Fall 2025 Community Education Programs 
Updated 8-27-25

Lap/Open Swim: We are working on finding lifeguards to work our lap swim and open swim events. Stay tuned!

Beginning Dog Obedience (ages 4 months and older)

Handlers will teach their pup the beginning basic obedience commands such as to heel by your side, come when called, and sit and down on command. Participants will work on basic household obedience exercises such as not jumping, waiting at the door, and socialization skills. Dogs must be current on vaccines, including Bordatella. On the first day of class, please bring a copy of your dog’s shot record, a leash (not retractable), soft small treats, and your dog. Two classes will be offered this fall. The class will be held in the Owosso Middle School Commons area. Use the main Middle School entrance on the northwest side of the building. DOGS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED. Please indicate class name, dates, and times on the registration form.

Tuesdays, 9/9/25 to 10/14/25 (5 weeks), no class on 9/23

6-6:45 p.m.

6th-12th Grade Campus 100 Wing Commons (use middle school office entrance, door 41)
Maximum enrollment: 6 dogs per class

Instructor: Cheryl Barton
$70 per dog

Wednesdays, 9/10/25 to 10/15/25 (5 weeks), no class on 9/24

7-7:45 p.m.

6th-12th Grade Campus 100 Wing Commons (use middle school office entrance, door 41)
Maximum enrollment: 6 dogs per class

Instructor: Cheryl Barton
$70 per dog

Advanced Dog Obedience
In this class, the beginning obedience skills will be reviewed. Skills will then advance to the next level with more distractions in place, more distance with the stationary commands as well as the recall exercise and finishes. Socialization exercises will continue to be taught. Handlers and dogs need to have taken a beginning obedience class as a prerequisite. Dogs must be current on vaccines, including Bordatella. On the first night of class, please bring your dog’s shot record, a leash (not retractable), soft small treats, and your dog. The class will be held in the Owosso Middle School Commons area. Use the main Middle School entrance on the northwest side of the building. DOGS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED. Please indicate class name, dates, and times on the registration form.

Tuesdays, 9/9/25 to 10/14/25 (5 weeks), no class on 9/23

7-7:45 p.m.

6th-12th Grade Campus 100 Wing Commons (use middle school office entrance, door 41)
Maximum enrollment: 6 dogs per class

Instructor: Cheryl Barton
$70 per dog

Advanced Dog Obedience/Therapy Dog Training Class.

Skills will advance to the next level with more distractions in place, more distance with the stationary commands as well as the recall exercise and finishes. This class will include skills needed for Therapy Dog testing.  Dogs will learn the skills to be prepared for evaluation for “Therapy Dog International” testing, in addition to reviewing the skills learned in beginning obedience. Therapy Dog evaluation will be done by a certified TDI evaluator and there is an additional fee for evaluation, due at that time. Testing requirements may be found on TherapyDogInternational.com.  Dogs must have taken a Beginning Obedience class as a prerequisite. Please email your questions and interest to cbartondd@gmail.com or call 989-277-0976. DOGS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.
Wednesdays, 9/10/25 to 10/15/25 (5 weeks), no class on 9/24

6-6:45 p.m.

6th-12th Grade Campus 100 Wing Commons (use middle school office entrance, door 41)
Maximum enrollment: 6 dogs per class

Instructor: Cheryl Barton
$70 per dog

Karate for Kids (Grades 2nd-6th)

This program offers traditional martial arts training for children ages 7 to 12, focusing on: self-defense, physical fitness, conflict resolution, teamwork, focus & discipline. Taught by an instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience, Karate for Kids teaches prevention first, along with techniques children can use effectively for self-protection. This program does not promote aggressiveness, but instead emphasizes respect for oneself, others, and the skills learned. Students benefit from the complex motions and thought processes that go into learning karate. Learning karate can help children with focus and concentration, confidence, enhancing social skills and stress reduction. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Uniforms are optional and can be purchased for $37 on the first night of class. A responsible adult is required to attend each class. Parents are welcome to participate at no additional cost. Pre-registration is required at least 5 days prior to October 8.

Thursdays, 10/9/25 to 11/13/25

5-5:45 p.m.

Bryant Elementary Cafeteria

Instructor: Tom Bradford, Owosso Martial Arts

$65 for the 6 week class 

General Information

Registration Forms
Registration forms must be received a minimum of five days prior to the start of the class unless stated otherwise. A link to the registration form is below.

Enrollment Information
Registrations are not confirmed. You will be contacted ONLY in the event of a time change, date change or class cancellation.

School Closings
In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather, Community Education programs will be canceled. Programs will be rescheduled as time permits. Local radio and television stations will feature school closings and they will be posted on the district website and Facebook page.

Class Cancellations
Cancellations are sometimes necessary. Programs depend upon paid registrations. Offerings may be canceled due to low enrollment. If cancellations are made, registrants will be notified and a full refund will be issued. Due to many late registrations we do not cancel a class until the evening prior to the start of the class. Please provide all phone numbers necessary to reach you in the event of a cancellation. To avoid cancellations, bring a friend or family member and register early.

Refund Policy
A full refund will be made if:

Community Education cancels the class

Class fills before your registration is received

NO REFUNDS if you cancel on the day the class begins.

NO REFUNDS will be made after the class has started, regardless of attendance.

Photos
Owosso Public Schools reserves the right to photograph classes and program participants for promotional purposes.

Contact Community Education
Please contact Community Education Director Jessica Thompson at 989-729-5682 with questions.