By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

Though winter has brought cold and snow, there are still plenty of activities available to get out and about during the coldest part of the year. The New York Mills School District offers several opportunities within their building for the community.

For those who are used to taking a walk each and every day but are finding it much harder to do so with snowy sidewalks and frigid, blustery days, the halls of the NY Mills School are open each school day from 6-8:10 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. for those who want to get their steps in, especially in a warm environment. This opportunity is free and open to all, expect on Sunday nights during Open Gym, when a $1 fee will be charged to help support that program.

Open Gym is another opportunity for students in 7-12th grade and adults in the schools district as well as elementary students who are accompanied by adults and are able to enjoy the gymnasium at the school for recreational activities. All participants will be charged a $1 fee to help pay for facility and equipment maintenance. This program will be open on most Sundays (except February 8) from 6-8 p.m.

For those who are interested in learning, several opportunities are also available in that realm in NY Mills. A 55+ driver discount program will be taking places on Saturday, April 11th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Media Center at the School. This program costs $24 per participant, but with a final 10 percent discount on auto insurance premiums, the four-hour lesson covers challenges drivers face, new road designs, new vehicle technology and updates on current transportation laws. This course and discount can be renewed every three years.

Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language courses are also available right here in NY Mills on Tuesdays from 1-6 p.m. and Thursday from 8-11 a.m. currently in the NY Mills City Center at 118 North Main Avenue. Classes are free and open to all adults without high school credentials, needs to prepare for college, lacks computer skills, or is learning English as a second language. There are no fees for class time, but GED testing will have a fee.

For parents who are looking toward enrolling their child into pre-Kindergarten and into Kindergarten, Early Childhood Screenings are being conducted by the Lakes Country Service Cooperative at the NY Mills school by appointment. This screening is important to review a child’s growth and development and to follow up on any health or learning concerns. These screenings are free and include a developmental assessment, vision and hearing test, height and weight measurements, immunization and health history review and a parent visit. 

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about any of these offerings, call Deb in the Community Education office at (218) 385-4203.