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Community education highlights literacy initiatives, adult-English classes and youth development council
Summary
Minnetonka Community Education presented program growth and new family- and adult-focused initiatives, including a Read the Rainbow literacy push, expanded family speaker series, a Level 1 English class for multilingual parents, and a Youth Development Council led by student co-chairs.
Kim Carlson, executive director of Minnetonka Community Education (MCEC), and program managers presented a district report on community education offerings, adult basic education and youth engagement programs.
Kim Carlson said the community education program reported high participation numbers for popular offerings (the ski club reported about 1,300 participants and basketball about 2,000). Carlson and program staff described a summer planning guide, new Lunch Bunch options at Scenic Heights and expanded offerings across age ranges. Anna Ostheim, youth enrichment program manager, introduced student co-chairs of the district Youth Development Council (YDC): Chandler Olsen (senior) and Nick Volkov. Olsen and Volkov described YDC activities including holiday family giving, the Rakeathon, and other community service events that build student leadership and community connections.
Community education managers described a district literacy initiative "Read the Rainbow," which included parent engagement and author visits; staff said two books were purchased for every family and that some classroom selections aligned with the district—s MTSS Tier 2 social-emotional learning materials. The program also launched a parent coaching and family support initiative and a speaker series addressing topics such as teen screens and mental health.
Kirsten Firehammer, lead teacher for adult basic education, described the district—s consortium with nearby districts to provide adult English classes. She said Minnetonka hosted a Level 1 English class locally this year so parents could attend while children were in preschool; the district reported six families and seven adults participated. A Ukrainian student, Viktoria Shevchenko, described how the adult options program helped her learn English, enroll in college and find work in the district.
Program managers said Project Friendship (an adapted youth program modeled on Project Soar) was launched to serve students with disabilities and their families; the program hosted adapted family nights and planned additional events. Staff also previewed summer programs and noted the MCEC workforce includes 15 current students employed by the district or community education.
The board thanked staff and asked questions about program participation and outreach; staff pointed to partnerships with PTOs, community groups and volunteers that sustain programming and maintain financial stability for the department.
