With a goal of providing lifelong learning

BY EILEEN PERSIKE
Editor

In the School District of Rhinelander, heading back to school in the fall is not just for youngsters. The district promotes lifelong learning through its Community Education program, which is designed to bring community members into the schools.

“My goal is to offer as many different opportunities for community members as I can,” said Mike Cheslock, Community Education coordinator. “Every year I am trying to think of different classes, different topics the community would benefit from.”

The fall/early winter class schedule, which has been recently released, contains some 30 class listings, including yoga, watercolor, mindful eating, sewing, finance, Zumba and dog obedience.
“Offering classes brings people into our six buildings,” Cheslock said. “It would be a shame if we locked the doors and turned off the lights at 3:30 after the kids left.”

Cheslock said many of the classes are created when people who are passionate about a topic suggest it to him.

“If you have an idea for a class or have a talent you want to share or teach, tell me about it,” he said. “I try to make most suggestions work.”

The Community Education program guide can be found on the school district website (www.rhinelander.k12.wi.us/community), where online registration instructions are also located. Paper registration is available by printing the online form, completing and mailing along with payment.

“We have ideal facilities for certain classes and certain learning opportunities,” Cheslock said. “And so we keep the lights on and that’s one way of keeping the community connected.”

For more information on the School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, contact Cheslock at 715-365-9745.