Northfield Public Schools Community Services is starting off 2011 with lots of exciting events during the month of January.

Families new to Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) are invited to the free public ECFE New Family Welcome Reception from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 13. The reception will be held at the Northfield Community Resource Center in the ECFE Infant Toddler and Preschool Room.

Pick up a new language using only your hands in the Community Services class "American Sign Language for Beginners." The class runs 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24, and is taught by local instructor Michael Detjen. Register by calling (507) 664-3649.

The Northfield Skating School, now partnering with Community Services, will have several skating options for all ages. Classes run Sundays from Jan. 30 to March 13 at the Northfield Ice Arena. Details about classes are on the Community Services online registration website. You can also call 507-664-3649 for information or registration.

Northfield Public Schools Community Services includes recreation and enrichment programming, Early Childhoo Family Education, driver education, KidVentures and EarlyVentures Learning Center.