EDUCATION

Continued from page 43

Park Rapids Community Education

Lifelong learning is available to people of all ages at reasonable costs. A brochure is published three times a year and mailed to residents in the Park Rapids School District and neighboring towns. Copies are available at the public library or you can access the information at www.parkrapidscomed.com. A Community Education Advisory Council meets monthly to advise staff on programs, budget and collaborative efforts. Anyone interested in serving on this council or having questions about programming, please call Community Education at 218-237-6600.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood programs provide a warm and stimulating environment where children and parents can grow together. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes and special events are available for children ages 0 to 5 years and their parents/guardians. Experiences are aimed to help strengthen families and young children by providing information, support and encouragement while having fun. Weekly classes, one-time special events, speakers and more are among choices offered. Preschool classes are available for 3- and 4-year-olds, based on their age as of Sept. 1. The 4-year-old classroom is a state-funded program, so there is no charge to attend.

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education offers adults the opportunity to get their GED or adult diploma, learn English as a Second Language (ESL), improve job skills and more, including reading, math and computers. For more information call 218-237-6627.

Alternative Learning Center

The Alternative Learning Center (ALC) offers students a non-traditional path to graduation. Students who qualify are offered a rigorous program of study that is flexible, challenging and rewarding. Students work at their own pace to complete the required coursework for a high school diploma. For more information, contact Lisa Coborn, ALC coordinator, at 218-237-6629.

Park Rapids Area Virtual Academy

The Park Rapids Area Virtual Academy (PRAVA) is an educational delivery model uniquely developed to assist those students requiring a fully online, alternative educational program. This option is available to families with children in grades 6-12. Language immersion programs, Advanced Placement (AP) and College In the Schools (CIS) courses may be available, along with the rigorous standards and graduation requirements of Park Rapids Century School and Area High School. In alignment with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) guidelines, our programming will provide education in all required state standards, English Learner (EL) and special education services, elective opportunities and more.

School Administration

Superintendent

Lance Bagstad, lbagstad@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

High School Principal

Jeff Johnson, jjohnson@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Century School Principal

Mike LeMier, mlemier@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Century Elementary Assistant Principal

Steph Mercil, smercil@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Century Middle School Assistant Principal

Mark Frank, mfrank@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Activities Director

Jeremy Nordick, jnordick@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Community Education Director

Jill Dickinson, jdickinson@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Park Rapids Area Virtual Academy and Curriculum Director

Jill Stevenson, jstevenson@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

PAWN Special Education Director Eva Pohl, epohl@parkrapids.k12.mn.us

Business Manager: Kent Fritze, kfritze@parkrapidsk12.mn.us

Park Rapids School Board

The Park Rapids Area School Board generally meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at the Frank White Education Center community room. The public is welcome to attend. For a schedule of meetings, contact district secretary Kim Splett at 218-237-6500. Current agendas are posted at www.parkrapids.k12.mn.us/domain/577.