August 2009
PROMOTING HELMET USE FOR YOUTH BIKERS AND SKATEBOARDERS
A teacher at Greenvale Park Elementary School plans to work with the Northfield Public Schools, the Northfield Police Department, the EMS team, the Skatepark Coalition and the Northfield Bike Club to promote the use of helmets for biking and skateboarding, and to provide helmets for those who need them. The project will include educational brochures for parents to be distributed through the schools and the police, posters for display at the skate park, and free helmets for those who cannot afford them.
Funds from HCI will be used for developing educational materials (brochures & posters), along with vouchers for free helmets. The program will also provide reward incentives to those youth who do wear helmets.
July 2009
“TOTE”-ALLY GREEN GROCERY BAGS FOR THE FOOD SHELF
Girl Scout Troop 22642 plans to make sturdy, reusable grocery bags to replace the plastic and paper bags used by families who utilize the Community Action Center’s Food Shelf. The Girl Scouts estimate that 3,200 to 4,000 bags per month from the CAC end up in landfills, and their goal is to reduce this waste. Funds provided by HCI will be used for costs related to making the bags.
COMMUNITY YOUTH FAIRS
The Community Youth Fairs are annual events to attract more Northfield elementary and middle school-aged students to participate in organized youth activities. Local organizations have booths where youth and their families come to learn about the educational opportunities available in the Northfield community. Funds provided by a HCI mini-grant will be used for publicity and games at the fairs.
At this year’s event, a mother commented how she brought her reluctant son to the fair, but he had a great time racing boats at the Boy Scouts station. Later, the son went potato sack racing along with the other kids he had met at the boat races. Her son had a lot of fun and is looking forward to attending the event again next year.
June 2009
DRIVE IN/ OUTDOOR MOVIE
A Northfield youth plans to hold community movie nights one night per month during the summer. The movies, shown in a city park, will give area youth something fun and safe to do during summer evenings, and will be open to all members of the Northfield community. Funds provided by a mini-grant from HCI will be used for space usage, movie rental and licensing fees, and equipment costs.
May 2009
5th GRADE KICKBALL TOURNAMENT
The Northfield Student Council hosted its second annual kickball tournament for fifth graders from all four local elementary schools. This is done in an attempt to foster relationships between the students before they are united at Northfield Middle School next year. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used for transportation for 5th graders to and from the high school for the tournament and for prizes for the participants.
April 2009
COURAGE RETREAT
The Northfield Middle School plans to hold a Courage Retreat in the 2009-2010 school year. The aim is to build a more positive school climate by encouraging students to accept people for who they are, stand up to peer pressure, and take pride in a bully-free school. Funds provided by HCI will pay for training for the retreat leaders.
MAY TERM SEMINAR
In the past, ARTech did not offer cooking or sewing classes. With a minigrant provided by HCI, ARTech students were able to enjoy a class in which they learned these valuable life skills. The students learned how to sew a baby outfit, which was then donated to Infants Remembered in Silence.
SENIOR WISDOM RETREAT
Northfield High School students participated in a Senior Wisdom Retreat, a follow-up to the 9th grade Respect Retreat. It was a time to be together as a grade for the last time before graduation, to have fun in an uplifting environment, and to start saying goodbye while thinking about life after high school. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used towards training for the retreat leaders.
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Here are what some of the student participants had to say:
- “I learned that more people feel the exact same way I do about NHS.”
- “Everyone loves & respects each other and everyone’s going miss one another.”
- “I learned to respect and cherish what you have and to make the most of the life you are given.”
BE CLEAN
Be Clean is a anti-drug campaign at the Northfield Middle School that was orchestrated by a student from Northfield High School. Posters were put up throughout the middle school for four weeks, and at the end of these four weeks, a culminating event was held where students signed pledges to remain drug-free and received “Clean” bracelets to remind them of their pledge. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used to purchase the bracelets and print the posters.
GREEN-ER VALE GARDENERS
A group of students from Northfield High School led a third grade class in a gardening project. With help from these high school students, the third grade class will be able to plant, grow, harvest, and donate the produce throughout the course of the summer. They will also work on creating a recipe book in both English and Spanish. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative are used for the cost of plants, gardening tools, and the production for a recipe book.
March 2009
GIRLS ON THE RUN
Girls on the Run is an international program whose goal is to teach young girls about the importance of self-respect and healthy living. The program pairs third through fifth graders with high-school or college aged mentors who teach specific life lessons and serve as role models. Funds provided by a Healthy Community Initiative grant were used to cover program costs including post-exercise snacks and scholarship money for participation.
February 2009
BEYOND WORDS
Beyond Words is an annual celebration of art and literature for Sibley Elementary School students and their families. Various works of art and literature were available for viewing throughout the evening. Funds provided by a HCI mini-grant were used to cover the expenses of art supplies and material for hanging the artwork.
In follow-up evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say about the event:
- “I learned how to make paper hats and I made some new friends.”
- “I learned how to get rid of my stage fright.”
- “I learned to combine art and poetry to make a finished piece of art.”
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CAREER FAIR
A career fair for all tenth graders was held at Northfield High School to give students an opportunity to explore interests and make connections with adult community members. Hundreds of sophomores attended the event, which was planned largely by juniors and seniors. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used for food and supplies to create a welcoming atmosphere for the community members who came to the high school.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “I learned that I might want to get involved in public health.”
- “I learned that there is a lot to do to become a counselor.”
- “I learned how cool engineers are.”
RESPECTING OTHERS
The Northfield High School Diversity Club visited area elementary schools to talk about what makes people different from one another. High school students led games and interactive activities that encouraged respect for differences. Funds provided by a HCI mini-grant were used for supplies and props for the games and activities
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “We should treat everybody alike.”
- “I learned that you shouldn’t judge a person by the outside.”
- “If people get made fun of and they laugh along, they still feel hurt sometimes.”
January 2009
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE KEY
Each Friday night at the Key, a movie night is held for Northfield youth. The event is run by youth, and dozens of teenagers attend regularly. In the past, the Key did not own a movie projector, and finding one each week was a constant struggle. A mini-grant from HCI, combined with other forms of fund-raising, went toward the purchase of a brand new movie projector for the Northfield Union of Youth.
ABOVE THE LINE
Above the Line is a group at Northfield High School (NHS) that supports and encourages good sportsmanship at high school sports and activities. One of the group’s goals was to purchase a t-shirt for every NHS student. The idea behind these t-shirts is to remind all Raider fans of the positive school spirit that is expected of them. In addition to a donation from the Booster Club, a mini-grant enabled Above the Line to provide t-shirts for the students.
KITS FOR KIDS
The Sibley Elementary School Student Council created activity bags for kids who attend Thursday’s Table, a free meal provided by the Community Action Center. The kits included puzzles, coloring sheets, and other fun activities intended for kids who come with their parents for the meal. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used to buy the activities for the bags and the bags themselves.
SATURDAY MORNING SCIENTISTS
The Northfield High School science teachers, along with a group of their students, invited elementary students to come to the high school and participate in a variety of science-related activities. High school students hosted the younger students and taught them about Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Funds provided by a mini-grant were used for the costs of consumable materials to be used for the experiments.
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CABIN FEVER LIBRARY MINI-GOLF
The Northfield Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board hosted an evening of mini-golf at the library. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used to rent putters and balls, purchase driving range prizes, and offset advertising costs.
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December 2008
BIRDHOUSE RENOVATION
As part of a service-learning project at Bridgewater Elementary School, third grade students alongside various high school and college students, constructed new birdhouses for the Rachel Carson Nature Center. Students learned about respecting nature, along with a sense of accomplishment for completing a task. A mini-grant provided by the Healthy Community Initiative was used to purchase the materials used in building the birdhouses.
STUDENT GREEN TEAM
A student-led Green Team from Bridgewater Elementary School meets monthly to work on ways to better care for the environment. They hoped to buy reusable lunch bags for all 630 students in the school. A mini-grant from HCI provided the funds to purchase the bags and print an environmental message on them.
SING FOR SENIORS
A class from Sibley Elementary School visited Three Links Care Center to bring handmade cards and chocolates, and to sing old-time songs for the residents. A grant from HCI covered the cost of busing, the materials for making the cards, and the chocolates.
CHRISTMAS SHARING
The FOCUS class of Northfield High School made fleece blankets to donate as part of the Community Action Center’s Christmas Sharing program. Through funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative, the 16 students in the class were able to purchase fleece material for the blankets.
EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY
As part of the Northfield High School’s service-learning class, a group of students worked to encourage reading at a very young age by having children create their own books. They visited Hand in Hand preschool to work with the students on this activity, and sent a book home with every child. The high school students also wrote letters to parents, encouraging them to read with their children. A mini-grant provided funds for book-making materials, published reading books, and film developing.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION WEEK
A group of students from the Northfield High School hosted an Anti-Discrimination Week at their school. They brought a different type of discrimination to light each day of the week. Through funds provided by HCI, the students purchased buttons, posters, and t-shirts to raise awareness for their project.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR HAITI
A group of students from Northfield High School’s service-learning class sold candy canes at both the Northfield Middle School and the Northfield High School to educate others about the current crisis in Haiti and to raise money for school supplies for children in Haiti who cannot afford them. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used toward buying the candy canes and advertising.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “I learned the need for help outside beyond Northfield High School.”
- “I learned about the tremendous need in Haiti.”
- “I learned that I can help with just a dollar when there are people who will do good things with it.”
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES
A group of students from Northfield High School’s service-learning class sold reusable water bottles to students at the high school. In addition to selling the bottles, they also educated their peers about the importance of recycling. Funds provided by a Healthy Community Mini-grant were used toward making the initial purchase of reusable water bottles and paying for shipping. Their profit from the bottles went to the Bridgewater Green Team Composting Project.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “Recycling is good. People need to pitch in to help the community.”
- “I learned that Americans throw away 25 million plastic bottles every hour!”
- “Recycle!! It helps a lot!!!”
GIRLS’ HOCKEY FUN NIGHT
In hopes of getting younger girls involved in sports, a “hockey fun night” was hosted in the Northfield Ice Arena. Elementary girls were invited to a Saturday game and invited to skate with the team, have treats, and get autographs afterward. Funds provided by HCI were used for food, game passes, and advertising.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “I learned about teamwork.”
- “I learned all about girls’ hockey and how fun it is to play.”
- “I love girls’ hockey!”
YOUTH ENRICHMENT IN NORTHFIELD
A group of students from the Northfield High School raised awareness of enrichment programs in Northfield. They traveled to area elementary schools to introduce students to various enrichment activities (i.e. Hip Hop, clay, Lego engineering) in a hands-on format. They also hosted an event at the high school to raise money for enrichment scholarships so that all the students to whom they had spoken would have the opportunity to participate. Funds provided by HCI were used for advertising, paint brushes to give to the elementary youth, and prizes for the fundraising event at the high school.
November 2008
KIDS VOTING
Kids Voting is a national leader in youth civic-engagement. Students learn about democracy though a combination of educational activities and an authentic voting experience. Funds provided by HCI supported food and decorations for a vote counting event the night the polls closed as a culmination of the Kids Voting program.
ADVENTURE GIRLS BOOK CLUB
The Northfield Public Library holds a weekly book club for 10 to 12 year old girls in hopes of promoting reading as a fun activity while learning about the world. The girls read about women in a different culture each week. Books and snacks were purchased by a mini-grant from HCI.
FLEECE BLANKET PROJECT
The Greenvale Park Student Council wanted to help senior citizens with something that will keep them warm in the winter. The students cut and tied fleece and delivered the blankets to Three Links Care Center in late December. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used for the fleece material, scissors, wrapping paper, and transportation to Three Links.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “I learned that it feels good to be kind. Thank you!”
- “I learned that we can help others in need of warmth”
- “I learned that talking to other people means a lot to them.”
BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE TRIP
In early June, seven students from the Area Learning Center will spend a week canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. They spend the week focusing on skills needed to succeed in the workplace, including decision-making, problem-solving, self management, time management, and negotiation skills. A mini-grant from HCI is used for transportation and permit costs.
WINTER TALENT SHOW
The Northfield Middle School holds an annual talent show allowing all students and staff the opportunity to perform musical, dance, or comedy acts. The stage and tech crew is comprised of middle school students, with two staff advisers. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative were used for food for the performances and a stipend for the staff advisers.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “I learned that we all have special talents.”
- “I learned to just have fun and to not worry about the audience.”
- “It takes a lot of work to pull together a performance, but it is fun!”
LAPTIME LITERACY SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT
Team Amistades – 85 sixth grader students – created books in Spanish to donate to local clinics and early childhood centers to promote laptime literacy, first language literacy for Spanish-speaking families, and community service. Funds provided by a HCI mini-grant were used for book-making materials, bookbinding, and a guest speaker.
SERVING OUR SOCIETY
Serving Our Society is an organization that promotes service-learning opportunities for Northfield youth and their families, alongside St. Olaf students. Together, they held a door-to-door canned food drive in town, followed by a community-building celebration at St. Olaf. Funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative provided food for the concluding event.
In the post-event evaluations, here is what some of the local youth participants had to say:
- “I learned that I can make a difference!”
- “It is always good to help your community.”
October 2008
YOUTH TEACHING YOUTH
With help from a mini-grant from the Healthy Community Initiative, teens from Northfield are trained on curriculum and teach drug and alcohol abuse prevention to local second and fourth grade classrooms.
FILMS FOR THE FOOD SHELF
The Northfield Middle School SLAM (Student Leaders Are Moving) offered movies in the Middle School auditorium several times throughout the year. These films are open to all middle school students with admission of a non-perishable food item or a $2.00 donation to the Community Action Center Food Shelf. Hundreds of students attend each event. Funds provided by HCI covered the cost of the movie rental and chaperones.
MEXICAN FOLKLORICO DANCE PROGRAM
The Northfield Arts Guild (NAG) offers classes in Mexican Folk Dance to area youth. The class performs traditional dances at various venues throughout the year, including NAG concerts, the ARTSwirl, and 4th of July celebrations. These dances require specific traditional costumes, and funds provided by a mini-grant from HCI were used to buy practice skirts, so that performance costumes don’t wear out so quickly.
WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS
The Northfield Middle School began the W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs) program as a way to ease the transition from elementary school to middle school. Through funds provided by HCI, 8th graders are trained to serve as leaders and mentors for incoming sixth graders in order to establish a positive school climate.
COUNT ME IN PUPPET SHOW
The Pacer Center of Minneapolis presents disability awareness puppet shows to encourage better understanding of disabled persons. With financial assistance from the Healthy Community Initiative, Bridgewater Elementary School was able to invite the puppet show to give a performance for the students.
September 2008
REASONS TO WRITE
Maribeth Beck’s second grade class at Sibley Elementary School partnered with Common Good RSVP in an intergenerational pen pal program where students and senior citizen volunteers shared letters for eight weeks in September and October of 2008. In November, HCI provided funds for a party that was held at the Northfield Retirement Center where the students and their pen pals were able to meet.
In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the student participants had to say:
- “Most of the elderly love to see kids.”
- “Old people are really fun to be around!”
- “I learned that we are making differences in some people’s lives.”
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL
The Northfield Public Library Teen Advisory Board hosted a musical coffee house after hours in the library on Saturday, October 25, 2008, to coincide with National Teen Read Week. With the financial assistance received from a HCI Mini-Grant, the library was able to showcase the new Young Adult section of the library through a relaxed “coffee house” setting with free snacks and live music performed by Northfield youth
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In post-event evaluations, here is what some of the youth participants had to say:
- “Good bands in Northfield. The library rocks!”
- “Being involved is fun!”
- “The library is awesome.”
GRANDBUDDIES
Through funds provided by the Healthy Community Initiative, Becki Haar’s fourth grade class at Sibley Elementary School visited the Northfield Retirement Community on a monthly basis during the 2008-2009 school year. The students made gifts for the residents, engaged in conversations, and developed a brochure of basic wheelchair exercises to share with the residents.
