NEKOOSA — As Nekoosa Public Schools students look forward to the last day of school June 10, adults in the district are getting ready for summer school.
Yes, adults.
The district’s family and community outreach coordinator Katie Peters described the response to the program as “crazy.” Between 60 and 75 residents participate in each season’s offerings, she said.
“It’s going great,” Peters said.
Funded by a community services fund, there is no charge to Nekoosa residents for the classes, offered in the spring, summer and fall. The course offerings vary, depending on community interest. Some — such as the popular Cooking with Chef Matt, the district chef — are repeats, while other courses might be something new and different.
Loretta Pankiewicz of Saratoga saw class information in the district newsletter and took the cooking course with some Nekoosa post office co-workers. Chef Matt Andres showed the class tips, tricks, techniques and offered flavoring hints.
“Oh, my gosh, that was awesome,” Pankiewicz said. “That was just great; just loved it.”
Seven classes are offered for the summer session.
“Some classes are repeated due to high enrollment number, and we do try (to) throw in something new each round,” Peters said.
A cross-country skiing course was offered in the winter; a walking course is set for this session. A new course this session is a parenting book club.
“We’re trying to become a more collaborative school district, and we want community members to feel like this is their district, also,” said Diana Martinson, a district employee. “We want them in the door and involved.”
The courses give residents not only an opportunity to expand their educational horizons, but a chance to explore the assets in their own community.
Last summer, retired Nekoosa teacher Nita Kirst took participants on a two-hour evening hike through the Nekoosa Environmental Learning Loop, referred to as “The NELL.”
Participants were surprised to find out about the area, Martinson said.
“‘Why was this kept a secret?’ I think one lady said to me,” Martinson said with a laugh. “People were so impressed.”
Ruth Bennett, 77, of Nekoosa was a first-year participant and said she did not know the area existed.
“I enjoyed that trip; I was the oldest one on it,” Bennett said.
The area includes a larger-than-life turtle sculpture, which Bennett revisited with her husband, Harley, 85.
“We enjoyed it very much,” said Bennett, adding that the couple took a computer class, which they might take again. “I still want (Harley) to be happy with his computer.”
Pankiewicz, who is interested in taking the NELL class, said she would “absolutely” recommend the classes to others.
“I hope they continue on with it,” Pankiewicz said. “It’s really nice.”
The courses are available to all Nekoosa adults, no matter the age, Peters said.
“We’re trying more to get the community in the schools and the schools involved in the community,” Peters said. “This is a great way for parents to get to know teachers in the district.
“These enrichment courses provide a healthy example of relationship building between community members and district staff,” Peters said.
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