By Amy Baskin

Austin Public Schools

The Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Santa Workshop is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Community Learning Center located at 912 First Ave. NE. This fun, family event provides an evening of songs, stories, art projects, entertainment, a little shopping and, of course, Santa.

This evening is fun for all ages, but is specifically targeted for families with young children birth through age 8. We have art projects, a book fair, photo booth, games, songs and Santa. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa! In addition, the Austin High School performance group the Austinaires will be singing carols in the hallways for part of the evening.

ECFE winter session begins Monday, Jan. 8. We have age-specific classes and mixed-age groups. Our classes include parent and child time, parenting time and child development. New in January is a night baby class and a session of classes for families with children birth – age 5.

You will also want to check out gym night which is always a popular event.  To see a full listing of classes and activities, pick up a book at a number of locations around Austin or see it on the CLC web site www.austin.k12.mn.us/clc. Preregistration is required for classes and can be done on the district web store http://austin.revtrak.net or by calling the CLC main office at 507-460-1700.

Community Education classes for winter are plentiful and a great opportunity to learn a new skill or enjoy an activity. Adult classes in December include crochet, holiday gifts with essential oils and paper Christmas decorations. For the adventurous HGTV types, there is a trip to Texas to visit the famous Magnolia Market, Waco and San Antonio. Youth classes include a piñata workshop, cookie making and Christmas make and takes. Please look for a complete listing with all the class details on our website listed above or by calling our office.

There is something for everyone with Community Education and both Community Education and Early Childhood Family Education gift certificates make the perfect stocking stuffers. Do something for yourself and your family this season by signing up for a class.

Amy Baskin is the director of Community Education and Communications for Austin Public Schools.