Decorah early childhood and elementary students have been participating in Dream Week festivities to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Preschool through fourth grade students and families were invited to attend a Dream Week Hour of Service where they participated in a variety of projects to support local organizations. They made tie blankets for Project Linus to share with children in need, created Valentine cards and decorations for residents of local nursing homes, packed birthday bags (complete with cake mix, frosting, candles, and balloons) for the Decorah Community Food Pantry, and advocated for (and snuggled with) some of the animals up for adoption at the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa.

Decorah schools also collaborated with Luther College for Dream Week Guest Readers. Luther students and faculty visited John Cline and Carrie Lee elementary schools to share stories celebrating diversity, kindness, and love.

Co-facilitator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Decorah schools Shanna Putnam Dibble stated, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to fighting for equality and respect for all individuals. Celebrating Dream Week and learning about the life and legacy of Dr. King in our elementary schools helps to foster an appreciation for diversity and a foundation of respect and kindness for all. Dream Week was a great opportunity for learning while also spreading kindness throughout our community!”

Putnam Dibble shares dog treats with Jasper, one of the many wonderful animals up for adoption at the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa.

Dream Week participants make Valentine’s Day cards for local nursing home residents.

Carrie Lee students created tie-blankets to give to Project Linus to share with children in need.

Avery and Stacy Williams helped pack birthday bags filled with cake mix, frosting, candles, and balloons, to help ensure everyone in our community can enjoy a birthday cake on their special day.

John Cline and Carrie Lee students enjoyed having guest readers from Luther College.  Readers shared books about diversity, equity, kindness, and love.

John Cline and Carrie Lee students enjoyed having guest readers from Luther College.  Readers shared books about diversity, equity, kindness, and love.