Eighty-two (82%) percent of the district’s residents rate the St. Michael-Albertville Public Schools’ quality of education as either “excellent” or “good” according to results from a community survey conducted in 2009.  The 36% “excellent” rating is among the top 10% across the State of Minnesota.  Nurturing and maintaining positive, effective relationships and engagement between St. Michael-Albertville School’s staff, students, their families and the broader community is a significant reason for this positive view of the schools.

Local community engagement with the schools is strengthened when built on trust, respect for others, a belief that tax payer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently, common goals and high expectations for student achievement.  It is with this belief that STMA has as one of its strategic directions to look for ways to engage and involve the community with the schools.  Most evident is the high volume of volunteers and large audiences at the variety of school activities.  But another way for the community to become engaged with the schools is through the Community Education program.

St. Michael-Albertville Public Schools Community Education is in its 23rd year of bringing lifelong learning to school district 885 residents.  Classes are offered for youth and adults in enrichment, academics, health and safety, recreation, sports and trips.  The winter/spring brochure will be mailed the first week of January.  Online Registration begins Jan. 4th at 12:01am.

Community Education has a very wide reach among STMA residents.  But the district wishes to reach out especially to the senior citizens who live in the area.  More information about classes is available at stma.thatscommunityed.com or call community education at 497-6550. If you would like to offer a class or have questions, contact the director Maryellen Barthel at 497-6511

The Activity Center at the STMA high school had an excellent first year with 1,095 people participating.  One change that was just approved by the school board was the elimination of the fee for use of the upper track only for seniors 62 and older.  Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. seniors only may walk at the high school on the upper track or any other time when the Activity Center is open to the community. For more information on the activity center contact Marie Moore at 497-6554.

For an annual fee of $75, seniors 62 and older can use the fitness and weight center.  A daily fee of $5 is available for the courts, fitness and weight center.  Aqua Aerobics is offered in the mornings three days a week at Middle School East.  There is a fee to participate in Aqua Aerobics.

Community Education reaches out to families with young children as well.  Early Childhood Family Education had 281 parents and children attend classes this fall.  453 children attended special events and field trips.

Bright Beginnings preschool has 280 children enrolled.  There are five sessions of 3 year olds and nine sessions of 4 and 5 year olds. There are openings in a few classes for more information contact Deb Spencer at 497-6512.

STMA enjoys a great deal of support and good will from its residents.  We invite you to attend our student activities, volunteer by contacting a school and participate in Community Education.