Centennial Community Education

Engage in fun coding challenges to learn how to solve problems through programming with a team or partner. After an introduction to programming and coding, students will learn how to program Dash the robot through different challenges! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: Megan Gemuenden is a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School. This will be her second summer teaching Summer Academy and her sixth year as a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake. In the summers, she has taught Targeted Services and coached at Camp Invention, a STEM and engineering camp. In her free time, she loves to read, run, cross country ski (when there's snow) and play board games. Teacher: Annie Sheedlo is a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School. This is her third year at Rice Lake, but last year, she taught second-grade. In addition to Summer Academy this summer, she plans to compete in the Ragnar Race and eat popsicles!

Have you ever wanted to help solve a crime? We're looking for some super sleuths to dig up clues, identify suspects and help put the criminals behind bars. We'll use different crime scene investigation techniques like fingerprinting, impressions analysis, deciphering eyewitness accounts and other forensic evidence to help piece together the clues and close the case. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: Kris Cardille. I have an elementary education degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I have been involved in Centennial School District for the past 15 years-ish. I have been a substitute in the elementary schools and for the past 2 years have been the district sub. I have also coached varsity softball for 10 years. Because I like to watch Hallmark movies and mysteries to see if I can figure out who dunnit, I figured this class would be a great fit.

Our class will focus on providing an engaging and enriching learning experience outside the regular school year. The class is designed to balance academic enrichment with fun activities to maintain students’ interest and promote academic success. We will explore fun through hands-on learning with STEM topics like: constructing mazes, building boats and balloon cars, creating towers, designing bubble wands, and much more! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: Robynn Gehring has been a teacher for over twenty years and is so excited to be with Summer Academy this year. She loves learning new things, reading all genres, walking her dog, and BINGO!

This is a Graphic Arts and Animation class. Students will learn and create the basics of graphic design, graphic art, illustration and animation. We will be creating lettering, movie posters, comics, character designs, Claymation animation and much more! Students will be creating with digital and traditional media. Students will have multiple projects that they will get to take home. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: MacKenzie Mitzuk is an Art Teacher who works at Centennial Middle School and Centennial High School. She has a Bachelors of Science in Art Education from St. Cloud State University and a Masters of Fine Arts from Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a focus in painting, illustration and sculpture.

Join us for an enchanting journey into the world of Harry Potter! This immersive class invites students to explore the magical universe created by J.K. Rowling. Through engaging activities, discussions, and creative projects, students will delve into the rich themes, characters, and settings of the beloved series while also participating in exciting crafts and STEM challenges. This class is perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts who are eager to explore the magical world through literature, art, creative expression, and STEM. Join us for a spellbinding adventure where imagination knows no bounds, and creativity takes flight! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: Hello! My name is Katie Berquist, and I am thrilled to be teaching at Summer Academy this year! I grew up in Vadnais Heights, MN, and graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. In my free time, I enjoy taking my one-year-old Aussiedoodle, Goose, for walks around the neighborhood, as well as reading, listening to audiobooks, cooking, and exploring new restaurants. For the past six years, I have dedicated myself to teaching fourth grade at Rice Lake, with the last two years teaching the fourth grade Odyssey program. I am passionate about fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment, and I look forward to meeting each of you and guiding you on your educational journey!

Have a 'whale of a time' exploring the deep blue sea this summer! In Ocean Adventures, young explorers will dive into the wonders of the ocean through hands-on science experiments, exciting videos, fascinating books, and fun games. Students will use their creativity to design and build their own ocean-inspired costumes for a special class play, and with our daily sea creature craft projects, our classroom will transform into a magical underwater world. On our extended day, we will embark on a behind-the-scenes field trip to The Sea Life Aquarium, where we’ll meet incredible marine animals up close and learn from real ocean experts. From the shallow tide pools to the deep and dark abyss, this class is packed with discovery, creativity, and hands-on fun. Grab your flippers and join “Captain G.” on an unforgettable journey where learning knows no bounds—-Adventure awaits! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: Michelle Gilsrud, also known as “Captain G.”, is a dedicated teacher of gifted and talented students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In the summertime, she channels her passion for ocean life into inspiring young minds, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the wonders of the sea. Through hands-on science lessons, creative projects, and the use of lessons incorporating multiple intelligences, she guides students on an exciting journey to become aspiring oceanographers, exploring the mysteries of our planet’s most precious resource.

Join us for an exciting journey around the globe as we explore the Seven Wonders of the World! Incoming 5th and 6th graders will uncover the history, culture, and stories behind these iconic landmarks, from the Great Wall of China to Machu Picchu. Through art projects, STEM challenges, and historical activities, you’ll learn about the people and traditions that shaped these wonders. Plus, you’ll design your own wonder, build models, and explore the science behind these incredible feats of architecture. It’s the ultimate adventure for curious minds who love learning, building, and discovering new cultures! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: My name is Kyleigh Winkler and I am a 5th grade Odyssey teacher at Rice Lake Elementary! This is my second year teaching. My love for the Seven Wonders of the World came from learning about Machu Picchu in college, where I studied Spanish and education. In my free time, I enjoy coloring, playing video games, and pickleball! I can’t wait to meet you soon!

Do you love to spin a tale or have an itch to share a story you love? Come and learn about the methods and art of good storytelling! We will explore storytelling from around the world, practice creating stories that capture the attention of audiences, and share our stories with others. We will also have a chance to explore bookmaking and other ways people throughout history have left their stories behind to share with us! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 16. Teacher: Emma Friesen Hello! I’m a Title 1 teacher in the Anoka-Hennepin school district but when I’m not teaching, I am reading a good story or writing one myself. I’ve been published in multiple children’s magazines and am currently working on publishing my first novel. I have a passion for storytelling in all of its forms and look forward to sharing that love with students this summer! When not at Summer Academy, I’m hoping to take some road trips, spend time with friends and family, and read lots of books!