Community members met this week to discuss what kids can do on what will be a weekday off as the Lake Superior school district moves closer to
a four-day school week this fall.
"Now we are talking about a reality," said Chris Olafson-Langenbrunner, community education director for the district.
The Community Education program is weighing options using criteria such as the cost, facilities, resources and travel.
The district's buildings could be open, but Superintendent Phil Minkkinen said they would not be very warm in the winter.
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Ideas included those revolving around athletics, art, cultural learning,
volunteering, church programs, AmeriCorps and starting a newspaper.
Paul Deaner, executive director of Lake Superior Community Theatre, said he saw the off-day as an opportunity to expand theater arts in the district. He said theater is practically nonexistent in local schools. Many of Deaner's production staff consists of students.
Deade Johnson of Arrowhead RSVP thought the fifth day would provide a chance for youths in the area to volunteer and work on special projects.
The district has been notified it will receive the assistance of an AmeriCorps volunteer, through Mentor Duluth, to help during the fifth day. That position will focus on group- and community-based mentoring, academic mentoring and tutoring, youth programs, volunteer mobilization and civic engagement.
