The mission of ISD 186 Community Education is to provide quality and enriching opportunities that promote lifelong learning for people of all ages in the Pequot Lakes area community.


Rich Spiczka 
Director of Community Ed
Ph. 218-568-9352
.
Andrea Nelson 
Community Ed Coordinator
Ph. 218-568-9342

Laurie Theis
Community Ed Secretary
Ph. 218-568-9200
https://pequotlakes.revtrak.net/Community-Education-Menu/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qZlSmbtrSc-g2ucWqGOphMb6Co7zO9F4/view?usp=sharingcommunityed@isd186.org
http://district.isd186.org/departments-programs/pls-community/community-education#youth-sports
http://district.isd186.org/departments-programs/pls-community/community-education#volunteers

We are located inside door #4 by the athletic complex on the south end of Pequot Lakes High School.
Office Hours:
September - May   Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (on days school is in session)
June - August  Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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PATRIOT CLOTHING!
Pequot Lakes Community Education is selling Patriot clothing.  Our on-line store is open November 10 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017.

Click on the link, do your shopping and pay for your order by credit card.  The items will be delivered to the Community Education Office; the plan is to have everything here before the Holidays.

Community Education has items available to purchase in our office.  The Community Ed office is inside door 4 of the High School, our office hours are Monday - Friday 8 - 4:30 p.m.


Pequot Lakes Community Education Advisory Council 
The Advisory Council provides oversight and advice to the Community Education Department and its programs. They meet on the third Monday of the month during the school year at the Community Education office. The meeting runs from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Anyone who lives or works in the Pequot Lakes School District is invited to attend.
  • Jon Lubke 
  • Rachel Sullivan
  • Matt Erickson
  • Jenna Crawford
  • Melissa Hesch
  • Mara Powers
  • Susan Mathison-Young, School Board Liaison 
  • Chris Lindholm, Superintendent

Community Education Contacts

Community Education (218) 568-9200
Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts (GLAPA)  (218) 568-9200 
Kid Konnection - Andrea Nelson (218) 568-9342 
Youth Sports - Andrea Nelson (218) 568-9342
Early Childhood Family Education, School Readiness, Early Childhood Screening (218) 562-7520

Indoor Track

Independent School District #186 / PEQUOT LAKES PUBLIC SCHOOLS
30805 Olson Street, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472

INDOOR TRACK & HALL WALKING GUIDELINES 

Hall walking hours:  Monday - Friday, 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. & 3:30 - 9:00 p.m. when school is in session.

Indoor track hours:  5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Friday when school is in session. The track is closed when JV/Varsity games are held in the gymnasium unless you have purchased admission to the event in progress.

You are required to sign up through Community Education for hall-walking or indoor track use.  There is no cost for this.  You will receive a facility use pass.  These are available in the Community Education office, located across the hall from the new gymnasium.  You are required to get a new facility use pass each school year.

We are happy that our school space can be utilized to assist you in staying fit.  We have a few guidelines to keep you and our school safe:

  1. Please wear your facility use pass at all times while using the facility.  It helps identify who you are to our staff and clears you for this activity (these are obtained through the Community Education Department).
  2. Entrance to the school:  You must enter through the athletic center/community education entrance (glass entrance on southeast end of the school).  These are the only exterior doors to the school that will be open after 6:00 p.m. 
  3. Wear indoor shoes.  Outside “street” shoes can damage the track surface. 
  4. Joggers / Runners please stay to the outside of the track; walkers please stay to the inside (10 laps = approximately 1 mile)
  5. No food, pop or energy drinks (Gatorade/PowerAde) allowed on the track.  Water only.
  6. Hall walking, when there are evening events in the school, doors to certain hallways and classrooms may be closed for security reasons, please do not open these doors.  You may only walk in the “open” hallways during these times. 
  7. Do not leave your belongings unattended.  We do not have an area for coats/personal items.  It is your responsibility to carry these with you or lock them in your vehicle.
  8. Help us keep our school clean.  Do not leave garbage, trash lying around.  There are waste receptacles throughout the facility. 
  9. You must exit the school by 9:00 p.m.  The custodial staff has cleaning to do and must have the school empty to complete their work.
  10. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  No unsupervised children (under the age of 16 allowed in the facility without an adult).

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Pequot Lakes Community Education at 218-568-9200 or email anelson@isd186.org.

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Youth Sports

The mission of the Pequot Lakes Youth Sports program is to provide youth of all ages an opportunity to participate in recreational sports in a safe and wholesome environment that focuses on skill development, fun and provides a positive learning atmosphere with an emphasis on sportsmanship.

Participation in youth sports has proven to build self-esteem, promote teamwork and develop the body as well as the mind.   The success of the program will be measured by the participant experience not the scoreboard or wins and losses. We encourage all participants, parents and coaches to embody, support and spread this philosophy to best serve the youth of our community.

  • We operate on an EQUAL PLAY TIME basis.
  • Skills will be taught to all players on the team, regardless of their level of play.
  • Players are to be taught all aspects of the game, both offense and defense.
  • Pequot Lakes Youth Sports has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY toward unsportsmanlike behavior. Good Sportsmanship must be maintained by the coach, players, and parents. Arguing with game officials or other coaches/teams is unacceptable.
  • Youth Sports philosophy is about teaching the participants the fundamentals of the game and providing a positive and fun atmosphere.
Youth Sports Advisory Council Board Members:
  • Rich Spiczka, Community Education Director (ex-officio)
  • Pat Trottier 
  • Tom Nelson 
  • Dan Hoffard
  • Sara Crabb-Erickson
  • Jena Crawford
  • Rob Birkeland
OUR PROGRAMS:

Fall Sports 
Flag Football, Tackle Football, Soccer & Volleyball 

FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN JULY 16, 2018 - AUGUST 10, 2018

  • Flag Football for 3rd/4th grade  $50.00
      • Practice for 3rd/4th grade will the week of August 27 *tentative schedule will be Tuesday evenings from 5:45 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings
        • Flag Football Registration form
  • Tackle Football 5th/6th grade boys  $60.00
      • Equipment (shoulder pads & helmet)  Distribution for football will be August 16 from 5:30 - 6:30 at the Youth Sports Shed.  An equipment deposit of $120 is required.  Player must be present to fit equipment.
      • Practice for 5th/6th grade will tentatively start August 21; Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
        • Tackle Football Registration Form
  • Soccer for 2nd/3rd & 4th-6th grade girls and boys   $48.00                                                                                                                                                              Soccer will start Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Jenkins ball field.   The 2nd/3rd grade players will meet from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  The 4th/5th/6th grade players will meet from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. 2nd/3rd grade practices will tentatively be on Monday evenings, practices for the 4th - 6th grade players will tentatively on Tuesdays or Thursday evenings.  Practices will not start before 5:45 p.m. & will be over by 7:30 p.m.  Games are typically held on Saturday mornings with a few weekday evenings in place of practice.
        • Soccer Registration Form
  • Volleyball for 3rd/4th & 5th/6th grade girls  $48.00                                                                                                                                                                    Practice will start on September 10th; practices will be Monday or Thursday after 5:45 p.m. depending on gym availability, and Saturday mornings. Scrimmages with area communities will take place on some Saturdays in place of practice.
        • Volleyball Registration Form
  • Fall Golf Lessons for 4th-5th grade girls & boys  $40                                                                                                                                                            Registration is limited to 30 participants, if the program fills registration will close before the deadline, so please register early.  The program will run Mondays & Wednesdays, September 10 - 26, 2018 from 3:40 - 4:45 p.m.  Lessons will be held at Whitefish Golf Club.  Transportation to Whitefish will be provided by school bus (from PLHS).  Transportation home from the golf course is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.  
  • Football Skils for 1st-2nd grade boys  $20                                                                                                                                                                        Participants will meet on Saturday mornings for approximately one hour, September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 2018 on the Pequot Lakes High School football fields. Participants will learn the basic skills and fundamentals of football in a fun environment. Varsity football players will be helping at camp.
  • Volleyball Skills for 1st-2nd grade girls  $20                                                                                                                                                                                  Participants will meet on Saturday mornings for approximately one hour, September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 2018 at the Pequot Lakes High School. Participants will learn the basic skills and fundamentals of volleyball using age appropriate equipment.
Winter Sports I  
Basketball 3rd/4th & 5th 6th girls & boys
  • Basketball for 3rd - 4th & 5th-6th grade girls and boys  Registration opens on Monday, October 2, 2017.  Registrations are due in the PLYS office by Monday, October 30, 2017.  Registrations received October 31st or later will be charged a $10 late fee and will only be accepted based on space available.  Practices will start approximately the week of November 6, 2017 and run through December 16, 2017.  Practices are in the Monday evenings for girls and Thursday evenings for boys (times vary between 6:00p.m. & 8:30 p.m.) with scrimmages typically on Saturday mornings, all schedules are dependent on gym availability.  All practices & scrimmages will be held at the Pequot Lakes High School in the Athletic Center. Completed registrations should be returned to the PL Community Education Office. Questions... PL Youth Sports, 568-9342 or email:  anelson@isd186.org
    • 3rd-4th & 5th-6th Basketball Registration
    • 3rd - 6th Grade Basketball Schedule
Winter Sports II   
Wrestling & Basketball K & 1st/2nd Girls & Boys
  • Basketball for K - 2nd grade girls and boys will run from approximately January 6 - February 10, 2018. Registration opens Monday, December 4 and is due in the Youth Sports office by Friday, December 22, 2017,     Kindergarten basketball is coed; practices will be on Saturday mornings for approximately 1 hour.  1st / 2nd grade basketball will meet typically 1 - 2 times per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and/or Saturday mornings) depending on gym availability.   1st & 2nd grade girls & boys will practice/play separately.  A jersey will be supplied for use during practices, it will be returned to Youth Sports at the end of the season.
    • Kindergarten / 1st & 2nd Grade Basketball Registration Form
    • K - 2nd Grade Basketball Schedule
  • Wrestling for K-5th grade boys  Pequot Lakes Youth Sports is partnering with the Lakes Area Mat Rats (based in Pine River) for Youth Wrestling Grades Pre K - 5.  Registration fees are due at first practice ($40/child or $70/family).  Practices will be held Mondays at PLHS in the Mezzanine (enter door 3) from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. starting December 4, 2017 and Tuesdays & Thursdays at PRB High School (enter door 5) at 6 p.m. starting Tuesday, November 28, 2017.
Spring/Summer Sports 
Golf, Baseball, Softball & T-ball 
Registration for PLYS Spring/Summer porgrams will open Monday, March 5, 2018 and close Monday, March 26, 2018.   Registrations received after March 26 will be accepted only if space allows and will be assessed a late fee.  Please register your child for the correct level based on their current grade (2017-2018 school year).  
  • Baseball, Softball & T-Ball Grades K - 6 girls & boys includes:
        • T-Ball = Girls AND Boys IN Kindergarten
        • 8U Softball = Girls in 1st & 2nd grade
        • 10U Softball = Girls in 3rd & 4th grade
        • 12U Softball = Girls in 5th & 6th grade
        • Mustang (8U) Baseball = Boys in 1st & 2nd grade
        • Colt (10U) Baseball = Boys in 3rd & 4th grade
        • Bronco (12U) Baseball = Boys in 5th & 6th grade
      • All levels will have at least one evening practice and one evening game or two games per week (max. 2 nights per week).   
      • There will be some traveling involved; teams will play area communities.
      • Practices will tentatively start the end of April for 10U & 12U; mid May for T-ball & 8U, the program will run through the end of June.
    • PL Youth Sports K-6 Summer Ball Registration Form
    • Directions to Ball Fields

  • Golf for 3rd - 5th grade girls & boys.  Registration is limited to 30 participants, if the program fills registration will close before the March 26th, so please register early.  The program will run Mondays & Wednesdays, April 30 - May 16, 2018.  Lessons will be held at Whitefish Golf Club.  Transportation to Whitefish will be provided by school bus.  Transportation home from the golf course is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.  Fee:  $40
    • PL Youth Sports 3rd-5th Grade Golf Registration Form   
Completed registrations should be returned to the PL Community Education Office. Questions... PL Youth Sports,  568-9342, or email:  anelson@isd186.org

Early Childhood Coalition

Bright Red Book Shelves 

Bright Red Book Shelves are a way for the community to provide free books to families with young children. The Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point/Crosslake Early Childhood Coalition has adopted the Bright Red Book Shelf as a means to promote reading. There are four (4) book shelf locations in operation.
The sites are:
  • Pequot Lakes Food Shelf, 29282 Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes 218-568-8474 
  • JM Speedstop (SA gas station), 34230 State Hwy 371, Jenkins (218-568-9200 (Community Education)
  • Breezy Point Ice Arena, 7370 County Road 11, Breezy Point  218-562-5678
Books can be donated to the Early Childhood Coalition for free give away in the Bright Red Book Shelves. Drop off site for book donations is at the Pequot Lakes Community Education office located at 30805 Olson Street, Pequot Lakes (south end of the high school). Call 218-568-9200 for more information. 

Indoor Play Spaces

During a community visioning session, one of the top concerns raised was a need for more indoor play spaces for children, especially in the winter. 

In addition to all the no-charge playgrounds at our area’s parks, there are a number of indoor play areas for families to utilize throughout the year: 

All-weather options for indoor walking include: 
  • Central Lakes College: Half Mile Walking Trail
  • Crosslake Community Center: Walkers & Talkers 
  • Pequot Lakes Community Education: High School Halls & Indoor Track – call (218) 568-9200
  • Pequot Lakes Trailside Center:  218-568-5711
WALKING + HIKING + MULTI-USE TRAILS 
In addition to the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches 112 miles from Brainerd to Bemidji, there are numerous contained walking and multi-purpose trails in the Brainerd Lakes Area, including: 
  • Breezy Point: Breezy Point XC Ski & Walking Trail 
  • Breezy Point: Chiarella FMA 
  • Breezy Point: Pelican Woods Cemetery & Nature Trails 
  • Crosby area: Cuyuna Lakes State Trail 
  • Crosslake: Crosslake Community Center 
  • Crosslake: Uppgaard WMA 
  • Crosslake: USACE Campground, Park & Beach 
  • Gull Lake: Multi-Use Trail System
  • Jenkins: Veterans Walking Trail 
  • Lake Shore: Fritz Loven Park
  • Pequot Lakes: Historic Fire Tower 

Low-cost recreation options (Information provided by Brainerd Lakes Area Community Resource Guide)
The following websites provide a broad wealth of information regarding area recreation opportunities:


Other low-cost recreation options in the Brainerd Lakes Area (by category):
ARCHERY
BIKING 
In addition to the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches 112 miles from Brainerd to Bemidji, there are numerous paved and off-road bicycle trails in the Brainerd Lakes Area, including:  BOWLING
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
See WALKING + HIKING + MULTI-USE TRAILS section.

CURLING
DISC GOLF  Public free-to-play courses in the Brainerd Lakes Area:
EQUIPMENT RENTAL OPTIONS
INLINE SKATING
See WALKING + HIKING + MULTI-USE TRAILS section.

SNOWSHOE TRAILS
See WALKING + HIKING + MULTI-USE TRAILS section.

SWIMMING 
In addition to the Brainerd Lakes Area’s numerous public swimming beaches, the following area hotels open up their pools to the public for a nominal fee during select times:  Social Emotional Resources
Resources in the "Backpack Connection Series" to Help Young Children Develop Social Emotional Skills
The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) recently added several new items to its Backpack Connection Series, including:
How to Help Your Child Learn to Trade The Backpack Connection Series provides a way for teachers and parents/caregivers to work together to help young children develop social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior.

Volunteers

There are a variety of opportunities to volunteer in our community. Volunteering is a good way to get involved and help others. It is something that you can do by yourself, as a group or a family.

We have separated the volunteer opportunities into 2 categories - school based volunteers, and community needs. Please click on the category to see what is available.

School Volunteers

There are different opportunities to volunteer at school. Each department has different needs.

Any person who volunteers at the school will be required to have a background check performed.

If you wish to volunteer please contact the following offices for opportunities:

  • Eagle View Elementary 218-562-6100
  • Pequot Lakes Middle School 218-568-9357
  • Pequot Lakes High School 218-568-9210
  • Community Education 218-568-9200
    • Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts/Pequot Lakes Community Theater 218-568-9200
    • Youth Sports 218-568-9342



Adults With Disabilities

The Community Education Insight Program in Brainerd offers activities and classes for adults with special needs. For information on the program, classes or a group presentation email:insight@isd181.org  or call Brian Reynolds 218-454-6924.

Camp Confidence Learning Center also offers programs for adults with disabilities. http://campconfidence.com/

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Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education / GED Program

 Brainerd Adult Basic Education - Teaching Adult Learners In The Brainerd Lakes Area.

Brainerd ABE Consortium represents a partnership between Brainerd ISD181, Crosby- Ironton ISD182,

Pequot Lakes ISD186, and Pine River- Backus ISD2174 

Brainerd ABE is now located at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN

501 W College Drive, Brainerd, MN  56401   

218-855-8165 

orla.kenton@isd181.org

  •  Prepare For the GED Test:  GED Test content and process changed in 2014.  ABE helps students prepare for GED content and computer-based testing.  Take the TABE and GED practice tests with us to determine your readiness. (Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies
  • Prepare For College:  Enroll in ABE Accuplacer prep classes.  Practice skills in reading and math before taking the Accuplacer.
  • Improve Basic Skills (Sponsored by CLC): Enroll in ABE classes *Adult Education Math 0001 or *Adult Education Reading 0002.  No tuition fees or text book costs. Enrollment based upon Accuplacer scores (20 – 39).  Referrals for registration are made by CLC advisors.  No CLC credits are awarded for these ABE classes. CLC students can register for these classes online at www.clcmn.edu 
  • Boost Your Readiness for Employment: Prepare for the Work Keys Exam to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).  Reading for Information, Applied Math, and Locating Information
  • For more information, go to www.act.org
  • Brush-Up the Basics:  Basic Skills Brush Up: Reading, Writing, Math, and Basic Computer
  • Access Distance Learning: ABE enrollment provides access to distance learning.  DL helps students reach academic goals more quickly.  Eligibility requirements will apply.  Classroom attendance is still required, but may be limited.
  • Northstar Digital Literacy Certificates:  We offer instruction for basic computer skills and support online activities for digital literacy.  We also proctor these exams.  

Adult Basic Education’s mission in Minnesota is to provide adults with educational opportunities to acquire and improve skills necessary for participation as productive workers, family, and community members.

Brainerd Adult Basic Education programming is offered through Brainerd ISD 181 Community Education.

This initiative is made possible with a grant from the MN Department of Education

and federal funding from the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act of 2014.


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