Becky Krueger, our Director of Education, is constantly on the go, developing and presenting educational programs to adults as well as kids. Her subjects are wide ranging, including a range of topics on animal behavior, humane treatment of animals and the importance of companion animals in our lives.
In addition to the programs she creates herself, Becky implements and oversees other outreach efforts of the APA. One of her favorites is our participation in the Adopt-a-Classroom program of the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE). Every year the APA underwrites the delivery of NAHEE’s monthly newspaper KIND News to students in 40 to 50 elementary school classrooms in the St. Louis metro area.
The award-winning publication, available in age-appropriate editions, works to build character in children through emphasis on kindness to animals, respect for natural habitats, good citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution. These are worthwhile goals that sometimes produce materials that send kids running for cover. KIND News does a great job of teaching the lessons – in an engaging way the kids love!
Recently, students in Kimberly Stetzel’s 5th grade at Sappington School in the Lindbergh district sent thank you notes to us for placing the paper in their classroom. Here are a few excerpts:
"...I love them because they tell me things I never knew…. Please KIND NEWS, keep printing, selling and giving, cool, new, and fun informational news"
"We would like to say thank you for bringing all of those newspapers so that we can know what is going on in the world….Just keep us updated on what is going on with the animals"
It’s easy to see that the articles have caught kids’ attention and engaged their interest in some new ideas.
"I liked reading about the Vietnamese potbellied pig. I think it’s cool that a famous racecar driver [Driver Ryan Newman was featured in a recent issue] is helping stray dogs to have a home. I find it interesting that a warthog’s warts are made for protection. Don’t you think it’s weird that a bearded pig will climb a mountain just for some food? Thanks again."
A monthly program guide is sent to each teacher in the sponsored classrooms, with ideas for projects and suggestions for ways to extend the lessons.
“..We appreciate the paper and admire you for it. We did a project on it last time…We traced our hand then wrote a fact on the animal on every finger. On the palm we drew a picture. My picture was bad but I managed. I saw my teacher get another paper just yesterday. I can’t wait.”
“I read your article on pigs. I did a project on the bearded pig. I never knew they were so smart. Thanks to you I got another A. My mom was so happy. I encourage you to keep writing…You guys are great!!!!!!”
Thank you, Ms. Stetzel and class members – it makes us feel terrific to hear that you enjoy
KIND News and how much you are learning from it.
NOTE for Teachers : If you would like to participate in an APA sponsorship of this program for your classroom, get full information
here .