By Kristen Miller
Staff Writer

The Dassel-Cokato area is lucky to have five great schools in three fine facilities with opportunities in education for the young and old learners. The mission of DC School District 466 is to “provide programs of educational excellence to students of all ages.”

This includes all learners, beginning with Early Childhood Family Education to community members joining in Community Education programs.

The district’s K-12 population is approximately 2,300. Schools include Dassel Elementary, located in the heart of Dassel; Cokato Elementary, near downtown Cokato; and the DC High School, middle school and Early Childhood Family Education located between the two towns, along Highway 12.

In 1972, Dassel and Cokato combined schools in a brand new facility. In 2004, an addition was made with the Performing Arts Center (PAC) an 800-seat auditorium used for a variety of student and community events. Along with the PAC came a 2,000 seat gymnasium and a brand new football field and track.

New in technology is Parent Portal, an online resource for parents to see their child’s up-to-date school-related information. Parent Portal allows parents and teachers to better communicate their student’s information regarding grades, attendance, lunch balance, and more.

In all levels of learning, the Dassel-Cokato schools teach Character Education, which includes six character- building pillars; respect, responsibility, resiliency, integrity, compassion, and understanding diversity.

With the pillars, the schools have adopted the Olweus anti-bullying program teaching students to step up and stop bullying in and outside of school.

The school district can be reached at (320) 286-4100 or to visit its web site check out www.dc.k12.mn.us.

Early Childhood and Family Education

The Early Childhood programs include Early Childhood and Family Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Play ‘n’ Learn Preschools (which is a school-readiness preschool) and Early Childhood Screening. Community Education is located on the west end of the high school facility. To contact ECFE or Community Education call (320) 286- 4120.

Elementary schools

Both the Dassel and Cokato elementary schools were named 2004-2005 Schools of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principal’s Association.

Cokato Elementary has a population of about 500 in grades kindergarten through fourth grade. It is located at 200 Fifth Street S.W. in Cokato.

Dassel Elementary is growing with approximately 380 students. It is located at 131 William Avenue East in Dassel. Their extension is 1500.

All schools encourage parent volunteerism to get parents involved in their children’s school experience.

To contact Cokato Elementary call (320) 286-4100 ext. 1300.

Middle School and High School

The Dassel-Cokato Middle School has made some schedule changes, which gives students more time for learning in the core classes of science, math, communication, and social studies. The change also gives students physical education opportunities on a daily basis rather than one trimester per year.

Students as young as seventh grade have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.

The Dassel-Cokato High School believes in “preparing students for lifelong success in a global society.” Along with a range of academic opportunities including advanced placement course, the high school offers a variety of extra and co-curricular activities as well.

Athletics include football, basketball, gymnastics, boys and girls hockey, track and field, cross country, volleyball, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, golf, and wrestling.

Activities include, but are not limited to, speech, FFA, drumline, choir, marching band, one-act play, and fall musical.

To reach the middle school dial (320) 286-4100 ext. 1600, for the high school, ext. 1800.