Mankato Community Education

Presented by College Inside Track: This past year has resulted in some of the most significant changes to the college planning process in decades. Admission trends have changed around how colleges admit students. There are substantial changes to the FAFSA and financial aid that may make college more expensive Schools have gone ACT/SAT optional, but not necessarily when they award scholarships, and some colleges are going back to requiring standardized tests. Join us to learn how these changes may impact your family, and new strategies to consider to give your student the best opportunity to be admitted and maximize scholarships and financial aid. If you are the parent of a HS student in grades 9-11, this is important info you will not want to miss. This is a live event that is being presented on Zoom, you will be able to ask questions through the Zoom portal. After you register you will receive Zoom link in ther "Notes" section of your confirmation email sent to the email address you have listed on your eleyo account. Make sure to check you spam folder if you don't see the email. Cozy Wittman presents and a different staff person moderates and answers questions. Register today! Bio: Cozy speaks nationally about college, and is passionate about educating families about the process to find the right fit and dispelling myths that cost families money! She is a mom of 5 kids with very different goals for college so she is no stranger to the challenges herself.

Entering middle school is a big transition for any student. Intro To Middle School is an opportunity for current 5th graders to experience what life will be like at Dakota Meadows or Prairie Winds Middle School. As a participant, you will take a school tour in the form of a Scavenger Hunt, practice using combination dial locks like those on your new locker, and meet new classmates. Bring your questions! We will have experts on site to answer important questions about school lunch, classes, after school activities and how to arrive at class on time with only minutes between bells. We will break it down, so life in the middle is something you look forward to in the Fall!

Calling all 77 Lancers Colorguard Participants! Winter Color Guard is an opportunity to extend your season and keep working on your skills in flags, rifles and poms. This program will include an audition and placement within an ensemble that best fits your skills and experience. All registered Color Guard members will perform a choreographed show that performs both locally and at possibly 2 winter competitions in the metro area. Fee covers cost of participation. All Color Guard will be asked to purchase their own costume that matches the show theme (more information provided at practice). Transportation to performance events (both in town or out of town) will be on your own or through carpooling arrangements among members. No bus transportation will be provided.

2024-2025 School Year is 09/09/24 - 05/30/25 and registration opened on 05/08/24

This category offers a diverse range of courses in arts, science, technology, and hobbies, designed for individuals of all ages. Whether you're a young learner exploring new interests, a teen developing specialized skills, or an adult pursuing a passion, these programs provide opportunities for creativity, discovery, and hands-on learning. Courses range from artistic expression and craft-making to hobby activities, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and personal growth at every stage of life.

The American Swedish Institute: A museum, a cultural education center, a café, a destination store, a historic mansion, and more! Our group will experience a private tour of the Turnblad Mansion, this iconic 1908 structure is a must-see for architecture fans, history buffs, and cultural explorers alike and is the original home of the Turnblad family. With special exhibit of Ann Wolff, a glass artist. Wolff's blown, engraved, and cast work explores the lives of women, their relationship with one another, and their position in society. Fee includes a buffet lunch, a private tour of Turnblad Mansion and the opportunity to explore its 33 impressive rooms, and time to explore the featured exhibit. Registration Deadline: March 21st NO REFUNDS can be given for trips after the registration deadline, as we have to purchase tickets ahead of that deadline. Travel Itinerary: Arrive at WOW Zone, Mankato - 8:15 am Arrive at St. Peter Community Center (Washington Street) 8:40 am Private Tour- 11:00 am Buffet Lunch - 12:00 pm Explore On your own -1:00-2:00 2:15 - Load Bus 2:30 - Depart for Home 3:00 Restroom Stop 3:30 - Arrive Home - St. Peter 4:00 - Arrive Home - Mankato

Herbs have the ability to support us in times of need as well as to support and nourish us every day! In this class, we will discuss several common, local herbs and their benefits/uses. Herbs can be worked with in a variety of ways (teas, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, salves/oils, cooking, etc.) for daily use and for common ailments. This class is taught by Herbalist and Integrative Nutritionist, Kara Swenson. Kara Swenson, owner of Thistle Patch Wellness, is an herbalist and integrative nutritionist.

This is a certification course for adults interested in teaching Basic Archery Skills, using the NASP (National Archery In Schools Program) curriculum. This full day course runs from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm at Lincoln Community Center. Successful completion of this course allows adults to lead instructional content, using the curriculum and authorized equipment. Bring your own lunch and beverages. There will be a lunch break, but not long enough to leave campus.

Beginner Acrylic Painting Dive into the vibrant world of acrylic painting! In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to use various brushes and discover the techniques that make each one unique. From mixing and blending colors to creating shadows, you'll explore how to bring depth and dimension to your artwork. You’ll also be introduced to different kinds of mediums that can enhance your acrylic painting experience, giving you more control and creativity in your projects. Whether you're new to painting or looking to expand your skills, this course is the perfect place to start building your foundation in acrylic art. *All supplies provided, you will go home with a new painting on canvas! *Bring a shirt to cover nice clothes Taught by local artist Stephanie Johnston

Beginner Acrylic Painting Dive into the vibrant world of acrylic painting! In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to use various brushes and discover the techniques that make each one unique. From mixing and blending colors to creating shadows, you'll explore how to bring depth and dimension to your artwork. You’ll also be introduced to different kinds of mediums that can enhance your acrylic painting experience, giving you more control and creativity in your projects. Whether you're new to painting or looking to expand your skills, this course is the perfect place to start building your foundation in acrylic art. *All supplies provided, you will go home with a new painting on canvas! *Bring a shirt to cover nice clothes Taught by local artist Stephanie Johnston

Back by popular demand! Our regional chess tourneys are fun, competitive and an all around good time. We have a growing number of players from around the region, ready to play in a community of players that love the game and friendships formed. We will award medals and ribbons to grade level and division champions. Check in begins at 8:00 am at Lincoln Community Center (110 Fulton Street) First round is at 8:30 am. We will present awards at 11:30 am. Please register in advance so we can prepare the tournament space for a good time. We do not accept walk in registrations as we need to contact contestants if weather or low enrollment influences play. This event is co-sponsored by South Central Service Coop and Mankato Community Education Enrichment + Leisure Program.

Back by popular demand! Our regional chess tourneys are fun, competitive and an all around good time. It is cold outside, but the competition is heating up with players from around the region, ready for a good, fair competition. We will award medals and ribbons to grade level and division champions. Check in begins at 8:00 am at Lincoln Community Center in Mankato (110 Fulton Street). First round is at 8:30 am. We will present awards at 11:30 am. Please register in advance so we can prepare the tournament space for a good time. We do not accept walk in registrations as we need to contact contestants if weather or low enrollment influences play. This event is co-sponsored by South Central Service Coop and Mankato Community Education Enrichment + Leisure Program.

Circle of Security Classroom A professional learning series that introduces some practical applications to enhance teachers' abilities for form a secure relationship with the child in their care. Gain insight into new ways to understand challenging behaviors. Learning relationship based strategies to respond to children's social emotional needs for safe, secure relationships in the classroom, a necessary ingredient for learning. Learning to apply Circle of Security Parenting Classroom strategies. Early Childhood Professionals together: Explore the importance of teachers in children's lives and the central role relationships play in learning Learn how to respond to challenging behaviors in ways that enhance security in the relationship Practice observation and reflection skills Learn to use the (COSP) Circle of Security Parenting Classroom graphic and other practical classroom applications and strategies Apply COSP Classroom to strengthen relationships and support children's attachment needs Learn to apply COSP Classroom strategies to create relationship friendly classrooms This course provides 12 hours of Continuing Education.