To the Editor,

Thank you so much for your sponsorship within the Adopt-A-Classroom program at the Henning Public School. With my whole heart, I am appreciative of the time, energy, and financial support that you have given to reach out and be a part of this. Having been a teacher for nine years, seven of those in Henning, I have learned a lot about the way I teach, and what style I am most comfortable with. Those that have supported my classroom the last seven years have helped me create the environment that benefits the most children in my classroom. 

A flexible seating style classroom gives students the ability to choose their favorite type of seating-the kind that will best enhance their focus while learning. I especially want to thank the following groups for help during my years in Henning:  Don and Mary Seipkes, The Vining Church Women, Henning Senior Citizen’s Center, Curt Anderson, Thalmann Insurance Company, and Mid-Central Equipment, Alexis Quammen-Krebs, Doug & Diane Thorson, InFront Ag, Mrs. JoAnn Eckhoff, and Gaustad Accounting. Many of these groups have sponsored my classroom for multiple years. I am incredibly appreciative that you would trust me to use the funds you have provided to enhance the learning of the students in second (and sometimes hird) grade at Henning School.

I have received funding to provide some great flexible seating options (tables, wobbly chairs, micro stools, carpets, high top tables, rolling office chairs, and the list goes on). I have also been able to enhance my classroom by purchasing organizational materials for classroom manipulatives, paper storage, and art supplies. The technology piece that I was able to purchase for my classroom that has made the biggest impact on my teaching and students learning was the purchase of a document camera, and after four years, a replacement camera. I was also about to purchase a mouse for every student during COVID times. I have been able to purchase art supplies for each student, in turn helping the students create some WONDERFUL art pieces with poetry. 

We have used our funds to purchase mini terrarium kits to help us learn about plants. This year, we are using some of our funds to purchase the costumes and props we need for The Nutcracker. Our ten minute adaptation of the famous ballet will be performed on December 20 at 1 p.m. in the Henning High School gym during the elementary Christmas program. The students do the blocking and stage management all on their own. This is an incredible opportunity for students to take the stage at an early age without fear of missing lines…because the play in non-verbal and action only. They must listen to the music for their cues and to help them know their blocking stops. 

I am very excited for them to be able to have proper props and costumes. The gratitude that I have for the Adopt-A-Classroom program is beyond words. That I can provide these fun memories for my students because of the funding provided to me is a very special thing. Please know that you are all appreciated.

Stephanie Jorgenson

second/third grade teacher

Henning School