Access to running water isn't always available for every student. 

In fact, it's a huge barrier for many kids, especially as they age. 

The Fair Grove School District saw this critical gap, and with the help of Care to Learn Chapter funds, they found a way to meet this need (and more) by creating an on-site Hygiene Station for students who didn't have another option.

It all started with four passionate educators: 

A teacher, a counselor, and two assistant principals noticed an ongoing trend: teenagers in their district didn't have a way to stay clean. 

“Our counselor, Ms. Peck, told me during the school year that she speaks with students in her office about hygiene at least twice a week,” said Susanne Feldman, high school teacher and Care to Learn Chapter Liaison. "And if a student is unable to bathe at home, their hygiene might be a constant source of anxiety and stress during the school day, and getting this need met discreetly at school can be a challenge."

Together, over the course of several months, they partnered with a local contractor to remodel a space to help.  

"Many students reside in places without running water for a variety of reasons, but this safe space makes it simple to freshen up – close enough to their school’s locker room that it’s available for any student, which reduces the anxiety of accessing it."

Now, the project is complete, and starting this school year, the Fair Grove School District is able to offer a place for students, no matter what.  

“There are so many good things happening behind the scenes, and this is just one of many examples," says Feldman. "We have an extremely generous and caring community, and we are so excited to complete this big project and be able to share it with our district and our donors, so they can see how their gifts are making a huge impact in the lives of our students.”

The Care to Learn - Fair Grove Chapter is led by Fair Grove elementary counselor Angla Hollingsworth, elementary assistant principal Maddison Hodson, middle school assistant principal Sam Orr, and high school teacher Susanne Feldman. We are so grateful to this Green Team for making this inspiring project a reality!