Chisago Lakes Community Education
Nov. 1, 2024
A note from the Director:
Maintaining a Welcoming Environment at the Wildcat Community Center
Dear Chisago Lakes Community,
My name is Daniel McGonigle, Director of Community Education for Chisago Lakes Public Schools. I’m reaching out to reinforce a commitment we hold dearly and to ensure families and students understand the expectations for conduct within our shared space.
The Wildcat Community Center (WCC) is a truly unique space, offering opportunities for meaningful, multi-generational connections. Our younger members have a chance to learn from the wisdom and experiences of those who have been part of our community for decades. As a parent, I deeply value this aspect of the WCC and feel fortunate that my own children have access to this environment. For our older community members, the center offers an active link to both our school district and the wider community—a connection we are dedicated to preserving.
Our team at the WCC is committed to keeping this a safe, welcoming place for all ages, and we pledge to do everything we can to make your experience here positive and enriching. Unfortunately, recent behaviors by a few of our younger members have threatened this promise.
While most of our students are respectful, we’ve recently experienced disruptive incidents involving a few individuals, including stolen bikes, inappropriate use of railings, loitering, throwing objects at other members, and even hallway water fights. These actions compromise the respectful atmosphere we strive for and cannot be overlooked.
In response, we are implementing no-trespass orders for those whose actions disrupt the space, with the length adjusted to fit the severity of each infraction. It’s essential to remember that this is a community center—not a childcare center. Students are welcome here as long as they behave responsibly. Those who don’t may face restrictions, including potential no-trespass orders, suspension of their membership, and possibly more, to protect the integrity of our space.
Parents, I kindly ask you to take a moment to speak with your children about appropriate behavior at the WCC. This conversation is instrumental in maintaining the center’s positive environment, helping ensure it remains a vibrant, respectful space for everyone. We are fortunate to work closely with law enforcement and our district’s principals, who support our commitment to uphold these expectations and enforce consequences when necessary.
Thank you for reading, and thank you especially to those parents who will reinforce this message with their students. Your support helps us make the Wildcat Community Center the best it can be—a true asset for all.
Warm regards,
Daniel McGonigle
Director of Community Education
Chisago Lakes Public Schools
If you have any questions, reach out to me at dmcgonigle@Isd2144.org
Community ED Talks
Community ED Talks EPISODE 2 Join us as we dive into National Honor Society at CLHS — with Gabriel Muedeking and Bene Smith
Listen now to Episode 2 on Spotify and stay tuned for more insightful conversations coming your way!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5drVwqYC7GLu8abiPAAijP?si=OSCeZe8eTfGFbvOwo36Ulw
#communityedtalks #podcastlaunch #lifelonglearning #communityeducation #chisagolakes
2025 Wedding Expo - Vendors Opportunity!
We’re excited to announce that vendor registration for the Wedding Expo at the Wildcat Community Center is now open! If you're a wedding professional looking to showcase your services to brides and grooms-to-be, this is the perfect opportunity.
Event Date: Saturday, January 18th, 2025
Location: Wildcat Community Center
Don't miss out on the chance to connect with couples planning their big day and other industry experts. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today!
For more information and to register, visit https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/.../2025-chisago-lakes... or contact us at 651-213-2600.
Aquatics
Lifeguarding Recertification Course
This curse is designed to refresh your knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion, you will renew your American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification for another two years.
To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification class, you must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, and certification expired by no more than 30 days.
Adult Classes
New Sessions Starting: Strong Her Society
Discover the rejuvenating experience offered by our community this October! Join us for 6 diverse sessions that will recharge your mind and body.
We will alternate between mindful art (sacred geometry and mandala drawing), and healthy recipes. We will incorporate some Yoga, Mediation and Pilates for an overall full body workout.
The mission is to bring women together in a warm and supportive environment, where we can train our bodies, unleash our creativity , learn to eat healthy, foster friendships and take a break from our daily routines. Don't miss this opportunity for quality time with like-minded individuals!
Ghosts and goblins and ghouls, oh my!
Our Little Wildcat Preschoolers got into the Halloween Spirit at Primary School on the holiday!
Hope you had a great Halloween!
Walk through
The students did a walk through of the office to show off their costumes!
Virtual Classes
Fitness
- Yoga: Improve your flexibility
- Total Body: a 45-minute workout that incorporates basic strength training and cardio for any fitness level
- Dynamic Strength & Stretch: Basic and advanced strength movements in combination with dynamic body weighted movements for any fitness level
- POUND: You become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout
- Women & Weights: Learn to lift the right way and become comfortable with the weight rack
- Tai Ji Quan, Moving for Better Balance: A research based balance training regimen designed for older adults at risk of falling and people with balance disorders
- Sport Specific Strength & Conditioning: Come train to get ready for your next sport season!
- Zumba: A cardio workout featuring Latin inspired music and dance and other aerobic moves
- Full Body Balance & Flexibility (55+): Live 2 B Healthy's trainers bring you a new class each week that will focus on improving balance, flexibility, and strength to prevent falls and increase independence
- Dance Fit: Get ready to kickstart your mornings with SuZanne Gillespie's high-energy 5 AM Dance Fit class!
Fall Classes
Dodgeball
From classic dodgeball to capture the flag we have many different dodgeball games to play. Tie those shoes tight and be ready to duck, dodge and dive! All equipment provided.
November 6th/7th - 20th/21st
Lakeside - Thursdays from 3:45-5:00pm
Primary School - Wednesdays 3:40-4:40pm
Primary School (Preschool) - Wednesdays 4:40-5:25pm
Gym Games at Taylors Falls
Soccer, Football, Dodgeball, Basketball, Wiffle Ball..... Name a game kids love to play and we are doing it in this class. Each class is just about having fun! All equipment provided.
Nov 5th - 19th
3:30-5:00pm
Nature Club
Embark on a captivating journey into nature with our certified naturalist-led after-school program! This curriculum evolves with the changing seasons, ensuring fresh experiences and discoveries with each passing month.
- Lakeside Elementary - Tuesdays, 3:45 - 5:15pm
- starts Nov 5th
- Primary School - Thursdays, 3:40 - 5:10pm
- starts Nov 7th
- Taylors Falls - Mondays, 3:30 - 5:00pm
- starts Nov 11th
Wrestling Clinics
Beginner Clinic (K - Gr 2): This class is intended for those beginning in the sport and interested to learn more about it.
2nd graders with a year or more experience should register for the Advanced course or email BNelson@isd2144.org for guidance.
Advanced Clinic (Gr 2 - Gr 6): This is for wrestlers looking to compete in tournaments and ready to perfect learned techniques. 2nd graders who have at least one year of experience can register for this class, otherwise they should register for the K-2 class. Wrestling at the youth level incorporates many different training methods including tumbling and relays to work on agility. This clinic uses a systematic progression of wrestling moves that are appropriate for each age level.
Toddlers and Tots
NEW Mixed ages ECFE Class!
Welcoming children birth to 3 years old. Come and engage in purposeful and interactive play with your children in this class of movers and shakers. Parents and children stay together while enjoying regular classroom activities along with movement areas, art, and story time. Parents and children will participate in an interactive circle time with singing and movement activities before heading home.
Registration will stay open as new families are always welcome to join!
Kids Club
Kids Club Spots Available
Need child care this school year? Kids Club still has spot available!
Kids Club Child Care program provide high quality services that will grow with your child from preschool through grade five. Kids Club Child Care offers flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of your family!
Program Information:
Age: must be 3 on or before September 1, 2024
When: Open 9:00am - 12:50pm (Before Preschool) or 11:30am - 3:30pm (After Preschool)
Where: Conveniently located at Primary School & Taylors Falls Elementary
BONUS: All Day Care offered on days your child does not attend Preschool.
Little Wildcats Preschool, Preschool + Parents, & ECFE
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, Nov 4th - No School, Staff Development
- Tuesday, Nov 12th - Music and Movement ECFE Class @ Primary School
- Tuesday, Nov 19th - Parents Loose Parts ECFE Class @ WCC
- Tuesday, Nov 26th - Early Childhood Screening By Appointment Only
Join Forever Young Today!
Don't forget to join us for our Forever Young Club for the 2024-25 school year and summer! "We're planning many fun and educational events for the year, not to mention all of the wonderful friends you'll meet," said Betsy Sandgren, Forever Young Coordinator. Click to register today.
Free Computer Technology Workshop 50+
Drop-in workshops 2024-25:
Are you having issues with your smart phone, tablet or computer? Drop in at one of hte dates below to get individual help from a capable volunteer or a high school student. We'd love to help you out! Each meeting will feature a topic plus time for individual help.
Location: Wildcat Community Center (enter through door 7).
Tuesdays @ 2.30pm
Nov. 12, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10, 2024
Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, Mar. 4, Mar. 18, Apr. 1, Apr. 15, Apr. 29, May 13, 2025.
Look for additional technology classes offered through Community Education on our CE site.
2025 Chisago Lakes Home and Business Showcase!
The CHISAGO LAKES BUSINESS SHOWCASE will be held on Saturday, March 01, 2025 from 9am to 4pm at the Wildcat Community Center.
Registration Opens October 1st:
https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2586/winter-2025/2025-chisago-lakes-home-and-business-showcase
Don't Forget to Follow Us!
We are now on INSTAGRAM!
Drumroll please... We are officially part of the Instagram family! Follow us for all things community education, fun activities, and valuable resources. Let's grow together! @clcommunityed
Chisago Lakes Early Childhood Parents for more fun and interesting ideas you can share with your child. It's also a fun place to connect with other families in the community with young children!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLEarlyChildhood/
Chisago Lakes Community Education to see what fun and interesting things we have going on down at the WCC to make sure you don't miss out on anything!