Adopt-a-School
Helping youth form healthy habits that will benefit them physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout their lives. That has been the aim of the Adopt-a-School partnership since it began between MeritCare and Roosevelt Elementary School in 1999. In 2007 when Roosevelt and Horace Mann paired to become HMR – MeritCare stayed true to its promise and is the Adopt-a-School partner with HMR. The first of its kind in Fargo, the Adopt-a-School program has served as a model for other Adopt-a-School relationships in elementary schools throughout the school district.
Through this partnership, MeritCare professionals connect with teachers and students on a variety of levels – from mentoring and reading in the classrooms to providing wellness and safety programs to assisting with HMR’s annual spring Field Day and more. In all, the Adopt-a-School partnership touches the lives of every student at HMR.
The development of the Adopt-a-School partnership is a direct result of the call for Fargo/Moorhead to be a Community of Promise during the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in 1997. MeritCare not only initiated action in response to the call, MeritCare remains committed to America's Promise: The Alliance For Youth through continued support of the Adopt-a-School partnership with HMR Elementary School and other community benefit activities that build the character and competence of our youth.
Focus Areas:
Sixty MeritCare Associates gave 1347 hours to the Adopt-a-School program last year.
Classroom Readers – MeritCare volunteers support HMR teachers by visiting the classroom for half and hour or longer once weekly, reading with groups of children or listening to the students read to them. View the classroom reader position description 
.
Career Day – MeritCare staff spend an afternoon sharing their passion for healthcare with the HMR 4th and 5th graders. Using hands-on activities and demonstrations, these MeritCare professionals give children a taste of what a “day in the life” is like, while emphasizing how the skills the students are learning today in school (math, reading, etc.) are essential to success in healthcare careers.
Orchestra, Choir and Chimes – HMR entertains our associates, patients and visitors at MeritCare two times per year sharing the gift of music through these groups.
Youth Mentoring – The centerpiece of the Adopt-a-School relationship is the mentoring program. MeritCare employees are paired with students who can benefit from a consistent, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult role model. The student and mentor meet on school grounds for up to an hour each week before school, during lunch, or after school. View the mentor position description .
According to one Roosevelt teacher, "The most beneficial thing about the program is the difference it makes in the students’ school work, self-esteem, and motivation to do well. The students learn there are people they can count on over time to be there when they need it. The students can develop a healthy relationship with a caring adult and receive one-on-one attention they might not get anywhere else."
Wellness Programming – Adopt-a-School wellness programming includes the following activities:
- Field Day – An annual event held at HMR. MeritCare volunteers have been organizing and coaching physical activity stations since 1999.
- Dental screening, hand washing clinics, blood pressure checks at school carnival, bicycle safety rodeos, bike helmet fittings, childhood obesity prevention and awareness programs, and baby-sitting clinics.
The Adopt-a-School partnership between MeritCare and HMR Elementary is a strong and healthy one. Both organizations enjoy working together for a common purpose – the well-being of our youth.