To the Editor,

I am writing this letter as a parent of two young girls who attend Henning Public School and also as a Reading Corps teacher who has been working at the school for the last three years.

I grew up in the Henning area and graduated from the Henning School. A few years ago, I decided to pack up and move my girls back to the community I grew up in because I love it here. I wanted my girls to have the same chance I did growing up in a small close-knit community. There are so many things I love about Henning and I want to stay here and keep out town flourishing and growing. Henning can’t grow without a school, and our current school is not what my girls and our kids deserve.

After working at the school for the last 3 years I am seeing the poor conditions first hand. It’s vital that this referendum passes! Our kids have a hard time learning in this environment. One reason is that some rooms are so cold students and teachers need jackets and gloves, while others are so hot they can’t concentrate. Something needs to be done! Another reason we need to pass this referendum is that our school does not have enough spaces for kids to learn, exercise, and become well rounded individuals. There is not a proper place for them to eat because our lunchroom is a gym. Most of the school year it is cold in Minnesota so our kids aren’t able to go outside, and there’s just not enough gym space for them to be able to get exercise. These issues need to be addressed!

Please help our kids get the best education they deserve in a building that addressed the whole child. They need to be able to move and learn in other areas of the school besides just sitting in the classroom. My girls and our kids deserve better!

Please vote yes, yes to keep our town thriving!

Sincerely,

Kate Grasswick Dehmer,

Henning