Community Corner
Handmade Valentine's Day Cards Bring Cheer and Joy to Seniors Across the State
Though miles apart, K-12 online public school students from Minnesota Connections Academy came together this holiday for a great cause.
This Valentine's Day, senior citizens at The Wellington Senior Living in St. Paul had an extra special delivery. Valentine's Day cards handmade by K-12 students from the online public school MTS Minnesota Connections Academy were delivered by Alyssa Satterlee, a Minnesota Connections Academy elementary teacher, along with students and their families.
The Creating Winter Cheer and Valentine's Day Cards project was created this year by Minnesota Connections Academy to help bring cheer and joy to seniors who may feel lonely and isolated during the season. The project was spearheaded by one of its high school science teacher's, Emily Johnston of St. Paul, who had recently lost a loved one living in an assisted living center. What started out as just an idea quickly grew with students being invited to participate through a neat video, a card-making party at the school, and pre-posted envelops for families to send their own cards to the school for delivery. The Wellington was one of four sites across the state where senior citizens received cards from students and their families.
MTS Minnesota Connections Academy is a virtual K-12 public school program that students across the state attend from home. The program combines state-certified teachers, high-quality curriculum, unique technology tools, an extensive selection of electives and clubs, and community experiences to create a supportive and successful environment for children looking for an individualized approach to education. Over 2,000 students are currently enrolled. Connections Academy meets the needs of students and families looking for an alternative to a traditional school setting—those who need a flexible schedule, learn at a different pace from their peers, need more individualized attention or seek a learning environment outside of a traditional classroom. Real-time, virtual information sessions are available. To RSVP and for a complete event schedule, visit www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com.
