Press release 1/24/13

The first all day quilting class for this calendar year will be on Saturday. Sewers begin coming at 8 a.m. and some stay until 4 p.m. Many bring a project that has been started and work on it for the day. As with many quilters, more than one project may be going at one time so many begin a new project with plans to finish it on their own time. The participants bring an item to share for morning or afternoon coffee time or the noon meal. It is best to bring a portable sewing machine as the stitches and seam allowances will be the same when you work on your project at home. In case a machine is not available, we have access to a couple that can be used for the day. Other classes during the winter-spring will be on the fourth Saturday of the upcoming months.

A first time eight hour class for 55 Alive is scheduled for Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. both evenings. Taking the first class allows one to receive a discount on vehicle insurance for three years before taking a renewal class. Renewal classes will be on Monday, February 11, 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Wednesday, February 27, 1-5 p.m.

The nine and eight week sessions of ECFE classes began this week with many families returning from the fall session plus a number of new faces. Parents and children can join the classes at any time for some great parent-child time, circle times and parent discussions. The babies classes will be the fourth Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. beginning on January 26 for four sessions

The Computers 4 Life class is meeting on Mondays and will have a new series starting on February 4, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Contact Nicole Dummer, 507-354-6750, if you want to take these free classes. Her phone number was wrong in the Brown County Reminder edition of Community Education offerings so use 507-354-6750. Nicole works at the Workforce Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and offers the same classes.

The Life-Living Series is held at the DAC Auditorium, 15 N State Street in New Ulm. Each program begins at 7 p.m. The last program is on Monday, January 28. Maria Willits will share her personal story “Shatter the Silence.”

There has not been any interest in our outing on Wednesday, January 30 to the NWA History Centre so it is canceled. The next outing scheduled is to “Mahalia” at the Old Log Theatre on Thursday, February 21. It is a musical tracing the life and career of the gospel singer. Dinner choices are requested as well with sign up due February 13.

An early deadline is in place for “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Chanhassen on Wednesday, March 13. To keep our reservation, sign up is due February 13.

Press release 1/17/13

A new activity for the winter months is an open gym on Sunday afternoons 1-3 p.m. for families and children in the Sleepy Eye Elementary School gym. Youth ten and younger need to bring a parent. Participants bring their own balls and wear gym shoes. This will go until March 17 if there is interest in this type of activity. It is not intended for organized teams.

ECFE staff members are preparing for the winter-spring series of classes which begin next week. The child’s age as of September 1st determines which class they should be enrolled in. The classes will meet at these times:
On Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m. Two year olds for nine weeks starting January 21
On Tuesdays, 9 a.m., 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. for Mixed ages and 3-5 year olds for nine weeks beginning on January 22
On Thursdays, 6-7:15 p.m. Toddlers for eight weeks starting January 24
The babies classes will be the fourth Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. beginning on January 26 for four sessions

55 Alive Mature Driving classes have begun for the 2013 year. An eight hour first time class is planned for Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Renewal classes will be on Monday, February 11, 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Wednesday, February 27, 1-5 p.m. Completion of the class allows one to receive a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance for three years.

Some other offerings in January include knitting and crochet sessions on Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m., all day quilting on Saturday, January 26 and an outing to the Northwest Airlines Museum on Wednesday, January 30.
The Computers 4 Life class is meeting on Mondays and will have a new series starting on February 4, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Contact Nicole Dummer, 507-354-6750, if you want to take these free classes.

The Life-Living Series is held at the DAC Auditorium, 15 N State Street in New Ulm. Each program begins at 7 p.m. The next program will be on Monday, January 21 with Educator/Humorist Katy Smith who was the 2011 Teacher of the year. She is an ECFE teacher. On Monday, January 28, Maria Willits will share her personal story “Shatter the Silence.”

Press release 1/10/13

If you did not find our winter brochure in the Brown County Reminder, it will be in the January 14 publication. You can go to the school website and check out all the activities that have been planned for the next four months.

The first 55 Alive Renewal class for the 2013 year will be on Wednesday, January 16, 1-5 p.m. An evening renewal class will be on Monday, February 11, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Completion of the class allows one to receive a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance for three years. Then an eight hour first time class is planned for Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Are you curious about all of the Electronic E-books? Check out the possibilities this Saturday in Room 108 or on Saturday, February 23. Nicole Dummer will lead the discussion and will also take registrations at 507-354-6750. Nicole facilitates the Computer 4 Life classes which meet at 3:30 p.m. on Monday afternoons.

ECFE families are invited to a winter kick-off event on Tuesday, January 15, 6-7:30 p.m. Come to school in your pajamas for this special event of open gym, crafts, snacks and a free book for the family. ECFE classes begin the week of January 21 with Two year olds on Monday nights, 6-7:30 p.m., Three to fives on Tuesdays at 9 a.m., 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. and Toddlers on Thursdays, 6-7:15 p.m.

Knitting and crochet classes have resumed on Friday afternoons, 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 109 in the Sleepy Eye High School. Bring a project or just come with some needles as plenty of yarn is available for practicing stitches.

Quilting classes have been scheduled for the fourth Saturday January through April. The first one will be held on January 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

A January outing will be to visit the Northwest Airlines History Museum on Wednesday, January 30. Signup for this will be needed by January 23.

The Life-Living Series will have Erin Walsh as the first speaker on Monday, January 14, 7 p.m. at the DAC Auditorium, 15 N State Street in New Ulm. Her topic is “Why Do Kids Act That Way?” These programs are free and this one is sponsored by USAC and New Ulm Community Education.

The second program will be on Monday, January 21 with Educator/Humorist Katy Smith was the 2011 Teacher of the year. She is an ECFE teacher.

Press release 1/3/13

Welcome back to a new calendar year! Be sure to look for our page of offerings for the next few months in the Brown County Reminder on Monday, January 7.  A few things happen really fast so here are some details.

People interested in knitting or crocheting can begin on Friday, January 4, 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 109 in the Sleepy Eye High School. All skill levels are invited to attend these get-togethers and a number of projects can be done.  Bring a project or just come with some needles as plenty of yarn is available for practicing stitches.

A new series of Computers 4 Life classes will begin on Monday, January 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 108. Instructor will be Nicole Dummer and she takes registrations at 507-354-6750. She is also doing a workshop with information on computer devices Saturday, January 12, 10 am – 12 noon.

The first 55 Alive Renewal class for the 2013 year will be on Wednesday, January 16, 1-5 p.m. Completion of the class allows one to receive a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance for three years. Then an eight hour first time class is planned for Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Quilting classes have been scheduled for the fourth Saturday January through April. The first one will be held on January 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

A January outing will be to visit the Northwest Airlines History Museum on Wednesday, January 30. Signup for this will be needed by January 23.

The Life-Living Series will have Erin Walsh as the first speaker on Monday, January 14, 7 p.m. at the DAC Auditorium, 15 N State Street in New Ulm. Her topic is “Why Do Kids Act That Way?” These programs are free and this one is sponsored by USAC and New Ulm Community Education.

The second program will be on Monday, January 21 with Educator/Humorist Katy Smith was the 2011 Teacher of the year. She is an ECFE teacher.

ECFE classes begin the week of January 21. Complete details will be in the ECFE newsletter available after January 7. At this time, two year olds will meet on Mondays, 3-5’s on Tuesday and Toddlers on Thursdays. Many families indicated their interest last November when classes finished.

Press release 12/20/12

With the holiday break for students and staff beginning this Friday afternoon, many of the schools will have limited open hours and minimum staff working. This office will be closed during the holidays and reopen on Wednesday, January 2.

The winter brochure will be available in the Brown County Reminder on Monday, January 7. It will also be on the school website during that week as well.

Some things need to be noted as calendars fill fast and it is nice to schedule activities early. A 55 Alive renewal class is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 1-5 p.m. Then an eight hour first time class is planned for Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Six more offerings will be held through May.

Those interested in knitting or crochet classes are encouraged to begin coming on Friday afternoons, 3:30-5 p.m. starting January 4. All skill levels are invited. Learning how to do basic stitches and reading a pattern continue to be a focus.

The Computers 4 Life series will begin on Monday, January 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 108. For more information and to sign up, contact Nicole Dummer at 507-354-6750.

ECFE classes will start the week of January 21 with Two year olds on Monday, 3-5 year olds on Tuesday and Toddlers on Thursday. A winter newsletter is being assembled with all of the details and will be available the first week of January.

Press release 12/13/12

The group that attended the Lundstrom Country Christmas Celebration enjoyed the afternoon despite the weather forecast. It was the first trip to this event for most of the group but was very professionally presented, simple set, great band and lots of costume changes for the 70 plus participants.

The first activity of the New Year will be the Computers 4 life series which has been scheduled for Mondays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. The first set will begin on January 7th in Room 108. For more information and to sign up, contact Nicole Dummer at 507-354-6750.

The last activity scheduled for this month is the ECFE Activity event this Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary cafeteria and gymnasium. Families should plan to spend at least one hour in order to complete the activities that have been planned.

Students who have recently completed classroom driver’s ed are being given blue cards if their work is completed and payment has been made. Some will be receiving their blue card when their birth date arrives. All will be responsible for the blue card and two forms of identification when going to an exam station in order to take the permit test. The next offering for the thirty hours of classroom instruction will be in March.

 FALL BROCHURE>>>

Press release 12/6/12

The Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service has a CPR class on December 13, 6:30-10:30 p.m. the Healthcare Provider’s CPR will be presented for those needing to update as well as those who have never taken the course. This class will be held at the Ambulance/Police Garage and to register, call Shari Hittesdorf at 507-794-3116. This is the last offering until next spring when a new series of classes will be offered.

ECFE families are invited to a Holiday Activity Event on Thursday, December 13, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary gym and cafeteria. Families with preschoolers may participate in an open gym and other holiday activities like games, music, frosting cookies and a reading corner. Registration is encouraged to help staff prepare for the activities.

The holiday season is here and with it come many concerts and programs at our local schools. Check out the websites for the latest times and what groups are performing. School is in session through noon on Friday, December 21.

The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are generally 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since staff is part-time, they may not always be in the building. You can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up. Addresses are on the school website.

Press release 11/29/12

The Computers 4 Life class will resume on Tuesday, January 8, 6-8 p.m. This is a four week session to learn basic computer skills and is presented free of charge through the Adult Basic Education consortium. Sleepy Eye is a member of this consortium. If you are interested in this series and would prefer a different time, let us know.

ECFE weekly classes have finished for the fall session and will begin in mid-January for all age levels. The preschool classes continue during the day most weeks unless there are conferences or no school days. One activity remains on Thursday, December 13, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary gym and cafeteria. Families with preschoolers may participate in an open gym and other holiday activities like games, music, frosting cookies. Registration is encouraged to help staff prepare for the activities.

With the change in the weather and shorter days, more residents are taking advantage of walking in the school hallways. The only requirement is to secure a walking pass from this office and wear it while in the building. If you have your pass from last year, just call and let us know you are planning to walk again.

The winter athletic schedule is upon us and many evening activities will be held during the next month allowing the walkers to enter the building at later times during those events. On days without activities, the doors are locked by 6 p.m.

Press release 11/22/12

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) are tools designed by the Minnesota Department of Education to help us track children’s skills and progress. The second part of the training offered by Sally Dannenberg will take place on Monday, November 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary School Lindahl Room. Pre-registration is appreciated so handouts can be assembled. CEU’s are available.

The ECIPs will deal with ages 3-5 at this session and define types of observation and the benefits of individual observations. Six different areas of development can be assessed as the child grows.

ECFE families will be able to get into the holiday spirit on Thursday, December 13, 6:30-8 p.m. when they participate in an open gym and other holiday activities like games, music, frosting cookies. Registration is encouraged to help staff prepare for the activities.

Another group of teenagers will have completed classroom driver’s education this coming week. It is never easy to fit ten classes or thirty hours around schedules of students with  school, family and work obligations but the group was able to make sacrifices and set priorities for this important milestone in their lives.

Walkers are making use of the school hallways at the Sleepy Eye School. Those wishing to start should call this office for details and to register.

The last outing scheduled for this fall is a trip to the Lundstrom Family Country Christmas Show in Lakeville on Saturday, December 8, 3:30 p.m. show. A cast of over 70 will be singing and dancing during this event. A group of tickets have been reserved and final numbers are needed by Monday, November 26.

Due to the Thanksgiving break, schools are closed Thursday and Friday and will reopen on Monday. The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are generally 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since staff is part-time, they may not always be in the building. You can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up. Addresses are on the school website.

Press release 11/15/12

The month is about half over but there are a few offerings yet to take advantage of in the community education program. They are:
Babies class on Saturday, November 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
All day quilting class on Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Renewal 55 Alive driving class on Tuesday, November 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
ECIP training on Monday, November 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

ECFE families will be able to get into the holiday spirit on Thursday, December 13, 6:30-8 p.m. when they participate in an open gym and other holiday activities like games, music, frosting cookies. Registration is encouraged to help staff prepare for the activities.
The last class for fall ECFE will be on Tuesday, November 20.

Sign-up for snowmobile safety training is on Tuesday, November 20, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Club House in Essig. The actual class will be on December 1 at 8 a.m. Youth that are 11-15 are eligible to participate in this training. For more information contact the New Ulm DNR at 507-359-6043.

The last outing scheduled for this fall is a trip to the Lundstrom Family Country Christmas show in Lakeville on Saturday, December 8, 3:30 p.m. show. A group of tickets have been reserved and final numbers are needed by Monday, November 26.

The advisory board will be working on the winter-spring brochure and welcome any suggestions you may have for teachers, classes, events and activities. Popular classes include 55 Alive and Computers 4 Life which will continue in the New Year as well as ECFE classes.

Press release 11/8/12

Since the fall weather has changed and days are shorter, more people are using the school hallways to walk. Hours are usually 3:30-6:30 p.m. Be sure to register with this office and if you have your walking pass from last year, you can use the same one. Walking usually ends in March when the outside conditions are again favorable.

Two additional opportunities are available for those wanting the first time 55 Alive class or the renewal class during this calendar year. New offerings will be available in the 2013 year. Certificates are good for three years and provide a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance.

During the month of November this year, veterans, spouses and dependents can take the AARP 55 Alive classes free of charge. There is space in the following classes:

First time class on Monday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Renewal class on Tuesday, November 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Other class offerings during the month include:

Babies class will be held on Saturday, November 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

An all day quilting class will be held on Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

It is time to make your suggestions for events, classes and activities for the winter-spring term with Sleepy Eye Community Education. The advisory board will be meeting on Thursday, November 15, 4 p.m. and determine what to offer January through May in 2013.

The Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service has a CPR class on Thursday, November 15, 6:30-10:30 p.m. the Lay Rescuer/Non-Healthcare Provider’s CPR will be presented for those needing to update as well as those who have never taken the course. This class will be held at the Ambulance/Police Garage and to register, call Shari Hittesdorf at 507-794-3116.

The River Valley Dutchmen are offering snowmobile Safety Training on December 1, 8 a.m. at the River Valley Dutchmen Club House in Essig. Class Pre-Registration is required on November 20^th, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Club house. A free DC will be given to registrants ages 11-15. The one day class room reviews the CD and offers a riding performance course. Students do not need to bring a snowmobile but need to dress for the weather and bring snowmobile helmet, gloves and boots on December 1^st. Certificates become valid at age 12. A parent or guardian will need to complete registration forms on the 20^th and provide the registration fee. For more information, call the New Ulm DNR at 507-359-6043.

The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are generally 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since staff is part-time, they may not always be in the building. You can call and leave a message on voice mail, 507-794-7873, and we will get back to you with more information. Another option is to email staff with questions and to sign-up. Addresses are on the school website.

Press release 11/1/12

“Sleepless in America: Is This Child Misbehaving or Missing Sleep?” will be  presented on Thursday, November 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Nicollet Public School Theatre. Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka will discuss the scientific link between misbehavior and missing sleep, how normal everyday events leave children too tense to sleep and practical tools to help families get the sleep they need and deserve. This is a free workshop.

The Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service has a number of classes for CPR and First Aid during the month of November. On Wednesday, November 7th, 6:30-9 p.m., Emergency First Aid will be presented. This meets the day care requirement. On Thursday, November 15, 6:30-10:30 p.m. the Lay Rescuer/Non-Healthcare Provider’s CPR will be presented for those needing to update as well as those who have never taken the course. Both of these classes will be held at the Ambulance/Police Garage and to register, call Shari Hittesdorf at 507-794-3116.

Two additional opportunities are available for those wanting the first time 55 Alive class or the renewal class during this calendar year. New offerings will be available in the 2013 year. Certificates are good for three years and provide a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance.
During the month of November, veterans, spouses and dependents can take the AARP 55 Alive classes free of charge. There is space in the following classes:
First time class on Monday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Renewal class on Tuesday, November 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

ECFE classes continue through most of November. Another babies class will be held on Saturday, November 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
An all day quilting class will be held on Saturday, November 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Computers 4 Life classes continue and a new session starts every four weeks.

Due to the election next week, no activities will be held in the evening at the school.

Press release 10/18/12

October 18 and 19 are Education Minnesota Conference days which means no school for staff and students. This office will reopen on Monday, October 22.

Many hands make light work and the Day of Caring team was able to provide service to the three homes that had requested help last Saturday. This was part of the county wide United Way of Brown County event.

A two-part training on the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress will be held in Sleepy Eye. The first part will be on Monday, October 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Lindahl Room and will explore ECIPs for birth to three year olds. This is an observation tool developed by the Minnesota Department of Education. CEU’s will be available. The second part will be held on Monday, November 26 and it will provide information for the 3-5 year old children. These trainings have been approved for licensed day care and foster care providers but are open to anyone.

During the month of November, veterans, spouses and dependents can take the AARP 55 Alive classes free of charge. Two renewal classes and one first time class have been scheduled in Sleepy Eye during the month. They will be held at the following times:
Renewal class on Thursday, November 1, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
First time class on Monday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Renewal class on Tuesday, November 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Certificates are good for three years and provide a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance.

A number of CPR/First Aid classes offered by the Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service will be held during the month of November. The first is Emergency First Aid on Wednesday, November 7, 6:30-9 p.m. This class meets the Day Care requirements. To register, call 507-794-3116.

Press release 10/11/12

The first knitting and crochet group numbered six. All skill levels are invited and with some more experienced than others, help is available to get started or figure out patterns. The group will meet October 12 and 26 and the first three Fridays in November before taking a holiday break.

Some of the activities for this coming Saturday include:
United Way Day of Caring in the morning
All day quilting class from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye School cafeteria
ECFE Babies class 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 318 at Sleepy Eye Elementary School
ECFE Fall Festival will be 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Mike and Cheyenne Lax farm

Things happening the next couple of weeks include:
Early Childhood Screening on Tuesday, October 16 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church basement
ECIP training (part 1) for day care providers on Monday, October 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye School cafeteria
“Perfect Wedding” at the Old Log Theatre on Thursday, October 25 (sign up by October 16)
55 Alive renewal class on Thursday, November 1, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
“Christmas on the Ranch” at the Plymouth Playhouse on Sunday, November 4 (sign up by October 16)

A number of CPR/First Aid classes offered by the Sleepy Eye Ambulance Service will be held during the month of November. The first is Emergency First Aid on Wednesday, November 7, 6:30-9 p.m. This class meets the Day Care requirements. To register call 507-794-3116.

Pro Kinship for Kids is having a fundraiser on Monday, October 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Happy Joe’s. All are invited to enjoy the buffet with proceeds going to Pro Kinship for activities throughout the county.

Press release 10/4/12

The school year is in full swing as we know by the activity schedule, school pictures being taken, concerts planned and conferences being scheduled. The month of October also gives students two days off on October 18 and 19 due to Education Minnesota Conference for teachers.

Following the break, students who will be 15 by December 1 can pick up an application for classroom driver’s education which would take place in November. Thirty hours are required and will be scheduled around activities and practices with the intent of being finished before the winter sports games begin.

Lots of activities have been planned for Saturday, October 13 in our community. The United Way Day of Caring will happen that morning as well as the Sleepy Eye Hospital Ladies Morning Out from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. An all day quilting class will begin at 8 a.m. and go until 4 p.m. for new or returning students. A Babies class offered by ECFE will happen 9:30-10:30 a.m. and the ECFE Fall Festival will be 2:30-4:30 p.m. The Sleepy Eye Hockey Association is sponsoring a Pasta Feed at the Sleepy Eye Community Center from 4:30-7 p.m.

Some of the upcoming outings need attention as the deadlines for signing up will soon be here. There is space in the outing toStillwateron Thursday, October 11. October 16 is the registration deadline for “Perfect Wedding” on Thursday, October 25 at the Old Log Theatre and “Christmas on the Ranch” at the Plymouth Playhouse on Sunday, November 4.

Those wanting to knit and crochet are invited to come on Friday afternoons when there is school for help reading a pattern or learning some new stitches of just learning how to do it. The group meets from 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 109 at Sleepy Eye High School.

Appointments are being made for Early Childhood Screening to be held on Tuesday, October 16 in the morning at Trinity Lutheran Church basement. Children who will be four by the end of December have been invited to participate in the fall screening.

Press release 9/27/12

The next renewal class for 55 Alive is on Monday, October 8, 1:30-5:30 p.m. The four hour class is available to anyone who has taken the first time class of 8 hours. Two additional renewal classes have been scheduled for November which is a Veterans Promotion by AARP. All veterans are eligible to take advantage of this promotion as well as their spouses, dependents, widows or widowers. Coupons are available through the AARP website of from local insurance agents or this office that will be brought to the class.

A first time class is in the planning stages for this fall so if there are people needing this course, let us know. In looking at the area offerings, a first time class offering is not available at this time.

Some of the upcoming events include:

Computers 4 Life on Tuesday, October 2, 6-8 p.m.

Learn to Knit or Crochet on Friday, October 5, 3:30-5 p.m.

Babies class on Saturday, October 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

All Day Quilting on Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fall Festival on Saturday, October 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Early Childhood Screening will be held on Tuesday, October 16 for children who will be four by December 31 and have not participated in this milestone. Appointments are available starting at 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The event is held at Trinity Lutheran Church basement.

The next outing planned is to Stillwater on Thursday, October 11. Interest has been expressed in all of the fall outings including “Perfect Wedding” on Thursday, October 25 at the Old Log Theatre, “Christmas on the Ranch” at the Plymouth Playhouse on Sunday, November 4 and the Lundstrom Country Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 8.

Press release 9/20/12

The Brown County Day of Caring will be here on Saturday, October 13. The ECFE program is hoping to have a team that will help in Sleepy Eye for a couple of hours in the morning. Contact the staff at 507-794-7907, extension 1320 if you would be available to help. All ages are invited to participate but those under 18 need to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Classes for 3-5 year olds started on Tuesday and the Toddlers will be coming on Thursday, September 20, 6-7:15 p.m. We will also meet the new two year old class on Monday, September 24 at 6 p.m. All classes are held in Room 319 and 320 except the Tuesday morning class and Toddlers which meet in Room 318. Most of the fall classes meet for nine weeks. A new group of classes will be held in the new year during the spring term. The next Babies class is offered on Saturday, October 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

A special event coming on Saturday, October 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m. will be the fall festival at the Mike and Cheyenne Lax farm. Pre-registration is appreciated.
An area workshop for parents and teachers will be held on Thursday September 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Nicollet. It is titled “Self-Regulation for Young Children: The Role of Responsive Teachers and Parents”. This is a free workshop offered through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and Region 9 Help Me Grow committee.

The next renewal class for 55 Alive is on Thursday, September 20, 5:30-9:30 p.m. A daytime class is planned for Monday, October 8, 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Quilters of all skill levels will be returning on Saturday, October 13 for another day of learning and sewing. Find an unfinished project or begin a new one that will be usable for gift giving. If you need ideas or patterns, please call the community ed office. The rotary cutter method is used in the classes.

The popular Computers 4 Life workshops will begin on Tuesday, October 2. Class time will be 6-8 p.m. and the group will be meeting in the High School computer lab room 108. The class meets for four sessions and then a new group is scheduled. Contact Nicole Dummer at 507-354-6750 to register. She also has information on GED classes, College Prep and Pathways to Manufacturing Careers.

The next outing planned is to Stillwater on Thursday, October 11. Sign up is needed by September 26.

Press release 9/13/12

The fall brochure was included in the Brown County Reminder on September 10. Hopefully you were able to check it out but also hang on to it for

The popular Computers 4 Life workshops will begin on Tuesday, October 2. Class time will be 6-8 p.m. and the group will be meeting in the High School computer lab room 108. The class meets for four sessions and then a new group is scheduled. Contact Nicole Dummer at 507-354-6750 to register. She also has information on GED classes, College Prep and Pathways to Manufacturing Careers.

School readiness classes began this week with a full morning class and nearly full afternoon class. This group meets three times a week. Discovery Time classes begin on Wednesday, September 19 with an afternoon and morning class two days a week. Both classes are full at this time.

ECFE classes for 3-5 year olds begin on Tuesday, September 18. Class times are 9-10:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. Toddlers will meet on Thursday, September 20, 6-7:15 p.m. for their first session. Two year olds meet on Monday, September 24, 6-7:30 p.m.

The first Community Education Advisory Board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 20 at 4 p.m. in Room 109. This is a change in meeting date to the third Thursday.

Renewal classes for 55 Alive have been arranged for this fall. An evening class (5:30-9:30 p.m.) will be held on Thursday, September 20. A daytime class (1:30-5:30 p.m.) is scheduled for Monday, October 8.

A special promotion for Veterans is available through AARP for the month of November. The publicity says all veterans, regardless of age, are eligible to take advantage of the Veterans promotion. This includes individuals who serve or have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard/Reserves, or Coast Guard. In addition, veterans’ spouses, domestic partners, dependents, children, and widows and widowers, regardless of age, may receive the free classroom course.

Participants are required to fill out a coupon which is available in this office or from the instructors or by downloading one from the AARP website.  If one chooses to take the course on line, a 50% deduction is given during November to Veterans.

The next outing planned is to Stillwater on Thursday, October 11. Sign up is needed by September 26. Individuals interested in the Lundstrom Country Christmas Celebration are to indicate that by this Friday to determine if a deposit should be made for a block of tickets.

Press release 9/6/12

Due to technical difficulties, the fall brochure did not get included this week in the Brown County Reminder but will be in next week. Hopefully the small ad  on September 3 provided information for the happenings for the weekend and coming week. By the time you read this information, the online form of the brochure should be posted on the Sleepy Eye School website.

First on the schedule for fall is an ECFE babies class on Saturday, September 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Parents with new babies are invited to come and discuss tummy time, infant brain development, adjusting to parenthood whether it is a first child or the youngest child.

September 8 will also be the first class for quilters. Some have already indicated they have a project to work on or will be starting a new project. We meet in the cafeteria at Sleepy Eye School and begin at 8 a.m. Quilters also bring an item to share at coffee time or noon lunch.

The next open house will be for the Discovery Time preschool which is for those who have turned three by September 1. It will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 6:30-8 p.m. in the ECFE room 320 at the Sleepy Eye Elementary School. ECFE classes for this age group begin on Tuesday, September 18 and the preschool starts on Wednesday, September 19.

ECFE classes for Toddlers will meet on Thursday, September 20, 6-7:15 p.m. for their first session. Two year olds meet on Monday, September 24, 6-7:30 p.m. The times for 3-5 year olds are 9-10:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. The fall newsletter has been mailed or can be accessed on the school website.

The next outing is to the Clay County Fair at Spencer IA on Thursday, September 13. The motor coach will leave Sleepy Eye at 7:30 a.m. and return early evening. Sign up by September 7 if you are interested in this day trip.

Discount tickets and food coupon books for the Renaissance Festival are available through this office for the weekend events at Shakopee.

A request was received to attend the Lundstrom Country Christmas Celebration in December. A non-refundable deposit needs to be made so if you would be interested in this outing.

Renewal classes for 55 Alive have been arranged for this fall. The first two will be in September. An afternoon class (1:30-5:30 p.m.) will be held on Tuesday, September 11 in Room 134 at the Sleepy Eye High School. An evening class (5:30-9:30 p.m.) will be held on Thursday, September 20. More are scheduled for October and November. Sign up early as the classes do fill.

Press release 8/16/12

School Readiness enrollment letters were mailed this week. Parents need to note that open house will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 320 at the Sleepy Eye Elementary School. Classes do not start until mid-September.

Open House for Discovery Time families will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 6:30-8 p.m. Additional information will be sent in the near future to those families that have signed up.

ECFE classes for all age groups begin later in September with Toddlers on Thursday nights, 6-7:15 p.m. starting on September 20. Two year olds will meet on Mondays, beginning September 24, 6-7:30 p.m. The Three to five year old class will begin on Tuesday, September 18 at three different times: 9-10:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. A newsletter with registration information will be available by the end of the month.

The Minnesota State Fair trip is planned for Monday, August 27 which is Senior and Kids day. We would leave at 7 a.m. and return about 9 p.m. Sign up by August 20. The outing to the Clay County Fair at Spencer IA will be on Thursday, September 13.

Press release 8/9/12

Fourteen young people ten and older are participating in the Babysitting Clinic this week. A special emphasis is placed on keeping themselves safe if home alone or babysitting other children. Guest speakers presented part of the material and a visit to Tri-Valley Migrant School provided information on all preschool aged children. A test is given at the end of the course and certificates of attendance will be provided. A new babysitting list will be available in a couple of weeks. Only youth whose families give permission to be included on the list are made available. If you are in need of an updated list, contact this office.

Staff at St John’s School and Sleepy Eye Public School are having workshops and in service opportunities during these two weeks. St Mary’s staff will begin on August 20. This is a signal that school is just around the corner with classes for some of the students beginning on Monday, August 20.

School Readiness open house will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 6:30-8 p.m. Four year olds and their families are invited to meet the staff and check out the room. Classes do not start until mid-September.

The Minnesota State Fair trip is planned for Monday, August 27 which is Senior and Kids day. We would leave at 7 a.m. and return about 9 p.m. Sign up by August 20.

Press release 8/2/12

New staff members at Sleepy Eye School will be attending workshop on August 8 and 9 with the rest of the staff returning on Monday, August 13. Staff at St. Mary’s school have workshops starting on August 20. It is truly a sign that school will soon begin!
Next week is also the Brown County Fair with many of the local youth participating in the activities of 4-H and FFA.
The yearly babysitting clinic will be held the week of August 6th, 8-10 a.m. The class will meet in Room 134 at Sleepy Eye High School. The sessions are open to anyone ten years of age and older. Topics include child growth and development, cleanliness, handling a small baby, emergency and safety measures, playing with children and discipline. Special guests present information. Youth have the opportunity to be included in a babysitting list which is published for young parents in our community. Space is available.

The Minnesota State Fair trip is planned for Monday, August 27 which is Senior and Kids day. We would leave at 7 a.m. and return about 9 p.m.

Work continues on the community calendar which lists the activities of our schools. It will be available mid-August.

Press release 7/26/12

The yearly babysitting clinic will be held the week of August 6th, 8-10 a.m. The class will meet in Room 134 at Sleepy Eye High School. The sessions are open to anyone ten years of age and older. Topics include child growth and development, cleanliness, handling a small baby, emergency and safety measures, playing with children and discipline. Special guests present information. Youth have the opportunity to be included in a babysitting list which is published for young parents in our community. Space is available.

A number of activities will be ending this week including the summer long Tennis Club.
Summer school will also be completing the six week session this week. One more session of swimming lessons is available and Park and Recreation activities end on August 3rd. School begins at Sleepy Eye Public and St. John’s on August 20 and St. Mary’s on August 27.

The outing to the Minnesota Zoo was canceled due to low numbers. The Minnesota State Fair trip is planned for Monday, August 27 which is Senior and Kids day. We would leave at 7 a.m. and return about 9 p.m.

The month of August is usually a time to plan classes and events for the months of September through December. Any suggestions are welcome as this process continues to meet the needs and requests of our residents. We would like to have things in place by the end of August for those months.
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Press release 7/19/12

Over eleven hundred people from Sleepy Eye and the surrounding area attending “Annie Get Your Gun” this past weekend. It was a great run and the cast and crew are to be commended for their three month dedication to see this spectacular result!

The ECFE Advisory Board is planning to participate in Party in the Park on Thursday, July 26. This is a great outing for our local community and a time to have good food, fellowship and also learn about some of the things that happen in our community. It is patterned after the National Night Out with an emphasis on safety information. Remember to come to Allison Park from 5-8 p.m.

Babysitters (youth who are ten and older) will be attending the yearly clinic starting August 6 at 8 a.m. The group will be meeting for two hours each morning the entire week. An outing to the Minnesota Zoo is planned for Wednesday, August 1 and it would be helpful to have advance reservations by July 23. The Minnesota State Fair trip is planned for Monday, August 27 which is Senior and Kids day.

Press release 7/12/12

Showtime is here for “Annie Get Your Gun.” The cast is ready and eager to show off their talents this weekend at the three scheduled performances at St. Mary’s School Auditorium. The show will be staged Thursday, July 12 and Friday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and also on Sunday, July 15, 2 p.m.             With a cast of nearly forty, there is a lot of action, music and dancing. This classic show is a revised version of the show Sleepy Eye Community Theatre presented in 1993. Highlights from the past twenty years of bringing the fine arts to a fine community will be included in the program this year.

Looking ahead to the remaining activities on the Community Ed schedule, babysitters will be attending the yearly clinic starting August 6 at 8 a.m. The group will be meeting for two hours each morning the entire week. This is open to all who are ten and older.

An outing to the Minnesota Zoo is planned for Wednesday, August 1 and it would be helpful to have advance reservations by July 23. The Minnesota State Fair trip is planned for Monday, August 27 which is Senior and Kids day.

Press release 7/5/12

July has arrived which for many half of the summer is over and for others half of 2012 is over. The Sleepy Eye community keeps active with a lot of activities for all ages and many of the youth offerings are in full swing with summer recreation activities, Tennis Club, swimming lessons or open swim time.  The recent warm weather has been great for outside activities.

The Computers 4 Life class has closed down for the summer and will resume in the fall. This was a very popular four week course provided during the school year through the Adult Basic Education consortium which serves Sleepy Eye .

Due to the small number interested in the Twins outing on July 19, the event had to be canceled. The next offering is an outing to the Minnesota Zoo on Wednesday, August 1 with sign up needed by Monday, July 23. The summer display features fifteen larger than life animatronic dinosaurs along the Northern Trail. We would leave at 8 a.m. and be back late afternoon.

Letters have been sent to families who indicated they wanted more information about the School District preschool programs – School Readiness for 4 year olds and Discovery Time for 3 year olds.  Responses are requested by the middle of the month to determine class sizes and contact others who are on the waiting list.

Tickets sales have been brisk for the upcoming production of “Annie Get Your Gun” on July 12, 13 and 15. Evening show times are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday afternoon one is 2 p.m. All performances are at St. Mary’s School Auditorium which is air conditioned.

The cast and production staff from the first show done in 1993 have been invited to attend this revised version. The responses have been coming in each day so that will be a great reunion for them. We do have some people from the 1993 show involved in this year’s production.

Reserved seating tickets are available at the box office through July 11. Any remaining reserved ones as well as general admission tickets will be sold one hour prior to show time. Tickets can be saved for will call on the day of the performance. Mail and phone orders are allowed so just call 507-794-7873, leaving a message if necessary and we will get back to you if we are busy or out of the office. We are scheduled to be available each working day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are located in Room 109 at Sleepy Eye High School. Come to door #1 and we are the first room down the hallway.

 

Press release 6/28/12

The next few weeks will be focused on the Sleepy Eye Community Theatre’s production

This residency was sponsored by Sleepy Eye Community Education with a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature. The first show with Prairie Fire in Sleepy Eye was “Cinderella” in 1991.

Next week will be the start of many youth activities as swimming lessons begin, the park and recreation activities will be in full swing and Wild About Rockets will be held the week of June 18, 9-11 a.m. Students need to bring two 2-liter empty bottles for this class and they will be meet in room 201 at Sleepy Eye High School.

Two other June offerings through Community Education are Creative Dramatics Workshop on Monday, June 25, 9-11 a.m. and Quilting on Saturday, June 30, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Wanda Gag Association is offering a Digital Photography class June 18-21, 10 a.m.-12 noon for youth ages 8-13. Space is available in all of these offerings.

The annual outing to Valleyfair is on Tuesday, June 26. We leave at 8 a.m. in the morning and depart from the park at 7 p.m. Space is available and it would be helpful to sign up by June 21.

Early sign-up for the Minnesota Twins game on Thursday, July 19 for a 12 noon game with the Baltimore Orioles is due by June 25.

The Sports Sampler was canceled due to a small number that has registered.

Advanced reserved tickets will go on sale June 25 for Sleepy Eye Community Theatre’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun”. The show will be staged Thursday, July 12 and Friday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. and also on Sunday, July 15, 2 p.m. The cast of over forty has been working diligently to present a memorable show. It will not be the same as twenty years ago as a revised version was chosen for this production. The props committee and costume committees have been seeking things that are useable for the show as well.

Press release 6/7/12

Show time is this week for the youth who are participating in Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre to produce “Sleeping Beauty.” It is always a great week with the kids learning their lines, songs and dances in four days in order to give us a performance on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The show will be at the Sleepy Eye High School auditorium and tickets are available at the door.
This residency is sponsored by Sleepy Eye Community Education with a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature.
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Wild About Rockets is a new offering this year and will be held the week of June 18, 9-11 a.m. Participants ages 8-11 will explore, create, and test their own rocket. The rockets will be made from construction paper, cardboard, tape and clay with air pressure as the fuel. Students need to bring two 2-liter empty bottles. Meet in room 201 at Sleepy Eye High School.
Two other June offerings are Creative Dramatics Workshop on Monday, June 25, 99-11 a.m. and Quilting on Saturday, June 20, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Wanda Gag Association is offering a Digital Photography class June 18-21, 10 a.m.-12 noon for youth ages 8-13. Space is available in all of these offerings.
The annual outing to Valleyfair is on Tuesday, June 26. We leave at 8 a.m. in the morning and depart from the park at 7 p.m. Space is available and it would be helpful to sign up by June 21.

“Fox on the Fairway” is the latest comedy at the Old Log Theatre and a reservation has been made for Thursday, June 21. A hilarious romp begins as Quail Valley Country Club prepares to take on archrival Crouching Squirrel in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament. With a sizeable wager at stake, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase. Menu choices are: Chicken Divan with Spinach, Mushroom and Ham in a cream sauce, Smoked Windsor Pork Chop, Walleye Pike Almandine and Vegetarian Lasagna. Depart at 10 a.m. and return around 5:45 p.m. Register by June 14.
Another early sign-up is for the Minnesota Twins game on Thursday, July 19 for a 12 noon game with the Baltimore Orioles. Registration is due by June 25.

Press release 5/24/12

The ECFE program will continue to offer opportunities for families with young children. The ECFE Book Wagon will make visits to South Park and Keifer Park again this year. The dates will be Thursday, June 7, 14 and 28 (3 sessions). South Park will be 9:30-10:15 a.m. and at Keifer Park from 10:30-11:15 a.m. This is a change from what was advertized in our youth brochure but will accommodate more children in the areas where they live or daycare.
The Sports Sampler is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. The group will meet twice a week for three weeks only this year and do t-ball, football and soccer. It would be helpful to sign up by May 30th so t-shirts can be ordered. Please indicate size of shirt if calling in to register and leaving a message on voice mail.

The two classes from Wanda Gag House grant to be held in Sleepy Eye are Pick a Path – Make a Game! and Click Click Digital Photography. There are openings in both events at this time.

Youth seven years and older are encouraged to participate in Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre the week of June 4 to produce “Sleeping Beauty”. Over the years this has been a highlight for many children and they learn many new techniques of being on stage as well as find some new friends. Auditions will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 4 at Sleepy Eye High School Auditorium. This activity is made possible by a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature.

Press release 5/17/12

The Wanda Gag grant has found an instructor, Marilyn Lieske, for Pick a Path – Make a Game! The class will be held June 4-7, 9:30-10:45 a.m. for ages 6-12 at Sleepy Eye High School – Room 134. Youth will design, construct and decorate a board game and then make a box to store it in. The games will be displayed at the Dyckman Free Library for one week following class. Materials are provided.

The Sue Sew and Sew class for Springfield is already full but there is room for the Click Click Digital Photography class held both in Sleepy Eye and Springfield the week of June 18. The latest information indicates the Bohemian Story Telling will be held for youth ages 13-18 only and is in New Ulm August 6-17.

There are currently two openings for K-3 golf and two for those grades 4 and older. These begin on Friday, May 25 and meet for three Fridays.

Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre staff will be here the week of June 4 to produce “Sleeping Beauty”.  Up to 74 youth ages 7 and older can participate in addition to the  technical helpers for lights and sound.

The two outings for May were cancelled. The Tulips were long gone and the group was too small to take a motor coach. The Twins game for May 30 was also cancelled due to low numbers.

The next scheduled outing is to the Old Log Theatre on Thursday, June 21 to see “The Fox on the Fairway” a comedy by Ken Ludwig. The menu choices have changed a bit for summer with only four available: Smoked Windsor Pork Chop, Walleye Pike Almandine, Vegetarian Lasagna and Chicken Divan with Spinach, Mushroom and Ham in a cream sauce.

We also have the annual trip to Valleyfair on Tuesday, June 26.

Press release 5/10/12

Registration for youth summer activities was held on Monday evening. There may still be openings for some activities so if you were unable to attend, please call and check on availability. The brochure and registration form has been added to our website page. The first activities will be children’s theatre with Prairie Fire staff the week of June 4. We received a grant from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council to help with the expenses of this production.

Other activities offered through Sleepy Eye Community Education were summer tennis, youth golf lessons, building rockets, creative dramatics workshop, quilt in a day, babysitting clinic. Trips included Valleyfair on Tuesday, June 26. ECFE is sponsoring a book wagon and preschool sports sampler.

Sleepy Eye Park and Recreation has baseball, smurfball, track and field, Frisbee golf, Arts and Crafts, Fun in the Park, Games Galore, soccer, and flat football.

The Sleepy Eye Aquatic Center has swimming lessons for all ages including a new starfish class for three and four year olds, lifeguard training and Girl Scouts swim team. You will need to wait until the pool opens to sign up for these if you missed out on May 7^th.

Remember to check in at the Dyckman Free Library at the end of the month for “one World, Many Stories” summer reading program.

Brown County Extension has information on Teen Camp, Youth Camp, Mystery Day Camp, Science Day Camp and Paint Run-A-Way.

A new offering was a Just for Kids four week session in August and September.

The Wanda Gag Association is offering a number of workshops throughout the county this summer. There is a need for Pick a path instructor which will include making a game and storage box for games that were used during the era of Wanda Gag. The other class in town is Click Click Digital Photography. Springfield will be hosting Sue Sew and Sew and New Ulm is having Bohemian Story Telling.

It is rewarding to see all of the offerings provided for the youth during the summer in our small community. That is a tribute to those providing the different activities.

Registration is open until Friday for the outing to the Tulip Festival at Orange City IA on Thursday, May 17.

School for students at Sleepy Eye and St. John’s School will be done on Wednesday, May 16. St. Mary’s students will end on Wednesday, May 23. This seems early but with only one late start the whole school year, none of the make-up days were needed. Beginning the week of May 21, this office will start summer hours of 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Behind the wheel schedules have been distributed to students and any changes need to be as soon as possible.

Press release 5/3/12

The preschools held at Sleepy Eye Public School will finish this week. Discovery Time made up the one late start we had on Wednesday. School Readiness graduation is on Thursday during the morning or afternoon class times. The Lindahl Room is usually very full with parents, grandparents and siblings all coming to enjoy the program.

Registration for summer activities will be on Monday, May 7, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary School cafeteria. Check over the five page brochure that was sent home with students during the week and bring it and your calendar when you sign up for activities. The brochures will be posted online as well so you will have access to it during the summer if you need to check out any event. A number of the activities have limited class sizes or are for a specific age group. Activities are for those 3 years old through high school and in some cases college. Some of the starting dates for activities are:
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre June 4-9 doing “Sleeping Beauty”
Swimming lessons begin the week of June 18
Sleepy Eye Park and Recreation activities begin the week of June 18
Look for other offerings through Sleepy Eye Community Education and ECFE, Wanda Gag Association and Brown County Extension Service.

The last 55 Alive/Mature Driving renewal class for the spring is on Tuesday, May 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Two outings are planned for May: Tulip Festival at Orange City, IA on Thursday, May 17 and Minnesota Twins/Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, May 30 for a noon game.

Press release 4//26

The youth of Sleepy Eye will again have many activities to keep them busy during the summer. A fairly large handout will be sent home with children next week with details on what is available and how to register. All groups offering activities for the summer will be in the Sleepy Eye Elementary school cafeteria on Monday, May 7, 5-6:30 p.m. for the initial sign-up. In addition, most sponsors post their offerings on their websites following this event which also allows for on-line viewing and oftentimes registration. A number of the activities have limited class sizes or are for a specific age group. Some of the starting dates for activities are:
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre June 4-9 doing “Sleeping Beauty”
Swimming lessons begin the week of June 18
Sleepy Eye Park and Recreation activities begin the week of June 18
Look for other offerings through Sleepy Eye Community Education and ECFE, Wanda Gag Association and Brown County Extension Service.
Youth have inquired about the outing to Valleyfair and it is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26. There is also a trip to the Target Field for a Twins game on Wednesday, May 30 with the Oakland Athletics. Tickets have to be purchased by May 4 to keep the reservation.

Summer behind the wheel will begin on Monday, April 30 for youth not involved in spring activities. The June schedule will be completed when all youth needing behind the wheel submit the times they will not be available. It is much easier to make a schedule knowing the conflicts there may be rather than rearrange everyone later. Of course, it is nice to have that permit when one is scheduled as well.

Once the April calendar sheet is turned, there will only be twelve days of school left for Sleepy Eye and St John’s students with the last student day on May 16. St. Mary’s students go until May 23. A few offerings are still on the spring schedule:
Computers 4 Life starts on Monday, April 30, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 108
55 Alive/Mature Driving renewal class on Tuesday, May 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Tulip Festival at Orange City, IA on Thursday, May 17

The cast of “Annie Get Your Gun” have been busy learning songs and practicing choreography. Other behind the scenes activities include designing the set and determining the costume plot. There is always room for others to become a part of the production crew.

Press release 4/19/12

The first scheduled trip to Target Field is on Wednesday, May 30 for a noon game with the Oakland Athletics. The motor coach would depart at 9 a.m. and the tickets for this reservation need to be purchased by May 4.
The other outing scheduled for May is to the Tulip Festival at Orange City IA on Thursday, May 17.
One outing is still available in April and that is to the Amish at Harmony on Thursday, April 26.

The next Computers 4 Life session will begin on Monday, April 30, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Room 108 at Sleepy Eye High School. This four week course has been very popular this year. If you want to join the class, call the instructor, Nicole Dummer, at 507-340-7364.
The last 55 Alive/Mature Driving class for this school year will be on Monday, Tuesday, May 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Staff is in the midst of preparing a youth brochure of summer activities. It will include swimming lesson times, park and recreation offerings, Wanda Gag classes in Sleepy Eye, children’s theatre “Sleeping Beauty”, youth tennis, outings and classes offered through community education. Registration time will be Monday, May 7, beginning at 5 p.m.

Those who have signed up to read 1000 books before kindergarten should continue through the summer and additional sheets will be available in this office and the Dyckman Library. After each 100 books, there is an incentive available as well.
Many families have started signing up for the District 84 preschools. Currently the 3 year old Discovery Time meets twice a week for two hours. The School Readiness program for 4 year olds currently meets three days a week for two and a half hours. A child’s age as of September 1 determines which class they will be enrolled in. If you have a preschooler and this is something you may be interested in, please call 507-794-7873 to be included on the list.

Press release 4//12/12

Many families have started signing up for the District 84 preschools. Currently the 3 year old Discovery Time meets twice a week for two hours. The School Readiness program for 4 year olds currently meets three days a week for two and a half hours. Those who have signed up will not get any information until June due to the application for a four day week as this would affect the times when classes would meet. A child’s age as of September 1 determines which class they will be enrolled in. If you have a preschooler and this is something you may be interested in, please call 507-794-7873 to be included on the list.

The response for our outing to the Amish at Harmony on Thursday, April 26 has been very good. A guide will join us on the bus and take us to a number of Old Order Amish farm sites which will have baked goods or craft items for sale. Some time will be allowed to visit the shops in town as well. There is still space available for others who may want to join us for the day.

The outing to the Arts and Crafts Affair at Canterbury Park on Friday, April 20 has a very limited number of registrations at this time so will most likely be canceled.

The Tulip Festival in Orange City IA is scheduled for Thursday, May 17.

Staff will be planning other outings for the summer months and welcome your ideas of places to go and things to see.

Two more sessions of 55 Alive/Mature Driving renewal classes remain on this spring schedule.  The first is on Monday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. and the second on Tuesday, May 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Your certificate is valid for three years and you receive a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance.

The ECFE program will be having a year-end event on Tuesday, April 17 in the elementary gym and cafeteria. Mr. Jim will be in concert from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Prior to the concert, families will build and eat their own sundae. A Scholastic book fair is also planned and purchases can be taken home that evening. Thanks to BIC and River Region Cooperative for their help in bringing this program to Sleepy Eye.

Two special events for children ages 3 through 3^rd grade will take place in New Ulm. A Daddy/Daughter dance will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2-4 p.m. Tickets are available through April 13 for this event. A Mother-Son Hoedown will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2-4 p.m. and these tickets are available through early May. These are special days with your child and have become very popular.

The Community Education Advisory Board meets on Thursday, April 12, 4 p.m.

Press release 4//5/12

A holiday break is taking place Thursday April 5 through Monday, April 9 due to lack of snow days this year. Generally make up days occur during this break. Upon our return on Tuesday, April 10, there will be less than six weeks of school remaining.

This office has already begun coordinating summer activities and including the youth activities in a special youth brochure which will be available at the end of the month. There is still time to include classes and events. Just call or email us with your ideas and plans. An all activities registration night will be held in early May.

Tryouts for “Annie Get Your Gun” are being held this week at Sleepy Eye High School choir room. Children in grades 2-6 should come from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday if possible. Junior high through adult are scheduled 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Enter Door #1 and look for signs leading to the choir room. If these times do not work, please call this office if you are interested in trying out.

The ECFE program will be having a year-end event on Tuesday, April 17 in the elementary gym and cafeteria. Mr. Jim will be in concert from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Prior to the concert, families will build and eat their own sundae. A Scholastic book fair is also planned and purchases can be taken home that evening. Thanks to BIC and River Region Cooperative for their help in bringing this program to Sleepy Eye.

Conferences will be held for School Readiness and Discovery Time during the month of April.

Two special events for children ages 3 through 3^rd grade will take place in New Ulm. A Daddy/Daughter dance will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2-4 p.m. Tickets are available through April 13 for this event. A Mother-Son Hoedown will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2-4 p.m. and these tickets are available through early May. These are special days with your child and have become very popular.

Some of the April happenings include:

“Church Basement Ladies” on Wednesday, April 11

55 Alive/Mature Driving renewal on Monday, April 16, 5:30 p.m.

Amish Tour at Harmony on Thursday, April 26

Press release 3/29/12

A very foggy morning did not deter those wanting to take advantage of the blood draws at Community Health Day. Over 320 people came through in four hours with 100 of them being walk-ins. Many are able to stay for refreshments provided by the Brown County REA and visit with their neighbors. Since there were a few other events in the county, some of the display people were unable to be at more than one event but those who did come made some positive visits with participants. For anyone who missed our event, there will be one in Morgan in May.

It is not too early to think about our April outings. At this time the April 11^th trip to the Church Basement Ladies is full but there is always a chance someone can’t go at the last minute so a waiting list has been started.

The outing to the Amish at Harmony on Thursday, April 26 is already half full. There has also been some interest in the trip to the Tulip Festival at Orange City IA on Thursday, May 17.

55 Alive/Mature Driving classes are available three more times this spring. A first time class will be on Thursday March 29 and Friday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. Four hour renewals are planned for Monday, April 16, 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Tuesday, May 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Many of the classes fill since we are only allowed to register 25 at each event.

The next Computers 4 Life series should begin on Monday, April 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m. To participate in these free classes, call instructor Nicole Dummer at 507-340-7364.

The last all day quilting class for this season will be on Saturday, March 31, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring a new project or an unfinished project as help will be available to interpret your pattern.

Sleepy Eye Community Theatre has announced audition times for their summer production of “Annie Get Your Gun”. They will be held on Wednesday, April 4 and Saturday, April 7. Children in grades 2-6 should come from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday if possible. Junior high through adult are scheduled 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Enter Door #1 and look for signs leading to the choir room. If these times do not work, please call this office if you are interested in trying out. This show was done in 1993 – the first year for Sleepy Eye Community Theatre. Some special events are being planned for this 20^th anniversary.

The schools will be able to have a “spring break” due to lack of snow days which often alter the school calendar. Therefore, students and staff will not be in school on Thursday, April 5, Friday, April 6 or Monday, April 9. Since classroom driver’s ed will finish on March 31, students are encouraged to try the permit test during these days off. A request for behind the wheel has been given to students from the fall and spring class to be returned by April 13. Any students from another year or who did not take classroom from us but may want behind the wheel are encouraged to call this office for details. It may be possible to begin in mid April if a student is not involved in spring activities.

Press release 3/22/12

Sleepy Eye Community Theatre has announced audition times for their summer production of “Annie Get Your Gun”. They will be held on Wednesday, April 4 and Saturday, April 7. Children in grades 2-6 should come from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday if possible. Junior high through adult are scheduled 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Enter Door #1 and look for signs leading to the choir room. If these times do not work, please call this office if you are interested in trying out. This show was done in 1993 – the first year for Sleepy Eye Community Theatre. Some special events are being planned for this 20^th anniversary.

Community Health Day is this Saturday in the Sleepy Eye Elementary School gym and cafeteria. Screenings start at 6:30 a.m. and go to 10:30 a.m.     Free blood pressure checks are provided. Refreshments are provided after the blood draws by the Brown County REA, one of the co-sponsors. Other sponsors are Brown County Public Health Nursing Service, Sleepy Eye Medical Center and Sleepy Eye Community Education.

Displays are arranged around the perimeter of the cafeteria and information will be available from Sleepy Eye Medical Center, Brown County Public Health Nursing Service, Integrative Health, Brown County Probation, and CADA house. Look for additional displays.

***

Events for the rest of the month include:

Last toddler class on Thursday, March 22

Last class for 3-5’s on Tuesday, March 27

Social Emotional Development in Young Children – module 3 on Monday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

55 Alive First Time class on Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30, 5:30 p.m.

All Day quilting on Saturday, March 31, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

            Babies class on Saturday, March 31, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Press release 3/15/12

Community Health Day is a week away and many have already signed up for the blood analysis screenings that are offered. The REA business office has been taking reservations for the screenings starting at 6:30 a.m. and going to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 24. The event is held at theSleepyEyeElementary Schoolgym and cafeteria. Call 507-794-3331 to make an appointment.

Displays are arranged around the perimeter of the cafeteria and information will be available fromSleepyEyeMedicalCenter, Brown County Public Health Nursing Service, Integrative Health, Brown County Probation, and CADA house. Additional displays will be added this week.

Classroom driver’s ed will start on Thursday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. in Room 205 at theSleepyEyeHigh School. Students should enter door #2. Nine other dates will be chosen at that time in order to finish in the next three weeks before spring sporting events begin.

Social Emotional Development in Young Children – module 3 will be held on Monday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Lindahl Room atSleepyEyeElementary School. CEU’s are available and advance registration is encouraged so handouts will be available.

Tickets are available for the Daddy-Daughter Dance on Sunday, April 29. This popular event is for girls 3 years through third grade. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, big brothers, and others are invited to be escorts. The event is 2-4 p.m. at the New Ulm Country Club. The afternoon will include dancing (music provided by MC Express), refreshments, picture of each couple, door prizes and lots of quality time with the little princess. We have a limited number of tickets available as well as a ticket in case two daughters will be coming!

 

Press release 3/8/12

March tends to be a busy month for various activities offered through Community Education. Deadlines are also very important in order to keep reservations that have been made. Looking ahead, the following activities will be held if there is sufficient enrollment:
All day quilting on Saturday, March 10, beginning at 8 a.m.
ECFE Babies class on Saturday, March 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
55 Alive renewal class on Monday, March 12, 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Computers 4 Life on Monday, March 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m. for four sessions
Community Health Day on Saturday, March 24, 6:30-10:30 a.m.
Social Emotional Development in Young Children – module 3 on Monday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
55 Alive first time class on Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30
All day quilting on Saturday, March 31, beginning at 8 a.m.

“The Fox on the Fairway,” is a comedy by Ken Ludwig coming to the Old Log Theatre. A reservation has been made for Wednesday, March 21. Menu choices are: Smoked Windsor Pork Chop, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Breast, Walleye Pike or Vegetarian Lasagna. A short back stage tour will be taken after the matinee. Register by March 14.

Tickets are available for the Daddy-Daughter Dance on Sunday, April 29. This popular event is for girls 3 years through third grade. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, big brothers, and others are invited to be escorts. The event is 2-4 p.m. at the New Ulm Country Club. The afternoon will include dancing (music provided by MC Express), refreshments, picture of each couple, door prizes and lots of quality time with the little princess. We have a limited number of tickets available as well as a ticket in case two daughters will be coming!

Press release 3/1/12

Registration forms for classroom driver’s education have been placed in the high school principal’s offices. Depending on the playoff schedule that teams may be involved in, the first class could be Monday, March 5. Students need to read the daily bulletins or go on line to read them as the class meeting times will be posted there each week.

Tickets are available for the Daddy-Daughter Dance on Sunday, April 29. This popular event is for girls 3 years through third grade. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, big brothers, and others are invited to be escorts. The event is 2-4 p.m. at the New Ulm Country Club. The afternoon will include dancing (music provided by MC Express), refreshments, picture of each couple, door prizes and lots of quality time with the little princess. We have a limited number of tickets available as well as a ticket in case two daughters will be coming!

Social Emotional Development of Young Children – Module 2 will be offered on Monday, March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a repeat of the November 2011 class. Module 3 will be available on Monday, March 26.

A 4 hour 55 Alive renewal class will be held on Monday, March 12, 1:30-5:30 p.m. The 8 hour first time class has been moved to Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30, 5:30 p.m.
The next Computers 4 Life class begins on Monday, March 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m. These workshops have been very popular this year and there are openings in this next session. Contact Nicole Dummer at 507-340-7364 if you are interested in attending.
Other activities in the near future include:
Dr Suess reading event on Thursday, March 1, 4:30-6 p.m.
Early Childhood screening on Thursday, March 8 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Community Ed Advisory Board on Thursday, March 8, 4-5 p.m.
All Day quilting on Saturday, March 10, 8 am-4 p.m.
Babies class on Saturday, March 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m. ***
“The Fox on the Fairway,” is a comedy by Ken Ludwig coming to the Old Log Theatre. A reservation has been made for Wednesday, March 21. Menu choices are: Smoked Windsor Pork Chop, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Breast, Walleye Pike or Vegetarian Lasagna. A short back stage tour will be taken after the matinee. Register by March 14.

Community Health Day is on Saturday, March 24, 6:30-10:30 a.m. at the Sleepy Eye Elementary School. Screenings include blood analysis, thyroid stimulating hormone and prostate cancer for men over 50. Free blood pressure checks are also offered. Call 507-794-3331 or 1-800-658-2368 during business hours to make a screening appointment.

Press release 2/23/12

Students and staff have Friday, February 24 off but there will be school on Monday. February 27. The community calendar has both days listed as off but the Monday is an error.

Building Baby Brainpower through Movement training will be on Monday, February 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Lindahl Room atSleepyEyeElementary School. Pre-registration is requested. CEU’s will be available and participants will receive a toy which encourages development as well as a book.

Social Emotional Development of Young Children – Module 2 will be offered on Monday, March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a repeat of the November 2011 class. Module 3 will be available on Monday, March 26.

A 4 hour 55 Alive renewal class will be held on Monday, March 12, 1:30-5:30 p.m. The 8 hour first time class has been moved to Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30, 5:30 p.m.

The next Computers 4 Life class begins on Monday, March 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m. These workshops have been very popular this year and there are openings in this next session. Contact Nicole Dummer at 507-340-7364 if you are interested in attending.

Other activities in the near future include:

ECFE Advisory Board on Thursday, February 23, 4-5 p.m.

Dr Suess reading event on Thursday, March 1, 4:30-6 p.m.

Early Childhood screening on Thursday, March 8 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Community Ed Advisory Board on Thursday, March 8, 4-5 p.m.

All Day quilting on Saturday, March 10, 8 am-4 p.m.

Babies class on Saturday, March 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

“The Fox on the Fairway,” is a comedy by Ken Ludwig coming to the Old Log Theatre. A reservation has been made for Wednesday, March 21. A hilarious romp begins as Quail Valley Country Club prepares to take on archrival Crouching Squirrel in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament. With a sizeable wager at stake, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase. Menu choices are: Smoked Windsor Pork Chop, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Breast, Walleye Pike or Vegetarian Lasagna. A short back stage tour will be taken after the matinee. Register by March 14.

Press release 2/16/12

One of the larger events of the year will be coming on Saturday, March 24. Community Health Day is about a month away but many appointments have already been made for the blood analysis. This includes screening for cholesterol, HDL/LDL, calcium, glucose, kidney function etc. It requires a 12 hour fast for best results but one can drink water and take heart or blood pressure medications. A new screening this year is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Prostate cancer screening is also available for men over 50. All of the screenings have a fee. Blood pressure checks are free. Appointments are scheduled by the Brown County REA office staff at 507-794-3331 or 1-800-658-2368 during business hours.
Health related groups wishing to set up a display are asked to call this office to reserve a space. The event is held at the Sleepy Eye Elementary School gym and cafeteria.
This yearly event is co-sponsored by Brown County Public Health Nursing Service, Brown County REA, Sleepy Eye Community Education and Sleepy Eye Medical Center.
***
The second all-day quilting session will be this Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary school cafeteria. All skill levels are invited to participate in these special events. Two more offerings will be available in March.
An ECFE Babies class is planned for Saturday, February 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Those planning to attend should register by Friday to determine if there is enough interest to have the class.
Building Baby Brainpower through Movement training will be on Monday, February 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Lindahl Room at Sleepy Eye Elementary School. Pre-registration is requested.

The ECFE Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, February 23, 4-5 p.m.
A second reading event will be held on Thursday, March 1, 4:30-6 p.m. in honor of Dr. Suess’s birthday.
A number of children have been enrolled in the 1000 books before kindergarten program. After each 100 books read, a sticker or gift will note that milestone. By reading one book a day to a child, it will take three years to reach the goal of a 1000. By reading three books a day, the goal can be met in one year! Reading to preschool children has proven to be a great way in helping to prepare children for school.
Early Childhood screening will be held on Thursday, March 8, with appointments being taken on the half hour from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Any child who is four by June 1 is invited to attend this event. Appointments can be made by calling 794-7873.
The Casey partnership cards have been a hit with families and will be on sale through the end of the month.

“The Fox on the Fairway,” is a comedy by Ken Ludwig coming to the Old Log Theatre. A reservation has been made for Wednesday, March 21. A hilarious romp begins as Quail Valley Country Club prepares to take on archrival Crouching Squirrel in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament. With a sizeable wager at stake, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase. Menu choices are: Smoked Windsor Pork Chop, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Breast, Walleye Pike or Vegetarian Lasagna. A short back stage tour will be taken after the matinee. Register by March 14.

Press release 2/9/12

A new training is being offered in Sleepy Eye on Monday, February 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. It is called Building Baby Brainpower through Movement. Learn how important movement is to the brain development of infants and toddlers and how to encourage that movement. Each child care provider attending will receive a toy which encourages development as well as a book. CEU’s will be provided. Sally Dannenberg will be the facilitator. The workshop will be held in the Lindahl Room at Sleepy Eye Elementary School. Pre-registration is requested.
Building the Social Emotional Skills of Young Children, module 1, will be offered on Monday, February 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Sleepy Eye. This same workshop was held last fall. CEU’s are available. Module 3 will be offered in March.

Events taking place at the Sleepy Eye School during the month are:
Grandparents day in ECFE on Saturday, February 11, 9:30-11 a.m.
55 Alive/Mature Driving on Thursday, February 16, 5:30 p.m.
All day quilting on Saturday, February 18, beginning at 8 a.m.
ECFE Babies class on Saturday, February 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The group attending “The Lion King” on Saturday were treated to some of the latest feats in technology as we watched the story unfold. The acting, music, costumes and puppetry were awesome.

Registration for the spring classroom driver’s ed will be available after February 15 in the high school offices. Class will be held during the month of March providing thirty hours of instruction.

Press release 2/2/12

If you have always wanted to decorate your own cakes, come and learn how to do it starting Monday, February 6. The class is planned for four sessions, 6:30-8 p.m. Bring frosting bags and metal tubes to the first class and learn what else you may need if you enjoy it. Class will be meeting in the FACS (room 152 in the basement.

Another activity planned for Monday, February 6 is a Title 1 FamilyReadingnight, 4:30-6 p.m. ECFE plans to have activities available in Room 320 for preschoolers who attend this event. If will also be an opportunity to sign up to read a 1000 books before kindergarten to a child or pick up a Casey’s partnership card for pizza or donuts. Information about both of these projects was included in the ECFE newsletter which is posted on the school website.

Preschoolers can invite their grandparents to attend class with them on Saturday, February 11, 9:30-11 a.m. in Room 320. A number of activities will be planned for the two generations to participate in and the grandparents will have a discussion geared just for them.

The annual Mt Kato ski trip is planned for Sunday, February 12, leaving at 1 p.m. A special rate for groups is available starting at 2 p.m. The group would return around 9 p.m. Sign up is needed by February 9 to determine if there is enough interest in attending.

Building the Social Emotional Skills of Young Children, module 1, will be offered on Monday, February 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Sleepy Eye. This same workshop was held last fall. CEU’s are available. Module 3 will be offered in March.

A new session of Computers 4 Life starts on Monday, February 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will meet for four sessions.

Toward the middle of the month, there will be another 55 Alive renewal class on Thursday, February 16, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Also taking place will be an all day quilting on Saturday, February 18, beginning at 8 a.m. as well as the ECFE Babies class 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The Computers 4 Life class has been very popular and the next four week session will begin on Monday, February 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is requested as the class fills up very fast.

Press release 1/26/12

The response for the first public meeting concerning a 4 day school week was awesome. Additional meetings are Wednesday, January 25 and Monday, January 30, 6-8 p.m. They will be held in theSleepyEyeElementary Schoolcafeteria. Enter door #2. In case you want background information prior to the meeting, be sure to go to theSleepyEyeSchoolwebsite for all of the studies that have been done as well as insights from someMinnesotaschools that have started using this type of schedule.

Activities happening in the next few weeks include:

ECFE Toddlers on Thursday, January 26, 6-7:15 p.m.

ECFE Open gym on Friday, January 27, 7-8 p.m.

55 Alive first time class on Saturday, January 28, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

ECFE Two year olds on Monday, January 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

Cake decorating class begins on Monday, February 6, 6:30-8 p.m.

ECFE Grandparents class on Saturday, February 11, 9:30-11 a.m.

Mt Kato ski trip on Sunday, February 12, leaving at 1 p.m.

55 Alive renewal class on Thursday, February 16, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

All day quilting on Saturday, February 18, beginning at 8 a.m.

ECFE Babies class on Saturday, February 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The Computers 4 Life class has been very popular and the next four week session will begin on Monday, February 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is requested as the class fills up very fast.

Building the Social Emotional Skills of Young Children, module 1, will be offered on Monday, February 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Sleepy Eye. This same workshop was held last fall. CEU’s are available. Module 3 will be offered in March.

A family reading night will take place on Monday, February 6, 4:30-6 p.m. in theSleepyEyeElementary Schooland ECFE classroom. The focus will be on reading and it will be a time for those with preschoolers to sign up to read 1000 books before kindergarten to their child. A second event will be held on Thursday, March 1 when Dr. Suess’ birthday will be celebrated.

Just a reminder when inclement weather comes to our area: If school closes early, no afternoon or evening activities are held. If school starts late, the afternoon and evening activities can be held.

 Press release 1/19/12

The focus for the next three weeks will be the public hearings concerning the 4 day
school week. The first meeting is Wednesday, January 18, 6-8 p.m. Upcoming meetings are
Wednesday, January 25 and Monday, January 30 also at 6-8 p.m. They will be held in the Sleepy
Eye Elementary School cafeteria. Enter door #2. In case you want background information prior
to the meeting, be sure to go to the Sleepy Eye School website for all of the studies that have
been done as well as insights from some Minnesota schools that have started using this type of
schedule. Two school visits were made by about 30 staff, school board members, and parents
from Sleepy Eye and St. Mary’s Schools in the last couple of weeks.

The first eight hour 55 Alive first time class had to be rescheduled and will now be held
on Saturday, January 28, beginning at 8:30 a.m. There is room for more to participate. The next
four hour renewal class will be on Thursday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Another offering for this week is the first all day quilting class for the new year on
Saturday, January 21, beginning at 8 a.m. A beginning cake decorating class is scheduled for
four Mondays starting February 6, 6:30-8 p.m.

The ECFE program will get back into the class mode starting this week with the
following offerings:
Babies on Saturday, January 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Mixes Ages/3-5 year olds on Tuesday, January 24, 9-10:30 a.m.. 4:30-6 p.m. or 6;15-
7:45 p.m.
Toddlers on Thursday, January 26, 6-7:15 p.m.
Open gym on Friday, January 27, 7-8 p.m.
Two year olds on Monday, January 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

The United Way board and community volunteers have been meeting with the 34
organizations that are requesting funding for the next two years. A large application is filled out
ahead of time and then a face to face interview is held with the five or six volunteers on the
team. Each team meets with seven to nine organizations. The sad news is that there is always a
greater need for funds than what is available.
Another United Way sponsored program is the Life-Living series which begins next
week. First on the schedule is Dave Borchert, police officer with the New Ulm Police
Department who will discuss bullying/texting/sexting and what effect it has on our children on
Monday, January 23. Sisters Kay and Michelle present practical skills to nurture our own self-
esteem and foster others to grow in self-appreciation on Monday, January 30. Mike McGinnis,
program director for Addition Recovery Technologies, Inc. of Mankato will provide information
about substance abuse issues facing communities today on Monday, February 6. All sessions are
held in the District Administrative Auditorium, Center and State Street in New Ulm from 7-8:30
p.m.

An outing is planned to the Minnesota History Center on Wednesday, February 1. The
current traveling display is 1968: The Year that Rocked the World. It is a multi-media exhibit of
the relentless year of culture-shifting, life-changing, memory-stamping events. If possible,
register by January 25.
A trip to Mt Kato has been planned for Sunday, February 12 for youth 7th grade and
older. The group would leave at 1 p.m. and return by 9 p.m. Sign up by February 9.

Press release 1/12/12

The Life-Living Series is a United Way presentation and is coming to New Ulm for the 36^th year. On Monday, January 23, Dave Borchert, police officer with the New Ulm Police Department will discuss bullying/texting/sexting and what effect it has on our children. On Monday, January 30, Sisters Kay and Michelle present practical skills to nurture our own self-esteem and foster others to grow in self-appreciation. On Monday, February 6, Mike McGinnis, program director for Addition Recovery Technologies, Inc. of Mankato will provide information about substance abuse issues facing communities today. All are held in the District Administrative Auditorium, Center and State Street in New Ulm from 7-8:30 p.m.

55 Alive/Mature Driving classes begin this week for the second half of the school year. A first time 8 hour class is offered on Saturday, January 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participants should bring a sandwich to have during the break over noon. The first 4 hour renewal class is on Monday, January 16, 1:30 p.m. The next renewal class will be on Thursday, February 16, 5:30 p.m.

A number of people have indicated interest in the Beginning Bridge instruction starting on Monday, January 16, 6:30 p.m. in the SEHS Media Center. More participants are welcome.

The first winter all day Quilting is on Saturday, January 21, beginning at 8 a.m.

A requested class for beginning cake decorating is offered on four Mondays, beginning February 6, 6:30-8 p.m. Please check out what is needed for the first class and call with any questions.

All of the ECFE offerings for all ages start in a couple of weeks. The ECFE newsletter is posted on line and was mailed to families in the district this week. The first Babies class is on Saturday, January 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m. An open gym will be held on Friday, January 27, 7-8 p.m. Other offerings include

Mixed ages, 3-5 year olds on Tuesday, January 24, 9-10:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m. or 6:15-7:45 p.m.

Toddlers on Thursday, January 26, 6-7:15 p.m.

Two year olds on Monday, January 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

An outing is planned to the Minnesota History Center on Wednesday, February 1. The current traveling display is 1968: The Year that Rocked the World. It is a multi-media exhibit of the relentless year of culture-shifting, life-changing, memory-stamping events. If possible, register by January 25.

A trip to Mt Kato has been planned for Sunday, February 12 for youth 7^th grade and older. The group would leave at 1 p.m. and return by 9 p.m. Sign up by February 9.

The Community Education advisory board meets on Thursday, 4 p.m. in Room 109. Staff members will also be making two site visits that are on the four day week schedule and open meetings are planned for Wednesday, January 18, Wednesday, January 25 and Monday, January 30. All are 6-8 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye School cafeteria.

Press release 1/5/12

A new calendar year is here and a number of new activities are now available. Be sure to save the Brown County Reminder that was available on Monday for the winter-spring edition of Community Education events and activities.

A number of activities begin in January. Here is a recap of what to look for during the month:

Knit and Crochet on Fridays, January 6, 3:30-5 p.m.

55 Alive/Mature Driving first time class on Saturday, January 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

55 Alive/Mature Driving renewal class on Monday, January 16, 1:30 p.m.

Computer 4 Life new class begins on Monday, January 16, 3:30 p.m.

BeginningBridgeinstruction on Monday, January 16, 6:30 p.m.

All Day Quilting on Saturday, January 21, beginning at 8 a.m.

All of the ECFE offerings for all ages start in January as well. A Babies class will be offered monthly with the first one on Saturday, January 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m. An open gym will be held on Friday, January 27, 7-8 p.m. Other offerings include

Mixed ages, 3-5 year olds on Tuesday, January 24, 9-10:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m. or 6:15-7:45 p.m.

Toddlers on Thursday, January 26, 6-7:15 p.m.

Two year olds on Monday, January 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

Walking is done in the halls ofSleepyEyeSchoolafter 3:30 p.m. on school days. Be sure to register and wear you walking badge.

The first outing planned is to theMinnesotaHistoryCenteron Wednesday, February 1. If possible, register by January 25.

Press Release 12/29/11

Be sure to look in the Brown County Reminder on Monday for the fall-winter edition of Community Education events and activities. Remember to clip and save the page as the activities are scheduled into June already. This office will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. Voice mail and email messages will be checked during the break. Walkers continue to register to participate. Walking is done in the halls ofSleepyEyeSchoolafter 3:30 p.m. on school days. Walking badges are provided by this office.

The first quilting class will be on Saturday, January 21 beginning at 8 a.m. Knitters for all skill levels will be resuming sessions on Friday, January 6, 3:30-5 p.m. Those wishing to learn how to knit or crochet are invited to come during this time as well. Computers 4 Life will start a new session on Monday, January 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m. 55 Alive/Mature Driving classes resume in the New Year. A first time eight hour course will be held on Saturday, January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. A four hour renewal class will be held on Monday, January 16, 1:30 p.m. Bridge for Beginners will meet on Monday, January 16, 6:30-8 p.m.

Outings for the new year will begin on Wednesday, February 1 to theMinnesota HistoryCenterto view the current display 1968: The Year That Rocked the World as well as the permanent displays. Then on Saturday, February 4 a number of people will be attending “The Lion King” at the Orpheum Theatre. There are still tickets remaining and our check will go in on Tuesday, January 4 for payment so it is not too late to sign up. A trip to Mt Kato is planned for Sunday, February 12.

The 4 day school week discussions will occupy much of January with two site visits and three public forums. For anyone having questions and concerns, attend one of the public meetings on Wednesday, January 18, Wednesday, January 25 or Monday, January 30. All meetings are in the Sleepy Eye School Cafeteria from 6-8 p.m.

Press release 12/22/11

The upcoming holidays affect many of the school offices with limited personnel available. This office will be closing at 1 p.m. on Friday and reopen on Tuesday, January 3. Voice mail and email messages will be checked during the break.

It is not too late to get a gift certificate for the person who has everything or who likes to go places. They can be used for any class or outing sponsored by Sleepy Eye Community Education and can be purchased for any amount. We also have a limited supply of the ECFE cookbooks that were printed last January.

We have already had a couple of changes in our events for January but all of the winter-spring activities will be included in the January 2 edition of the Brown County Reminder as well as on our school website in the New Year.

The first quilting class will be on Saturday, January 21 beginning at 8 a.m. Knitters for all skill levels will be resuming sessions on Friday, January 6, 3:30-5 p.m. Those wishing to learn how to knit or crochet are invited to come during this time as well.

Computers for Life will start a new session on Monday, January 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

55 Alive/Mature Driving classes resume in the New Year. A first time eight hour course will be held on Saturday, January 14 beginning at 8:30 a.m. A four hour renewal class will be held on Monday, January 16, 1:30 p.m.

An excited group of adults and youth are planning to attend “The Lion King” on Saturday, February 4, 2 p.m. matinee at the Orpheum Theatre. There is still time to purchase a ticket this week. Animals are brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors.  Hit songs from this musical include “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”