Student Stories
These stories inspire us to keep building and supporting Mrs. Field’s Closet.
How dignity, access, and compassion make a difference in a student’s day.
There was a 4th grader whose jacket zipper was broken. The recess supervisor had told him to zip his jacket because it was cold out. He said he couldn’t because it was broken. She felt bad.
He also didn’t have boots or snowpants that fit. He wasn’t able to participate in recess and this was an important part of the day for him. We gave him 3 jackets to choose from and also some boots and snow pants. He asked if he had to give them back. I told him they were his to keep. His eyes lit up and he was so excited. He was able to run and play and participate in recess.
When students lack essentials, learning takes a back seat. Mrs. Fields Closet fills that gap—with dignity and care.
I have a student who frequently gets her menstrual cycle. Often she does not have a pad as she is not expecting it, or has gone through all her pads from her backpack and needs one. She was so relieved the first time I took her to Mrs Fields Closet, she then told me she knew of a friend who was complaining of not being able to afford or buy deodorant, so she told her friend about it, and her friend came to me the next day and asked for help getting some deodorant.
New items don’t just meet a need —they uplift, empower, and remind students that they matter.
I had a student who was stressed about PE and didn’t want to go. Come to find out she didn’t have gym shoes or tennis shoes at all. She was wearing her brother’s shoes which were two sizes too small. I brought her down to find some shoes. The smile and relief I saw when she found shoes that fit her was amazing. She was excited for her new shoes and went to PE class.
Small essentials can spark big joy —reminding students they are seen, valued, and cared for.
Often students will continually complain of their hair not being brushed and they’re very focused on it, or their lips are chapped etc. it is very easy to help these kids and make them feel better at school with this closet available. It’s also very beneficial to special needs rooms as kids fixate on things especially their physical appearance in the ed department.
I’m really glad we have something like this here. Like for me who sometimes forgets. It’s nice to know we have the closet.
I had a student that was upset because her deodorant had broken before she got to school and so she didn’t want to go to class. I was able to get her some deodorant and so she was comfortable going to class.
A student was in transition and their toothbrush got left behind. I was able to visit with the student and get them a new toothbrush, toothpaste and a comb. I wish you could’ve seen the joy and look of relief on their face! So glad we had the closet especially during this time for my friend.
Overall, I think it helps build self-confidence – I had a student get some bras and clothes along with hygiene products and was so happy wearing her new things. I also think it helps with anxiety.
One student was very ashamed that she didn’t have school supplies, and when I took her to see the room, she was able to get what she needed and her tone changed for the better. She was ready to go to class.
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Longfellow Elementary
Minot, ND
Central Middle School
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Ramstad Middle School
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Minot North High School
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Roosevelt Elementary
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McKinley Alternative Learning Center
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