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Staff Greetings
Hello and welcome to the 2007-08 school year! What a terrific opportunity it is to provide new leadership, as the Community Education Director, for the Bemidji Area Schools just as the temperatures begin to cool and the days become a little shorter.
Greetings from the voice behind the phone, the living voice mail and the first face you see at the Community Education office. My name is Suzette Andersen. I have had the pleasure of serving in this role since 1993. If you have any program questions, please call or stop in to see me.
Greetings from Jen Belisle, the Adult Enrichment Coordinator. Community Education programming has been a big part of my life. As a child I took swimming lessons through the Aquatics program and also attended Kids and Company. Enrichment programming encompasses the idea that it is never to late to learn. Last year people ages 16-88 participated in our evening programming! By joining a Community Education class you can socialize with old friends and meet new ones. We are also constantly looking for individuals willing to share their knowledge with the community. If you are interested in teaching a class and enriching the lives of others, please contact me today, 333-3100 X 303!
My name is Woody, Aquatics Coordinator. You may have seen me in several different areas of Aquatics over the years. It may have been in the water or poolside, teaching swim lessons, lifeguarding, or coaching the swim team. I encourage everyone to learn to swim. Living in the land of 10,000 lakes, chances are you may step in one. Learn to swim and be safe in the water!
Hi, my name is Vicki Wangberg. I am the coordinator of Early Childhood Family Education, a program that serves families with children aged birth to five-years-old. We have classes, special events, a family resource center and other programming throughout the year. ECFE is a great way for parents and children to share in fun activities and learn together! Call 333-8329 for information.
Hi! I am Sue Roetman, the secretary for the Early Childhood Family Education, Adult Basic Education and Early Childhood Special Education programs. If you would like to enroll in an ECFE class or have questions about ECFE, ABE or preschool screening for your 3 or 4 year old, please call me at 333-8329.
My name is Susan Shelquist. I’ve been the Coordinator of Kids and Company for eight years, but have worked with the program for over 14 years. Finding positive activities kids want to do after school can be difficult because most are tired from a busy day of structured learning. Their needs after school are just as unique as their individual personalities. Our goal is to serve the needs of children in a variety of areas, offering exercise and physical activity, a nutritious snack, homework assistance and tutoring, games that help kids practice academic and social skills, craft projects, art opportunities and play. We are dedicated to meeting your child’s needs. Please contact me at 333-3100 ext. 309 if you have questions or concerns.
Hi! My name is Nancy Foss, secretary for Kids & Company. If you are interested in enrolling in our after school program or have any questions about Kids & Company, please call me at 333-3100 ext. 302. I am proud to be a part of this program, which offers a variety of enriching activities and provides a fun, safe and caring environment for children Kindergarten through 5th grade.
I am John D. Buckanaga, Coordinator of Youth Services. I have been with Community Education for 11 years. I feel very fortunate to work with all the wonderful students and families in the Bemidji Area Schools. Keeping our children involved in positive activities benefits not only the children but the whole community. We at Community Education know the value of having programs operating when children and families need them. As a parent of three children involved in various activities, I value the benefits each have received through Youth Sports and Youth Enrichment. They have increased their personal fitness levels, learned cooperation and good sportsmanship in both individual and team settings, and made numerous friends. However, the most important part is that they had FUN. As parents, we need to remember that our children enjoy being around other children while participating in activities. At Community Education, we feel that fun and participation is far more important than winning. Thank you and I hope to see you at the gym or field. Remember to encourage good sportsmanship! Please contact me if you have any questions at 333-3100 ext.310.
I am Barry Olson, Assistant Youth Program Facilitator. I have been with Community Education for 3 years. I’ve enjoyed working with Bemidji Area Schools staff, students and families in a wide variety of youth enrichment programs. Our youth sport & enrichment programs serve approximately 1500-1700 students throughout the year. At Community Education, we stress to coaches, instructors and parents, the importance of letting the children have fun, while encouraging safety and good sportsmanship. The purpose of our youth programs is to introduce the sport to players and let them enjoy themselves. As parents and coaches, please have realistic expectations of the players, as it may be a child’s first experience with a team sport or having a coach. Please contact me with any questions about Bemidji Community Education Youth Services. (218) 333-3100 Ext. 305.
One of the greatest things about working with Community Education is that it allows you to become involved in many different areas of service delivery and programming. Multi-tasking is a very much needed skill. I am involved in a variety of areas in Community Education, serving as a Youth Services Program Assistant and GED Examiner. In addition I work with grant writing, marketing, photography and publication development/design for all areas of Community Education. As a lifelong Bemidji resident, I am very proud of the many programs and services Community Education provides our wonderful town and surrounding area. I can be reached at 333-3100 ext. 306.
I am Jim DeWenter, Chief Examiner for GED testing in the Bemidji area. I am a retired Bemidji High School biology teacher and have been administering the tests for three years now. Along with John McRae and Sue Roetman, we tested over 200 students last year. The five areas of GED testing are Math, Science, Reading, Writing and Social Studies. We test in Bemidji at the Community Services Center on the first and third Wednesday of the month, and in Redby on the fourth Wednesday. We also test at the Beltrami County jail as needed. To register, contact Bemidji Adult Basic Education at 333-8343. The staff there can administer a pretest and provide assistance in the areas where academic help is needed. My office is located in the Bemidji Area Schools Paul Bunyan Center through Community Education. I can be reached at 333-3100 ext. 304, and John McRae at 333-3100 ext. 306. It is never too late to get your GED!