MADISON TOWNSHIP — A former display case has become a grab-and-go hub for resources and information in the hall outside the library at Madison Comprehensive High School.
The Ram Care Corner has nearly everything a student might need in a pinch — from highlighters to hygiene items.
Neatly labeled bins offer toothbrushes and toothpaste, hair accessories, deodorant and soap. A set of handmade shelves, painted the school’s shade of green, are stocked with laundry supplies, school supplies and t-shirts.
On the other side of the case, there are fliers and pamphlets for food pantries, clothing assistance and community meals. Students can access information about suicide warning signs and mental health hotlines.
Students and staff said it’s part of a broader goal to support student wellbeing and families in need.
“As we’ve been working with families on a closer, more authentic level, we’ve been having our eyes opened to the fact that our community needs help,” said Andrew Ditlevson, the school’s assistant principal.
“We want students to have hope. We want them to have the best life possible. If there’s something we can do to help them, let’s do it.”
Ram Care Corner offers easy access and confidentiality for students
Physical education teacher Jenn Steffey has worked at Madison for 26 years. She said it’s not uncommon for teachers to have items stowed away in their rooms for students that need it.
A few years ago, she and Principal Sean Conway started talking about the possibility of a centralized space.
Steffey teamed up with librarian Kate Darnell and other staff to clean out an unused closet in the high school library.
Today, the shelves are overflowing with new and gently used clothes, shoes and other necessities. Most of it has been donated by staff from the high school and adult education program.
The closet was helping students. But the fact that it was hidden away in the library came with drawbacks.
“I don’t want to say behind lock and key, but the students had to have a teacher let them in there,” Darnell said. “Now they don’t have to ask permission. It doesn’t have to be like a big production. If they see something that they need, they can take it.”
Ditlevson said before the Ram Care Corner, students didn’t always know what resources the school had available.
“The idea (behind the Ram Care Corner) is to have something a little bit more publicly accessible. But it’s also to promote the fact that we have more if you need it,” he said.
School staff say Ram Care Corner teaches compassion
Darnell said the Ram Care Corner came together quickly. The school’s maintenance department removed the glass doors. Construction technology teacher Joshua Boliantz had his students build and paint shelves. Student library aides and learners in the cross categorical classroom sort items and keep the selves stocked and tidy.
“I feel like it’s a really nice thing. I like helping other people that might need it,” said Gaby Vega-Wieland, who volunteers as a library aide.
“It’s for anyone. Don’t feel embarrassed. If it’s something you need, just take it.”
Steffey said the school puts out limited quantities of supplies to discourage students from taking more than they need. But so far, students have respected the space.
In fact, she’s noticed students “taking ownership” of the care corner by straightening up items as they pass by.
“We are teaching them a lot about compassion and understanding for others and taking stuff when you need it and then giving back,” she said. “It’s so much more than just families in need. It’s any family. All the things out there, anybody could need at any time.”
Deonte McDaniel, a senior who serves on the Madison Student Initiative and the district’s Family Engagement Team, said he believes the Ram Care Corner will have a positive impact on school culture.
“I feel like it brings a lot of people closer in a different way — knowing that the school has your back,” he said. “It really connects people on a different level.”
Community members who wish to donate to the Ram Care Corner can do so by calling the school at 419-589-2112 and asking for Jenn Steffey or Kate Darnell. The most needed items currently include laundry detergent, dish soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
High school seeks community partners for health and wellness day
The care corner is just one way the MSI and the Family Engagement Team are working to promote student wellness.
The high school is also planning a health and wellness event on May 15, where students will have access to local resources that support mental, physical, social, financial and spiritual wellbeing.
Businesses or organizations that wish to participate in the health and wellness event on May 15 can call 419-589-2112 and ask for Andrew Ditlevson or Jenn Steffey.
