Big Lake Schools Community Education

Winter/Spring 2026

Discover the relaxing and rewarding craft of crochet! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn the essential skills to get started, including how to hold your hook, create basic stitches, and read a simple pattern. If you want to learn to crochet and have never picked up a hook or needle, this is the class for you! The main focus will be on holding the hook and yarn and learning basic stitches. We will be working on a dish cloth as a project - go as slow or as quickly as you wish! We will provided a yarn and a crochet hook for you to use and to take home.

The word "Bao" is derived from the word "Baozi" which means, "to wrap" in Mandarin. Bao buns are often described as "steamed pillows" of deliciousness that are becoming increasingly popular in North America. They are created by freshly steaming yeasted velvety dough, and are then filled with a variety of fillings. During this fun-filled class participant will learn to create delicious Steamed Bao that will be used "to wrap" almost like a little jacket, the fantastic filling of Korean Bulgogi BBQ Chicken, and a wonderful variety of Asian inspired quick pickled veggies! What fun! Everything from the Bao, the Korean Bulgogi BBQ Chicken and the pickled veggies will be made from scratch in a guided step-by-step fashion, making for a fun, exciting and memorable experience. Equipment Needs: A bamboo steamer is a "nice to have", but not necessary. A stand mixer is highly recommended. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ While cooking-along is loads of fun and highly recommended, it is optional. Make it a date night of family night as you create lasting memories in your kitchen! This class will take place on Zoom, free online software. Participants will receive instructions on how to access the class prior to it starting. A list of ingredients and class details will be received in advance of the class with enough time for shopping and preparation. The instructor's personal recipe from this class will be included in a professionally made PDF packet to be received by participants after the class. Note: The instructor's recipes are copyrighted and are only shared with those who register for this class. As an added bonus, the instructor has created a private group and a public group on Facebook for participants of her cooking classes. Everyone will receive an invite to the groups although joining is optional. Come join the fun! Note: One registration fee for this online virtual interactive class can include: immediate family members living full-time in the same home ONLY. If children are participating, adult supervision is required. If friends, adult children, or extended family members are gathering for a fun night together, EACH household must register separately even if participating together.

Turn your favorite recipes into a beautiful, personalized keepsake! In this creative, hands-on class, you'll transform a phot brag book into a stunning recipe book using decorative paper, embellishments, and your unique flair. Learn tips for organizing recipes, designing eye-catching pages, and incorporating thoughtful details to make your book truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you want to preserve family recipes, create a thoughtful gift, or showcase your culinary favorites, this class is perfect for all skill levels. Bring your creativity, and we'll supply the inspiration! All materials will be provided.

Do you live in Sherburne County and have an interest in learning more about having your own licensed Family Childcare? We would love to have you join our informational meeting where we will present information on the licensing process, helpful information, and be able to answer questions you may have. We will also have a currently licensed and experienced family childcare provider at the meeting to be able to provide direct information about what it entails to be a professional childcare provider and having your own business. The Milestones Navigator will also join us and outline supports available to new and old childcare providers.

Take your business to new heights with our fast-paced, comprehensive session designed to equip business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals with the essential skills and strategies needed to leverage social media for business success. Learn how to effectively reach your target audience, increase brand awareness, and drive engagement across major social media platforms.

Glass slurry technique is a popular way to use powdered glass to create interesting designs for your project. No experience needed! Come and enjoy making your BOWL using this special technique. Class held at: River Birch Glass Studio | 14469 190th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330

Unlock the full potential of Google Sheets and gain skills that will benefit you for a lifetime! Whether you're using it for work or personal projects, this comprehensive class will transform you from a novice into an expert. You'll master the essential functions of Google Sheets, including entering, organizing, refining, analyzing, and visualizing data. Join us to build a solid foundation in Google Sheets and enhance your productivity and data management capabilities!

Weight Loss/Healthy Eating 5:45-7:45 pm ~ Stop cravings for sweets, carbs, greasy fatty foods, pop, etc. Get motivated to walk and or exercise. Develop a positive attitude towards getting healthy and losing weight. Stop Smoking-Chewing Tobacco-Vaping 5:45-8:45 pm ~ Stop nicotine addictions without cravings or weight gain. (This group will have a break off school grounds to have their last big smoke. Bring your tobacco products with you) Please bring a pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, etc for added comfort, you may sit or lay down for hypnosis part of the session. Dr. Fischer has 36 years experience teaching hypnosis classes through Community Education and major businesses. She also has a private practice in Waite Park/St. Cloud area.

Julie Anderson, Personal Trainer, will provide you a personalized introduction to the Fitness Center, guiding you through an overview of equipment and demonstrating proper usage and techniques. If you chose, she can also provide a body fat analysis and help you set personalized fitness goals. Once you get registered, Julie will schedule a time to meet that works in your schedule.

Create a custom necklace with the World's Smallest Tiles! Select a personal color palette and design, then use the tiniest tiles to construct a beautiful necklace. These pendants make great gifts or new additions to your collection. All abilities welcome - beginner friendly. This is a change from the catalog!

Wow your guests as your serve an appetizer on a beautiful fall or Christmas themed dish you made yourself! This instructor led class requires no advanced knowledge of glass fusing and yet you'll come away with a masterpiece! Class held at: River Birch Glass Studio | 14469 190th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330 *Date Change From Catalog*

Come paint a little chickadee in acrylic paint on a 12”x12” stretched canvas. We’ll start with a stenciled chickadee then add layers of soft pastel colors to create a vibrant painting you’ll love. Acrylic painting is an amazing medium which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment! In this introductory class, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto.

Come paint a forest landscape in acrylic paint on a 12”x16” stretched canvas. We will begin in black and white with fall colors mingled on top. It’s the perfect painting for beginners to gain an understanding of contrast, composition and color mixing. Acrylic painting is an amazing medium which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment! In this introductory class, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto.

Come paint a northern lights inspired piece in acrylic paint on a 12”x16” stretched canvas. You will learn to mix a variety of colors to create the sky as well as black and white to create the illusion of atmospheric perspective. Top it off with a black bear stencil or spirit animal of your choice. Acrylic painting is an amazing medium which can provide a lifetime of enjoyment! In this introductory class, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of painting using fundamental techniques such as mixing, color value, proportions, composition, layering and impasto.

"MOST Big Lake students DON'T vape, drink alcohol, or use marijuana." You've seen the messages, but do you know who's putting them out there? Join the Big Lake Substance Prevention Coalition to learn more about the Positive Community Norms message, how it prevents students from using substances, and how you can get involved in helping students make safe and healthy choices in the community. Dinner will be provided for this event!

Learn how to save $$ every day with extreme couponing. Coupons are NOT just for groceries. The savings can add up to HUNDREDS or even THOUSANDS of dollars every year. This comprehensive workshop will teach you: * where to find all different types of coupons, even for high ticket items * how to find the best coupon apps and websites * how to match coupons with sales for maximum savings This workshop is taught by someone who has used many couponing secrets to save thousands. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

One Should Ask: Is it better to have a formal plan in place, or leave things to future family dynamics and the ever changing benefit system? Did you know with proper planning, both while they are alive and after they have passed, grandparents, parents and family can take care of a child, grandchild or family member with special needs in their estate plan? Yes, and such planning will not adversely affect the benefits and programs which they person with special needs has available to them! This class will discuss how to properly protect your assets and provide for the future benefit of the loved one with special needs. Whatever the type of the asset (tangible, income producing or other) there are options you should know. We will discuss how the special needs trust fits into your estate planning, planning for the future of your loved one with special needs, and pros and cons of a special needs trust. Instructor: Steven J Ledin | Attorney | Ledin Law PLLC

The trust is a very popular component and tool to be used in our Estate Planning. However, there is a variety of vastly different trust options to be used and the questions arises: "Am I using the right trust for my needs and goals?" Often used trusted including: living trusts, testamentary trusts and irrevocable trusts, each serves a different purpose, each has a different result. One common problem that often needs addressing is the over-utilization of the living trust for goals or problems that it does not resolve. For example, "Does my living trust protect my assets against Medicaid and the nursing home?" The answer is probably not. The irrevocable trust and the testamentary trust each have their strengths and weaknesses as well. We will clearly define the strengths and weaknesses of these different types of trusts and when to use them. Explore your goals and wishes to see where they fall in the realm of trusts. Class encourages questions and we hope to provide answers that will set your mind at ease or assist you in the decision making in this area. Instructor: Steven J Ledin | Attorney | Ledin Law PLLC