Becker Middle School students in Lisa Krause’s “Little Sprouts” class recently donated some much needed supplies to the Sherburne County Crisis Nursery.

The Little Sprouts class is a new offering at the school this year as part of a new class offering called DIG, which stands for Discovery, Inquiry and Growth.  Students are able to choose one of the elective offerings and it allows for a chance to explore the material in greater depth or with a different focus than a traditional class. 

Mrs. Krause offered the Little Sprouts elective so students would have a chance to “take an up close look at child development from conception, infancy and toddlerhood through preschool.”

The class description also states: “The earliest years of human life lay the foundation which the rest of a child’s life is based on. Come and learn how to create a positive impact in the life of every child you meet!”

As students studied the importance of a strong foundation for children to grow and develop properly, 

Mrs. Krause presented on the basics of the emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of young children, as well as data regarding how many youngsters are at risk in the U.S. (including abuse, neglect, food insecurity, learning gaps at kindergarten entry, etc.).

“It was after seeing this data that Lauren (Tople) asked what they could do,” said Mrs. Krause.  “I gave the typical teacher responses,  but that night I was struck by the interest that was demonstrated by other students after her question.”

The next day, Mrs. Krause asked the student if they really, “boots on the ground” kid of really, wanted to do something to make a difference.  When the class responded enthusiastically, she called Sherburne County and was put in touch with Therese Butterfield who helps coordinate the Crisis Nursery.  After hearing about their options, the students decided as a group to provide gift bags for the program.

The students did research into gifts that would be appropriate and also were in charge of the fundraising.

One student, Izzy Evens, used her contacts to solicit a donation from the Santiago Lions, who provided $500 to the project.  The BMS student council also made a donation, as well as school staff and the families of the students.  Soon, the group had put together $685 to fund the project.

Last week, Butterfield and Sherburne County Social Worker Mitch Fennell came to the school to receive the donated gift bags.

Butterfleld explained to the students that the program is funded through donations from the general public and many churches, while no county funds are used.

Diapers and wipes are two of the most common items needed by families, but there are many other needs as well.

“If it wasn’t for people like you making a difference, the program wouldn’t exist,” Butterfield explained to the students.  “You should be very proud.  We’ve never had a group this young reach out to help.”

Fennell commended the students for making a difference in the community.

“These supplies go to families that you might know,” Fennell said.  “These people live in your community and you are helping your peers.”

The outcome of the DIG class was especially gratifying for BMS Principal Chantel Boyer, who noted the importance of the new DIG programming in allowing staff and students to explore deeper into the curriculum.

“The real world connections that are being made in the DIG classes are so important for our students,” Boyer said.  “It’s one thing to study a subject, but when students can take ownership into their learning and put it to use for the betterment of our community then we know we are hitting the mark.”