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The idea of community education has been around for a long time. About 70 Wisconsin school districts sponsor formal community education programs, which includes a person hired to provide leadership and commitment to the Wisconsin Five Components of Community Education. These components are: Citizen Involvement, Needs Assessment and Planning, Extended Use of Public Education Facilities, Interagency Coordination and Cooperation, and Leadership and Accountability.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction believes that community education can improve quality of life by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all members of the community. Schools can create community through opportunities for active recreation, citizen involvement, informal non-credit courses, and collaborations with other community organizations.
The Community Education Program at the School District of Rhinelander includes the following:
*Community Classes and Programs - consists of lifelong learning opportunities for community members of all ages. The goal of these classes is to keep the lights on and the doors open during non-school hours so that everyone can enjoy and utilize the facilities.
*Communications and Public Relations - includes a comprehensive, district-wide e-newsletter, press releases, newspaper articles, Facebook, Twitter, website management, and other media coordination.
*Marketing and Promotion – involves the coordination of advertising in local newspapers and other publications, the assembly and delivery of District information folders, the coordination of video projects, and other promotional efforts.
*Community Outreach – involves participation in community planning initiatives that include community organizations, events, and projects such as: Rhinelander Partners in Education, Downtown Rhinelander Inc., Rotary Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bike Rodeo, Northern Advantage Job Fair Committee, Oneida County 4-H, Salvation Army, United Way, and Wisconsin Community Education Association.
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