Community Education Update 2/24
Sixteen young people completed the 30 hours of classroom instruction for driver’s education. Their next step is to take the permit test when they are 15 in order to start practicing behind the wheel. The six hours of behind the wheel instruction takes place during the summer months and consist of four sessions of one and a half hours. Sign up will start in the near future for students to choose the week they want to be scheduled.
Defensive Driving classes resume in March with the first offering on Thursday, March 20, 1 p.m. Due to the change in the Accident Prevention Course Rule by the legislature, everyone is taking the four hour course now. The reason for that is people who are turning 55 had a driver’s training course while in high school so only need the updated information to receive a certificate of attendance. The 8-hour course is available on line for anyone who wishes to take it. There are already enough registrants for the March class so it will be held at the Sleepy Eye High School. Information on how to enter the school building during the day and what to bring will be provided closer to the class date.
An attendance certificate is valid for three years and provides a ten percent discount on vehicle insurance premiums. The other two offerings this spring are Tuesday, April 15, 5 p.m. and Monday, May 12, 1 p.m.
Literacy Night will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 5-7 p.m. in the Sleepy Eye Elementary School building. All children to sixth grade are invited to participate in the activities that are being planned.
ECFE classes continue to meet on Tuesday afternoons, 4:30-6 p.m. for all ages. ECFE Open gym is planned for Saturday, March 15, 9:30-11 a.m.
It is not too early to indicate interest in attending preschool for the 2025-2026 school year. Our community offers classes for three and/or four year olds. Registration materials will be available during the summer.
One of the most popular outings is ‘Grease” at the Chanhassen on Wednesday, April 2 with only four tickets remaining and registration is due March 5. The second is for “Perfect Wedding” at the Sidekick Theatre on Wednesday, May 7 with registration due April 21. Be sure to adhere to the deadlines for any of the outings as those needing tickets usually require a three or four-week advance notice in order to keep the tickets.
A number of the preschool families have signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library offered through the Brown County United Way. If a family moves, the book is not forwarded. The ECFE program picks up the books from the Post Office and if the child or family is involved in the ECFE program, the book is given to them. If not, the books are placed in the laundromat for people to read while doing laundry or take them home to add to their own “library”. The majority of the books are hard covers or board books.
The Community Education office is located in Room 109 of the Sleepy Eye High School. School day office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most weekdays. If the office is unattended, 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 pat.stevermer@sleepyeye.mntm.org or sandy.brinkman@sleepyeye.mntm.org
