Community classes to be offered at TRSD STEAM Center
By Jerry Trzebiatowski
A grant has been provided to the Tomorrow River School District to develop and implement a community education program to provide opportunities for members of the community — kids and adults, families, and organizations — to learn, to create, and to explore interests. Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this is that the Herb and Evelyn Wolding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Center is to be utilized for the program. Classes and opportunities offered will be determined by what people in our community are interested in.
From having taught Tech Ed in the school district and leading woodcarving and woodworking classes and programs for kids and adults and searching for classes in areas I needed or wanted help and was unable to find on multiple occasions, I have a pretty good idea where to start. With experience in more than 40 classes at folk schools and seminars in multiple creative formats, I am ready to get this project underway.
One priority for me as well as for those funding the program is to provide opportunities for youth to work with their family on projects. Time for a mother and son, father and daughter, grandpa and grandchild, or any combination to spend time together, bond, and create. Another priority will be to serve as a resource for local clubs like 4-H and Scouting. Finally, we want to provide a place to come and learn or practice a new skill or hobby. The program will begin with classes followed by open shop time in woods and metals. Classes in fine art, fiber arts, cooking, and gardening may follow. Classes can go on for many weeks while others might be one-evening presentations. There is so much talent and expertise in such a variety of areas within our own community, and this program will be a venue for that talent and expertise to be shared.
We are going to start slowly and then build as we are ready. The first classes will be in the wood and metals labs. Classes in the Family and Consumer Ed area, the Art area, the Ag Area, and the Computer Lab will be developed and offered as we are able. Not all classes and events have to be at the school, either. Other local venues will be utilized as appropriate. The best classroom of all, in my opinion, is always available — the great outdoors. The development of classes and programs will be an ongoing thing. If there is interest in any given topic and it is within the scope of what we are doing, it will be pursued and classes or opportunities created.
I enjoyed writing articles for the Community Spirit when I was teaching Tech Ed for the district. I look forward to again being a regular contributor. Future articles will cover what is happening with the program, what lies ahead, and where you might want to plug yourself in. The start date for the program is February 1. Enrollment and contact information will be available closer to that time.
Jerry Trzebiatowski