Letter to the Editor: "It Takes a Village: A Note of Gratitude "

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Decorah Community School District Elementary Learner Advocate Shanna Putnam Dibble):

"It has often been stated "It takes a village to raise a child."  Decorah Community School District recognizes the amazing community within the school walls–with dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive teachers, staff, and administrators who care for and teach students every day. We are also extremely fortunate that our "village" extends far beyond those walls.  Within the community an abundance of organizations support Decorah schools, and most importantly, our students.  The staff of John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center would like to commend all of the businesses, community organizations, and establishments of higher education who support our students, with an extra big "thank you" to the Luther College athletic teams who consistently stand out in their generosity and ongoing support of our youngest learners.
 
John Cline and West Side hold a variety of family and community events each year, and Luther athletes consistently volunteer to help make these events a success.  We recently hosted a STEAM family event at John Cline.  Over 320 people attended.  We could not hold events of this magnitude without the help of volunteers.  The Luther women's basketball program brought their entire team to help at the event.  Under the direction of head coach Amanda Bailey, this was the seventh school event the women's basketball team volunteered for at Decorah schools.

In addition, Luther College Assistant Athletic Director Alex Smith contacts the schools to get Luther athletes involved with the students, whether it be reading with students or joining recess where college athletes serve as role models, showing the youngest students what good sportsmanship is all about.

Thank you to Luther College and all of our community partners.  It takes a village, and ours is pretty amazing!"