The idea of working with others to achieve something no one person or organization could achieve alone has become real around Brainerd Public Schools in a whole new way. As you have probably noticed, over the last year and a half we have begun building and redesigning each of the schools in the district.
No one working for the district could design and engineer the innovative and efficient spaces we want for our students so a team of professionals who know how to do that was engaged. However, none of those professionals know exactly what our students here in Brainerd need and the kind of spaces it takes to meet those needs so teams of teachers, administrators and staff are working closely with the professionals who create the plans that the construction workers use to build. It’s been a marvelous illustration of the Helen Keller quote: “Alone we can do little; together we can do so much.”
As I read through this season’s Community Education guide, I was struck by all the vibrant partnerships these pages contain. The Community Ed staff is working with all kinds of individuals and organizations to create a world of opportunity that no one could provide alone.
The Safe Sitter class is brought to you by our collaboration with a national nonprofit to develop highly skilled babysitters who are ready to keep children safe while their parents get a break. You’ll also see the art clubs we have scheduled in cooperation with Crow Wing County 4H. We’re working with Karen Mooyer from Leaf River Pottery to offer ceramics painting for kids and adults. Our Early Childhood program is holding classes for preschoolers and their families at the Brainerd Library and Carefree Living. The Insight program is hosting meetups at local attractions to give adults with disabilities a fun outing with friends. Other organizations in our community recognize this guide as the gathering place it is and are sharing information in there as well.
There are so many good, fun, social, educational, active, adventurous activities going on all across our community. Each organization has its specialty and does wonderful work. However, what we can all do together is vastly greater than what anyone can do alone.
Whatever the age or interest, I am confident that every member of your family will find something here to do this winter and spring -- on their own or together!
Reynolds is the director of Brainerd Community Education and Communications