Dear editor,
I wanted to take the opportunity to share a story with our community.
As a school nurse I endeavor upon many issues that in spite of all of my efforts fail to culminate into a desirable outcome. I sometimes find my students and myself disappointed because the ideal outcome isnt always the one we get, but still is enough to get by on.
This is reality for many of us young, old, and in between as Allen Countians. We arent rich, but were strong.
This story isnt one of those.
In the past few months Ive been deeply moved by the expedient grace thats been shared by a few community groups that we reached out to for support in meeting the needs of students in our district.
Firstly, the Humboldt Recreation was gracious enough to cover the expense of all of our district athletes physicals ($10 x 146 students) to assure that they could participate in all the athletic opportunities coming in the 2018-19 school year. Some of our families cannot afford this fee and additionally the service is conducted on site during the school day assuring parents do not have to miss time at work. Had this opportunity been lost I know many students may not have had their physical done.
Secondly, the Iola Rotary club has been and continues to be a profound blessing to our district students who for whatever reason it may be have a need for supplies like clothing or hygiene products throughout their day.
One specific case recently moved me deeply as the school counselor, educator, paras, and I worked together to assure that the needs of some of our students were met. It was a beautiful moment to witness when I observed the saying it takes a village to raise a child literally come to life before me. We reached out to Iola Rotary for some support and not only did they bring us what we needed in a matter of a few days, they went far beyond our expectations and really impacted the students sense of self by making sure they had all the cool hygiene supplies and trendy clothes they otherwise wouldnt have had.
While I dont have scholarly evidence to prove to you that a community that works together for the betterment of their children is advantageous to society, I can tell you this: I saw that evidence in the light of those childrens eyes when they saw the leaders in their life at school come together and make them feel whole again.
Its easy to get disappointed in a world thats fixated on highlighting the most scandalous and violent news. Two local partners proved that genuine hope lives in the bones of a strong, local community that works together. Simple enough, but powerful stuff.
USD 258 and this school nurse are deeply grateful for Humboldt Recreation and the Iola Rotary club.
Sincerely,
Wendy K. Froggatte, RN
USD 258 Humboldt
District Nurse
