Welcome to Lester Prairie Community Education!

Those involved in the Community Education program in Lester Prairie are committed to the growth of the community through the continuing education of each individual member. Community Education aims to match the educational needs of community members of all ages with available resources.

View our current Community Education Brochure on this page under Quick Links. Spring/Summer Brochures are typically mailed in January. Fall/Winter Brochures are typically mailed in June. Extra brochures can be picked up in the Lester Prairie School entrance.

Scholarships are available from the United Way for K-12 students who reside in McLeod County. Click on the Scholarship page to download the application or pick one up in the Lester Prairie School entrance. The Lester Prairie Lions Club also provides scholarships. Contact Kim Dye to inquire. Income qualifications apply for both scholarship opportunities.

Ideas/Instructors/Volunteers Wanted for Community Education
Do you have a passion or skill you would like to share? We are always looking for new ideas and people who would be interested in teaching a class to help strengthen, entertain, or develop our community. Feel free to contact us with any ideas on how to improve our offerings or build interest among members of our community. We have volunteer opportunities available throughout the year.

Contact Us

Community Education Offerings

Our Community Education Brochures contain detailed information about our programs and are printed and mailed to households two times per year. The Spring/Summer Brochure is typically mailed in January. The Fall/Winter Brochure is typically mailed in June. Additional copies are available at the Lester Prairie School office. Click on the link below to view a PDF version of our current brochure. 

•  LPCommEd24Fall
• Community Ed Registration Form

55+ Driver Discount Course

The Driver Improvement Program (55+ DIP) is an approved Accident Prevention course by the MN Department of Public Safety. Participants who complete the course are eligible for a 10% discount on their personal automobile insurance premium. The 55+ DIP will give participants a better understanding of vehicle and traffic safety, new technology, physical changes and increased driving risks as we age, changes to laws, and the decisions drivers can make to be safer on our roadways.

Become an informed driver by registering at www.driverdiscountprogram.com or by calling 1-888-234-1294.

4 Hour Refresher

Date: September 19th, October 24th, November 14th, and December 6th 

Time:  5:30 – 9:30 PM  

Location:  Lester Prairie Media Center

Cost:  $24

Instructor: Steve Soeffker

Deadline:  1 week prior to the class (minimum: 10) 

Adult Exercise & Fitness

Lester Prairie Community Education is looking for individuals interested in teaching adult fitness classes. Classes that have been offered in the past include: 50/50 Circuit, Silver Strength, Belly Dancing, Kickbox Mix, and Running Club. Please contact us if you have an idea for a class or are interested in teaching a class.

Census

If you are new to Lester Prairie School District or have a new baby, please print out and complete the census form below and return it to the school office.

Census Form

CPR/AED/First Aid

CPR/AED/First Aid 

The class is hands-on skills training, preparing individuals to respond to breathing, cardiac, and medical emergencies in adults, children, and infants. This American Heart Association certification fulfills OSHA and daycare requirements and is valid for 2 years.

Date: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Time:  5:30 PM

Location:  Lester Prairie School Media Center

Cost:  $50

Instructor:  Crown College EMTI

Deadline: September 22nd, 2024 (minimum 6)

Driver Education

Driver Education classroom and Behind the Wheel instruction is available to Lester Prairie High School students and students who are residents in District 424.

Classroom instruction is offered in early spring and early summer.

For more information, contact Bill Neubarth (bneubarth@lp.k12.mn.us)

• Behind the Wheel

• Classroom Driver Education

• Driver Education (Classroom Instruction) Registration Form

GED/Adult Basic Education

English Language, GED, and Adult Education is offered through WEST Adult Basic Education. Classes are held 6:00-8:30 PM on Mondays in Room 167 when school is in session. Nancy Mellesmoen is the instructor.

For adults of all ages who want to acquire or improve their match, reading, grammar, and/or writing skills for work, training, college, or for personal enrichment. Adult Basic Education (ABE) addresses a variety of learner goals:

• Attain employment and/or better their current employment
• Achieve high school equivalency (GED or Adult High School Diploma)
• Attain skills necessary to enter post-secondary education and  training
• Learn to speak and write the English language
• Master basic academic skills to help their children succeed in school
• Become U.S. citizens and participate in democratic society
• Gain self-esteem, personal confidence and sense of personal and civic responsibility

More information about available courses and enrollment can be found on the WEST ABE website. Classes are available at Lester Prairie School.

Interested in volunteering? Opportunities are available for both virtual and in-person tutoring in ABE and ESL. Call 763-682-8688 for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Medicare
Let’s Talk About Medicare

As you get closer to 65, the amount of information you receive concerning Medicare can make the process of applying very confusing. This is an educational meeting about Medicare and Medicare insurance that will answer your questions. We will discuss what Medicare covers, what it costs, and how and when to enroll. We will also review the types of Medicare insurance available and the factors to consider when deciding what type of plan is best for you.

Date: October 24th, 2024
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
Location: Lester Prairie School Media Center
Cost: Free
Instructor: Jill Ehrman and Tom Hill
Deadline to register: October 17th, 2024 

Movie Matinee at LP

Bring a blanket and your whole family to watch a movie! No charge for admission. Concessions (popcorn, pop, candy) will be available for purchase. The movie shown will be determined as we get closer to the date. Watch for an announcement!

Ages: All (students 6th grade and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Location: TBA

Music Lessons

Summer Music Lessons

Learning an instrument is both fun and good for you. It can be done at any age! Once you understand your brain’s learning style, you can learn almost any new idea. This year, David Rue is offering lessons in guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, ukulele, and voice. It’s a chance for you or your young one to experience one of life’s most joyful and satisfying things: playing an instrument.

Ages:  All

Dates & Times:  Weekday afternoons and evenings, 30 minute sessions

Location:  Lester Prairie School Music Room

Cost:  $122 per month (4 lessons/month)

Instructor:  David Rue, email twostringbanjo@gmail.com for more information 

Lester Prairie ECFE and Little Learners Preschool

For program and registration information, please click here.

Scholarships

• 2024-25 United Way Application
• 2024-25 United Way Application Spanish 

Volunteer Opportunities

• Lester Prairie Community Education is always looking for volunteers to help coach youth sports. Contact Kim Schauer at 320-395-2521 ext 1105 for more information.

• Volunteer to work alongside Adult Basic Education (ABE) teachers to assist adult learners who are trying to improve academic skills. Volunteers might help with content such as reading, writing, math, and GED preparation or in English acquisition. Roles are either as a classroom assistant or working directly one-to-one with a student. Literacy Minnesota provides core training and ongoing support. For more information and/or to register, call Terrisa (763-682-8688) or Cheryl (763-745-6034).
  • Step One – Attend one of the following orientations:
    • Buffalo – Monday October 11, 6:00-8:00 PM (Discovery Elementary School – 214 1st Ave NE, Buffalo – Room M5)
    • Wayzata/Plymouth – Wednesday October 13, 6:00-8:00 PM (17340 County Road 6, Plymouth)
  • Step Two – Attend the core training by Literacy Minnesota
    • Buffalo – Saturday October 16, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Discovery Elementary School – 214 1st Ave NE, Buffalo – Room M5)
  • Step Three – Attend the 3rd/Final Session
    • Buffalo – Monday October 18, 6:00-9:00 PM (Discovery Elementary School – 214 1st Ave NE, Buffalo – Room M5)

Walking Hours

LP School is available for walking  Monday through Thursday 6:30am – 7:15am and 6:00pm – 8:00pm on days that school is in session. In the mornings, academic and commons will be open to walking (enter through door A). In the evenings, walking is limited to academic wing only. Evening doors (enter through door A) will be open from 6:00pm-6:15pm and again from 7:00pm-7:15pm on non activity nights. 

If you are interested in walking, please fill out the attached form.

Any questions or help filling out the form please contact Mr. Scheevel at scheevel@lp.k12.mn.us
 
Winter Walking Form

Youth Enrichment

Lester Prairie Community Education provides opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in a variety of enrichment and recreational activities.

Opportunities vary throughout the year. View the Community Education Brochure for current offerings and check the Community Education website for program updates.

• Girl Scouts

• Lester Prairie Ambassador Program

• Basketball

• Dance Lessons

• Football

• Volleyball

• Cheer Camp