Community Education program events and activities promote emerging leadership skills in students

A group of students in Community Education’s Kidstop program at Edinbrook Elementary School have formed a basketball club that meets after school. The opportunity turns the students' shared interest in the sport into dedicated time for teamwork and skill-building. 

Kidstop staff support the students by providing supervision and helping students strengthen their skills in a fun, interactive school environment. The club gives students time to practice the fundamentals of the game of basketball, play friendly games and encourage one another. 

Another after school program through Community Education’s Targeted Services created a theater club at Edinbrook Elementary School where 22 students auditioned for parts in Alice in Wonderland and rehearsed after school before their performance for their family at the end of February.   

“The faces of the audience of families, faculty, and loved ones said it all while enjoying the play: pure happiness and connection as a result of this program, “ said Christine Gabor, facilitator of Targeted Services program at Edinbrook Elementary School. 

Leading up to the performance, students worked hard to memorize their lines and get in character for their individual parts. Staff in the program worked to get costumes and audio equipment from schools within the district, made an elaborate stage and backdrop and collaborated with the Edinbrook Elementary School PTO to cater and pay for dinner on performance night.

“This year's Scottie' Club was engaging and so much fun. On our last day, I heard so many kids say that they did not want it to end and that they had so much fun! We couldn't have done it without our amazing staff that taught and assisted during the process: Malee Thao, Stephanie Tekautz, Rachel Dloughy, Kaitlyn Leinenger, Emily Malmgren, Val Jeffery, Kim Hannan, Marie Burke, and Tanya Bruneau," said Gabor.