Blog
Read the latest news and information from LEAF.
How LEAF 742 Supports Education and Enrichment in District 742
In the heart of Central Minnesota, the Local Education & Activities Foundation—better known as LEAF 742—plays a vital role in enriching the educational experience for students in District 742. Established to support and enhance both academic and extracurricular programs, LEAF acts as a bridge between community generosity and student success.
LEAF provi…
LEAF 742 Spreads Joy and Literacy at Community Event
On Saturday, May 17th, LEAF 742 had the privilege of co-sponsoring a vibrant community event that brought together over 1,500 people for a day filled with fun, connection, and celebration. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community engagement—and the joy of a good book and a cool treat on a not-so-warm May day in Minnesota!
As part of the festiv…
The Truth About Public Schools
By Dr. Laurie Putnam, Superintendent of St Cloud Area School District 742.
It’s fashionable these days to use public schools as a political talking point. Depending on who holds the microphone, schools are either failing our youth, wasting taxpayer dollars, or not doing enough to “fix” society’s problems—everything from declining civic engagement to the ri…
LEAF Pledges Two-Year Commitment to Fund St. Cloud Area Middle School Activities Fees
St. Cloud Area School District 742 and the Local Education & Activities Foundation (LEAF) announce LEAF’s $100,000 commitment to fund activities fees for all participating District 742 middle schoolers (grades 6-8) over the next two years.
The idea came about last fall, explains LEAF Executive Director Natalie Copeland, when school district leadership…
Embraced or Tolerated? The Difference Students Feel Every Day
There’s a quiet wisdom in this quote by S. Brown of @teachfortheculture: “Students know when they’re embraced vs. when they are just tolerated.” It speaks to something every student intuitively understands, even if they can’t always put it into words.
In every classroom, school hallway, or college office, the environment we create sends a message. When stu…
