Ashland’s Community Education Program Builds Skills, Fuels Imaginations

Parents can choose a variety of skill-building and creative programs for children year-round through the Ashland Community Education Program.
“I love working with the students, and can see how much they enjoy the variety of enrichment programs offered through our program,” Director Jeannie Young said. “It’s a great way for me to help and support the community; the program enhances the skills of all who attend.”
Most classes are held after school and all are taught by experienced, local educators. The classes include unique offerings such as the art of puppetry, video-making using a “green screen,” and classes that challenge young people’s imaginations by asking them to transform everyday materials into amazing new creations.
The Chess Club provides new and beginning players who are middle school students with the rules and strategies needed to play the game. In addition to teaching chess fundamentals, this course promotes the growth and development in concentration, logic, decision-making, planning and self-discipline.
The popular Mindess Running Club teaches students, grades three through five, the basics of runningwarming up, cooling down, stretching, pacing, good form, setting goals and healthy eatingall while having fun. No running experience is necessary and all levels are welcome.
Driver’s Education has an April-scheduled offering for students who are 15 years, 9 months at the time of registration. This course includes one mandatory two-hour Parents’ Night class and 30 hours of in-class instruction for young adults. It is taught by Teacher’s Driving Academy LLC, licensed with the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Since test preparation is an essential part of the college admissions process, Ashland Community Ed is partnering with Summit Educational Group to offer a series of SAT Preparation Classes. One such 12-week diagnostic class is in progress now for the May 6 testing date, but an additional offering will be held in the fall.
For those already looking forward to summertime activities, parents can sign up their children for Camp Invention, a fun, hands-on week, from June 26 through 30. The camp will encourage creativity, problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and innovation. Inspired by the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this camp is directed by Stephanie Silverman, a fourth-grade teacher from Mindess School.
For a complete list of classes and to register, visit www.ashland.k12.ma.us/community-education. For questions, contact Director Jeannie Young at 508-881-0143 or by email at jyoung@ashland.k12.ma.us.