts Board grant, our Art Club offers middle school students a unique opportunity to learn directly from local artists. Over multiple 3-4 week sessions, each artist will share their expertise, guiding students through the creation of their specialized art forms. This rotating lineup of skilled professionals allows students to explore various techniques and discover their own artistic passions. This rotation includes art forms such as guiding students through art forms such as acrylic painting on canvas, polymer clay miniature sculpting, and creative writing.

MEETING DAY- Tuesdays 

LOCATION - Dakota Meadows Middle School

Each club has limited enrollment, so register EARLY if you intend to participate.

ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL

Middle School After School Clubs meet after school (when classes are in session). Most clubs meet one day per week. There are exceptions such as parent teacher conferences or days when after school programming is cancelled due to weather other unforeseen circumstances. When changes are made to the original schedule, the Mankato Community Education office will communicate with parents via text or email, so please be certain that your payer account stays updated with accurate email and phone contact information.

HOW MANY DAYS PER WEEK CAN I ATTEND MSAS?

During the 2023-24 school year, Middle School After School will be open at Meadows Middle School from 3:25 - 5:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday afternoons. No programming on Wednesday or Friday. You should attend MSAS on the day(s) your club(s) are in session. You may also attend MSAS on the day(s) you are not enrolled in a club but want to stay after school to wait for a ride. We call this time (outside of your club time) "Student Union." During Student Union you can work on homework, use games and activities provided by the program, and hang out with friends. Only authorized computer games (shooter games prohibited) and authorized, age appropriate content will be allowed on cell phones or devices during MSAS.

WHO CAN ENROLL IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL?

Middle School After School is open to students in grades 6-8, attending Dakota Meadows Middle School. You must be registered for AT LEAST 1 club to use the Student Union on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. You must be registered BEFORE attending clubs. 

Keep scrolling to learn about financial aid from Greater Mankato Area United Way Connecting Kids.

Popular clubs are available on multiple days per week to allow for more youth participation. Cost per club varies. Drama Kids registration is via their website. Go online at dramakids.com/mankato-stpeter-new-ulm-mn for complete schedule, cost and DK program information.

WHERE TO REPORT

Immediately after the final bell of the school day, students enrolled in Middle School After School should report to the cafeteria. You should report to MSAS with EVERYTHING you need for clubs or to take home. This includes jackets, chromebooks, homework, cell phones, band / orchestra instruments or any personal items. You WILL NOT be able to go to your locker after 3:30 pm when the academic wings are locked.

There will be a sign indicating the check in area and MSAS site leaders will be ready to distribute a snack and take attendance. From 3:25 - 3:45 pm, students will be in the cafeteria having a snack, visiting with friends, and unwinding from the school day. Clubs begin at 3:45 pm and end at 5:00 pm. Site leaders will assure students are directed to the right location for their club or have proper supervision and age appropriate activities until picked up. Youth can also use this time to complete homework. 

Club ends at 5:00 PM and students must be picked up promptly.

All students participating in the Middle School After School program are expected to adhere to the same rules of conduct as during the school day. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, and failure to comply may result in loss of access to after-school activities.

If you have any additional questions about the program or your participation, please contact Michelle Biodrowski, Enrichment + Leisure Specialist with MAPS Community Education at mbiodr1@isd77.org. 

REFUNDS

If you wish to withdraw your registration from a club, you must do so a MINIMUM of 4 business days prior to the start date of the club. Refunds will not be granted fewer than 4 days prior to the start date of the club and after the club has started. If space allows, you will be allowed to join a club after the start date, but the cost will not be pro-rated.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Greater Mankato Area United Way Connecting Kids

Fee discounts are available particularly for those who qualify for FREE or REDUCED lunch. For more information on possible scholarships, contact Jennifer Stratton at Connecting Kids. Her email is connectingkidsmankato@gmail.com or by phone at 507-207-3042. You may also visit the Connecting Kids website at connectingkidsmankato.org. You must complete the  Application For Educational Benefits before requesting a scholarship. This application is available from your school.