Youth Enrichment

STAFF

Melanie Demulling
School District 197 K-12 Youth Enrichment Coordinator
Phone: 651-403-8522
|melanie.demulling@isd197.org

School District 197 Community Education

Aquatic Center

1897 Delaware Ave
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Phone: 651-403-8520

CLICK HERE
to Register for
Youth Enrichment Classes

Find Your Spark! Get Inspired! Ignite Your Passion!

The goal of our Youth Enrichment program is to provide opportunities for our youth to explore interests while continuing to develop their academic and social skills. Our classes are offered after-school, on non-school days, evenings and weekends. The school day may be over but the learning can still go on!

Enrichment classes inspire creative thinkers, spark the imagination and offer an opportunity to have new learning experiences. Classes take place at each of our schools. Click below to find a new experience for your student!

School-based Enrichment Classes

Garlough Youth Enrichment

Mendota Youth Enrichment

Moreland Youth Enrichment

Pilot Knob Youth Enrichment

Somerset Youth Enrichment

Friendly Hills Youth Enrichment

Heritage Youth Enrichment

ACT Prep

New Students

ACT Prep Classes are offered through Youth Enrichment with Advantage Educational Programs. Students in grades 10-12 can register for the ACT Prep classes.

In-Person ACT Preparatory Course

This course consists of four, three-hour classes that meet one day each week at Two Rivers High School. The course includes diagnostic testing, instruction in time management, overcoming test anxiety, science reasoning, English strategies and review, essay writing, reading comprehension, and math strategies and review. Students enrolled in these classes not only benefit from personal instruction taught by our experienced instructors, but also have free access to our online course. Students who complete a course may repeat the course as often as they wish, free of charge using the online version. The fee for this course is $150, with all class materials included.

Virtual ACT Prep Class

This course is an excellent alternative for any student unable to attend an in-school class, but still prefers the interaction with one of the Advantage Educational Programs' instructors. The Virtual ACT Prep Course is the same as the In-School ACT Prep Course, but from the comfort of your own home. The instructors teach live via virtual classroom and are available to answer questions if needed. The fee for this course is $150 and the only things you need are an internet connection and a computer/tablet/smart phone. Instructions will be sent to you via email a few days before the course begins.

Online ACT Preparatory Course

This course is an excellent alternative for students unable to attend in-person classes or for those who prefer to prepare on their own, studying at their desired pace. The fee for this course is $60. Students may repeat the course at no charge until you graduate from high school.

The online course uses Google Classroom via instructors' videos, voice-overs, illustrations, and slides that guide you through the testing areas of the ACT. Online students are able to communicate with the instructor with questions or concerns. The course is equivalent to the 12 hour classroom time. The fee for this course is $60. Students may repeat the course at no charge until you graduate from high school.

Repeating Students

Student may repeat the course, using the online version at no additional cost. Go to www.AdvantagePrep.net and click ‘REGISTRATIONS.’ Click the link for ‘Students Repeating the ACT Course’. Advantage Plus will send a code to access the online version of the ACT Prep class.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Drivers' Ed

District 197's Driver’s Education program is offered in partnership with A+ Driving School. The course is approved by the State of Minnesota and meets all requirements for training anyone under the age of 18. The course fee includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind the wheel instruction.

Step 1: 30-Hour Classroom

Each student must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction as mandated by Minnesota State law. Upon completion of the classroom instruction, students will receive their card if aged 15. The blue card is required to take the permit test at the DMV.

Step 2: Knowledge Test, also known as the Permit Test

Be prepared with the following documents:

If you are under the age of 18 at the time of your test and this is your first test, you must bring the blue certificate of enrollment card issued by a driver education program, or you will not be able to take the test.
Know your social security number.
If you have already taken the knowledge exam twice for this class of license, you will be required to pay a $10 retesting fee (cash or check only).
Bring the correct documentation to apply for a permit or license.

When you arrive for your Knowledge Test

You must wear a face mask to enter the exam station and while taking the knowledge test.
For a person younger than 18:
- If the person is applying for a credential, a parent or guardian must accompany the applicant.
- The parent or guardian must pass the health screening and wear a face mask.

Once you pass the test you must pay $15.50 for the Instructional Permit to the Department of Motor Vehicles. That cost is not included in your Driver's Ed registration fee.

Step 3: Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

Behind-The-Wheel (BTW) is handled through A+ Driving School, not District 197, but is included in your registration fee.

BTW is a series of (3) 2 hour lessons. Lessons cannot be scheduled until AFTER students have passed the permit test. After completion of BTW, students will receive the white card required to take the road test.

To schedule your BTW lessons, go to https://aplusdrivingschool.net/ and create an account by selecting "took class with A+." Select Two Rivers from the drop down menu. Account confirmation can take up to 24. Do not try to create an account multiple times. You will be locked out of their system.

Once your account is verified, you can schedule lessons. Select "Woodbury/IGH/SSP/WSP" as your pickup location. Instructors will pick up and drop off from your home, school or a location convenient to you. Include the pick-up address in the notes section.

Step 4: Class D Road Test

If your student is 16 or older, has had their permit for 6+ months, completed BTW and 50 hours of supervised driving, they can schedule the road test.

The road test is scheduled through the Department of Motor Vehicles, not Community Education or A+ Driving School.

Be prepared with the following documents:

Your social security number
Your valid instruction permit
Your own vehicle, on which
- Doors must open from inside and outside
- Seatbelts must work properly
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals must work properly
- Vehicle registration must be current (license plates and registration stickers) or the vehicle must display a 21-day permit
Valid proof of insurance. Photocopies or copies off the Internet are not acceptable
If you are under 18 years of age, you must
- Present your white card.
- Have held an instruction permit for at least six months with no convictions for moving violations or alcohol/controlled substance violations
- Present your Supervised Driving Log signed by your primary driving supervisor
- If you are under 18, a parent/guardian signature is required to apply for a driver’s license if the test is passed. However, a parent/guardian need not be present during the road test
There is a $20 test fee for a third or subsequent test (after failing first two)
- Payment by cash or check only; credit or debit cards are not accepted

Warrior Ski Club

Registration & Cancellation

New this year: Afton Alps has a new policy for groups. Community Education will need to prepay for all tickets and rentals four days prior to the scheduled trip. Previous years we were able to pay after the scheduled trip.

What does this mean for you? Participants must be registered by Tuesday at 12pm the week of the Friday night trip. No late registrations will be accepted due to the new policy at Afton. Once we have paid for our tickets and rentals on Tuesday we will not be able to add additional registrations.
My participant has an injury/illness and can longer go, what can we do? Please call us at 651-403-8520, we can work to find another date and move your registration or issue a refund minus a $10 processing fee. Please call as soon as possible as we are planning for buses and paying for lift tickets/rental equipment in advance.

My participant has a season pass to Afton Alps, do I need to pay? Yes, please sign up for the $20 registration fee only, to cover the cost of transportation and supervision, and rentals if needed.
Can I get a scholarship for Ski Club? We can waive the $20 registration fee if your family is on free/reduced lunch. Please call us at 651-403-8520. We are not able to discount the lift ticket or rental fees.

At Afton Alps

What happens when the kids arrive?
When kids arrive they receive tickets/rental equipment as needed. A spot will be selected in the Chalet for district 197 students to store their stuff. Kids will store their items under the tables so other guests can use the tables while they are not in the chalet. Kids are then free to ski and have fun with their friends!

How much money should I give my child for dinner at Afton?
It is recommended to provide $10-15 for dinner or you can pack a bag lunch for dinner.

I need to get a hold of my child, what do I do?
Cell service is sketchy on the hills and in the chalet. If you need to get a hold of your child, the main office at Afton is 651-436-5245. Afton has all the Ski Club Advisors cell phone numbers and will call them in case of emergency. Afton does not have a PA system to page your child to the chalet, they will call the advisor.

Equipment & Rentals

Where does my participant store their equipment at school?
Two Rivers | Mr. Skov’s Room A117
Heritage | Storage Room by Lower Blue House Lockers
Friendly Hills | NEW LOCATION! Room 121--Lower Green House (old FACS room)
We prefer student’s equipment to be dropped off in the morning.
What is included in the rental packages? If you register for the $75.00 rental package, this includes, Ski/Snowboard, boots, poles (ski), helmet, registration fee and lift ticket.

Are goggles included in the rental package?
No goggles are not included but are recommended.

My kid took someone else’s equipment by mistake, what should I do? Please call us at 651-403-8520 and let us know what you have and we can send an email out to all families who attended the last trip. If your child lost an item on the bus or at Afton--please call us we will contact transportation or Afton for you.

Injury

What if my participant is injured?
In the event of an injury, the injured participant will be taken to the First Aid Room at Afton and met by an ISD 197 Chaperone or Ski Club Advisor and Afton Alps first aid staff. Parents will be called and notified of the injury. Depending on the nature of the injury and the parent’s preference, the participant may:

Ride the bus back at the regular time, where he or she will be met by parents
Be picked up at the resort by the parent.
Be taken by ambulance to the nearest emergency room. ISD 197 Chaperone or Ski Club Advisor will go with the participant.
Parents must meet their participant at the hospital.

Ski Club Advisors will check in with First Aid throughout the night. Ski Club Advisors phone numbers are left with the main office/first aid office at Afton.

Bus/Transportation

Where should my participant go when the bell rings the day of the trip?
Heritage | Students should meet Ms. Danner/Mr. Kenefick in the cafeteria by 3:30pm for attendance and to start getting ready for the trip. School backpacks will be left in the cafeteria while at Afton. Students will not be able to go to their lockers when they return.
Friendly Hills | Students should meet Mrs. Lynch by the main bus doors by 3:30pm for attendance and to start getting ready for the trip. School backpacks should be left in the FACS room while at Afton. Students will not be able to go to their lockers when they return.
Two Rivers | Students will meet Mr. Skov in the cafeteria by 3:30pm.
When does the bus leave the school and arrive at Afton? The bus will leave the schools around 3:50-4pm and should arrive to Afton around 4:30-4:45pm. Upon arrival students will get their rental equipment if needed. Ski Club advisors will pass out lift tickets.

What can my participant bring to Ski Club?
They can bring one small bag on the bus, it must fit under their seat or on their person. Please encourage your participant to refrain from bringing valuables to Afton. Ski Club is not responsible for lost or stolen items on the bus or at Afton.

Does my child have to ride the bus both ways? YES! Kids MUST ride the bus both ways to and from Afton, the ski club advisor needs the same kids going out to Afton as leaving. Kids can't be dropped off later or leave early with friends, this is too much for the advisors to keep track of and how kids are left behind. Thank you for following this safety procedure.
What time does the bus leave Afton Alps? The bus will leave Afton Alps at 9pm. Kids who have rental equipment are asked to return to the Chalet by 8:30pm to return their equipment, everyone else by 8:45pm.\

Where do I pick-up my participant once they’ve returned?
You will pick your student up at their school.
Friendly Hills | Main Parking Lot--Bus will pull up by the gym doors
Heritage | Main parking lot by gym doors
Two Rivers | Kids will be dropped off in the first parking lot by the curb--please wait for your child in the second parking lot area.
If you have a sibling group--a student at Heritage/Friendly and one at Two Rivers and you’d like to do one pick-up at one school--please call us. We can arrange that--we need to let the advisors know ahead of time so they know not to look for that student at Afton and are aware they are on another bus.
To ensure prompt pick-up of participants at the school please sign up for the remind app to get texts on when the buses are leaving Afton and again when they are close to arrival at the schools.

Ski Rules

Ski/snowboard in control and safely. You must be in control at all times. Know the code—the people in front of you have the right of way. Helmets are required by Afton. You must have a helmet on at all times.
Ski with a buddy—always have someone with you from your group. Have a meeting place with your friends if you get split up—example, upstairs in the Chalet on the hour.
Please be kind and respectful to all employees and patrons at Afton. You are representing your school and family.

Chaperones

Can I chaperone?
We love to have chaperones! You are welcome to come with your participant to Afton and receive a complimentary lift ticket/rental. We get a limited number of complimentary chaperone tickets from Afton based on how many kids are going, so please let the advisors know if you are planning to chaperone and if you will be skiing and need a ticket or if you will be hanging out in the chalet.

What is required to chaperone?
We do require a background check completed through ISD 197 in order to chaperone. This will cost $25.00 and is good for 1 full year for any District 197 volunteer/chaperone opportunities. It is all done through email--we will need a valid email address. It takes 24-48 hours to be approved once the form is submitted. If you’d like to chaperone please call us or email me at least 4 days before the scheduled trip.

Club Cancellation/Weather

What happens if the ski trip is cancelled?
For our skiers and snowboarders there is no such thing as too much snow! But for our bus drivers, there may be.
If it is necessary to cancel a trip due to inclement weather (road conditions, severe cold, school cancellation, etc) announcements will be made at the schools and emails sent to the email on file when registering. If the trip is cancelled during school hours, students will be sent home per their usual means of transportation.

Do I get a refund?
If a trip is cancelled due to weather a full refund will be issued. We will try to cancel trips and make decisions as early as possible. Due to a multitude of different factors, there is not a specific temperature in which we will cancel a trip.
If ISD 197 schools are closed or have an early release due to weather all community education classes and activities are cancelled including Ski and Snowboard Club.

Dress your participants for the weather--layers are great!!

Lessons
Beginner lessons are offered at a discounted rate through Afton. If your student need lessons, call 651-403-8520 and we can send out the registration link. Payment for lessons goes through Afton.

If you don’t see your questions answered here, call 651-403-8520!
Let it snow!!

Program Overview

What is Ski & Snowboard Club?
The Ski & Snowboard Club is an after-school activity that meets on select Friday nights throughout the winter season to go to Afton Alps. Both Friendly Hills and Heritage Middle School students in grades 5-8 and Two Rivers High School students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in the program.

Ski Club Advisors: Each school has a Ski Club Advisor who is a teacher at each of the schools, they will accompany the students to and from Afton Alps. All schools will be going together on the same dates this year--so all District 197 students and advisors will be out there on the same evenings.

Two Rivers Advisor: Glenn Skov | Friendly Hills: Katy Lynch | Heritage: Connor Kenefick & Leigh Danner

New this year: Kids will be getting a Neon Green Badge that will clip to a zipper on their coat that will have ISD 197 printed on it. This will help our advisors be able to recognize all students from ISD 197.

Communication: Weekly emails will be sent to families after registration closes, for updates on weather and other important club information for the upcoming ski club trip.

There is a Warriors Ski Club Remind Account for families to sign up for to get information on departure times and estimated arrival times at the schools through the Remind App. If you already have a Remind account, find us on remind: @2832h99. If you don't have a remind account, please create an account in the Remind App and add the Warrior Ski Club @2832h99.

Program Fees

Registration/Transportation Fee: $20--this fee covers coordination and administration fees, credit card processing fees, supervision, district bus transportation to and from Afton Alps. (If you have a pass to Afton and your own equipment you only need to pay this fee)

Lift Ticket & Registration Fee: $50--register for this option if you have your own equipment.

Ski/Snowboard Rental/Lift Ticket/Registration Fee: $75--this includes all equipment including helmet, in addition to the registration fee and a lift ticket.

Helmets are available as a stand-alone rental for $10

Registration & Program Information

Registration

Scholarships

Youth Enrichment Community Education is dedicated to providing learning opportunities to all youth in our district. We have a limited amount of scholarship money for families to use towards enrichment classes.

If your family is on Free/Reduced Lunch an option for a 25% discount is now available online for certain enrichment classes. If you need more than the 25% discount please call us at 651-403-8520. Not all classes are eligible for scholarships, if you don’t see an alternative price listed please call us.

Course Proposals

Our program isn't complete without you!

Do you have a special skill, interest, knowledge or hobby you'd like to share with students? We are always looking for new ideas and enthusiastic teachers that help meet the needs of students in our district.

You can fill out a course proposal form by clicking here and submitting the google form.

Or print, fill out and mail in this form.

Community Education District 197

Two Rivers High School Aquatic Center

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, MN 55118

A submitted proposal is not an approval for a class. You will be contacted if we are able to offer the class. Please note classes are planned months ahead of time for publication. You will need to pay for and submit a background check with District 197 Human Resources prior to teaching any class. We will not accept background checks from other districts or companies.

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