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Rock County farmer earns grant dollars for Luverne classroom

Lead Summary
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Rock County farmer Jared Pap has won the opportunity to direct a $2,500 dollar donation to Luverne Elementary School from Monsanto’s program, America’s Farmers Grow Communities.
Luverne Elementary will use the funds to create a flexible seating classroom, a research-based seating system that allows students to physically move while learning in class.
The Monsanto funds purchase different seating options such as standing desks, regular chairs, tables, exercise balls, rocking stools and floor seating. 
Research shows that by using things like exercise balls or wobble stools, it allows for movement, which helps students to focus and attend to the teacher and task more effectively.
“With flexible seating my students are paying attention more regularly,” said Luverne third-grade teacher Brooke Van Essen.
“I have also found that they have become more self-motivated. I am excited to see how this year goes with this change in my classroom. All of the third-graders want the seating in their own classrooms.”
The Grow Communities purpose is to make a positive impact in farm communities by partnering with farmers to support the causes that are important to them in their communities. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to win a $2,500 donation that they direct to a local nonprofit.
Since the program began in 2010, farmers have directed more than $26 million in donations across a broad cross-section of organizations that reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others.
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work.

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