It’s that busy holiday time of year again at Battle Lake School. Students in Heather Akerman’s Study Skills classes have been particularly busy as they prepare the Holiday Christmas Store for its grand opening. The project is an annual labor of love for students and staff. Community and staff members donate new and gently loved items and high school and middle school students sort and display the items in a small classroom transformed into Santa’s workshop. All elementary age students (preschool through sixth grade) have the opportunity to shop (at no charge) for gifts for their family members. They are guided by staff and project students during their shopping which makes for powerful connections and heart-warming memories.
"The holiday store project unleashes the power of giving and continues to grow every year," according to Susan Uhren, speech/language pathologist at Battle Lake School. Heather Akerman, special education teacher, has noted that students are learning important work skills and seeing themselves as active participants in a large impactful project. Students often remark that the project is fun and begin asking about it when school begins in the fall.
The project has had many generous donors from the community and consistent support from school administration and staff. Heather Akerman and Susan Uhren, project leaders, would like to thank all of those who have donated and helped with this project over the years. Without your support, the project would not have become so widespread and successful.
A big thank you is extended to the 542 Education Foundation for the funds this year to purchase display items to lend a more authentic retail aspect to the store. The generosity of Jane Merickel and Judy Heltemes of Wadena is greatly appreciated as well. Since learning of the project a few years ago, the “Wadena Ladies” have shopped year round for thoughtful and useful items, made hundreds of gift bags, and donated many boxes of treasures for the project.
We are excited for the kickoff of this project to get everyone in the holiday spirit!