When the Frazee-Vergas School District hired a Twin Cities-based cleaning company, Marsden employees wanted to make sure they were involved with the local school district.
So they joined the booster clubs, offered a scholarship to students, and in the elementary school, started the Golden Plunger Award. And yes, it's a plunger, nailed to a board, painted gold.
"One of the things we like to see in schools, the kids take ownership of their classrooms," Marsden Regional Manager Larry Oelke said.
Marsden set up a list of criteria -- including putting chairs on desks and picking up items off the floor -- and awards $25 and the traveling plunger to a different classroom in the elementary each week.
"It saves a step for our crew when they come in at night," he said.
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Plus, it's fun for the kids when they win.
"We enjoy giving it to them," he said.
Oelke said Marsden has been receiving letters and pictures from students at Frazee School, telling about what they plan to do with the $25 the classroom received.
Geri Lafreniere's first grade class suggested several uses for their $25. Hanna Beck suggested pets to bring home. Jordan Quittschreiber wants to go on a fun field trip. Trevor wants a flat screen TV. Caden suggests a snake and mouse for the classroom, and Zander Fonseth asks for hermit crabs for the classroom.
Oelke said that's the fun, hearing what the kids want to use their prize money for, regardless of how feasible it is.
"Everyone is putting an effort forth," he said, so the trophy will continue to travel to different classrooms each week throughout the school year. "It'll be non-ending."
Oelke said Marsden would like to implement a similar program with the older students, but with moving from classroom to classroom each period, that wouldn't work as well. They're still working on a plan for them though.
"We're always trying to get kids involved in the success of school so they take ownership of it."
