NOME, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Students from Valley City Public Schools had an immersive experience blending agriculture, industry, and art during a field trip to the Nome Schoolhouse on November 7th. 9th through 12th graders from Valley City High School’s Art 1-4 classes joined sixth graders from Washington Elementary for a day of hands-on learning,
all made possible through grant funding by the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation and the Education Foundation.
The trip marked the first of what 7-12th grade art teacher Stephani Krueger and 6th grade Library/Media Specialist and STEAM teacher Jessica Enstad hope to be many more enriching activities. Krueger and Enstad collaborated to bring this unique experience to life, with the goal of connecting students to both the practical and artistic aspects of fiber production.
At the Nome Schoolhouse, students participated in the Fiber 101 tour led by Chris Armbrust and her team, which focused on fiber arts, animal husbandry, and the fiber mill process. The tour provided interactive stations where students learned about various fiber animals, including their care and unique fiber qualities. They explored the fiber mill process and saw how raw fiber is transformed into usable materials. They wrapped up their day with a hands-on needle felting class.
“Chris Armbrust and her team were amazing to work with and made our field trip an easy and inviting experience,” said Stephani Krueger. “The students gained beneficial, hands-on experience, seeing how they could potentially combine their families’ farming operations and art passions into a future career. Their hands-on approach, educating our students from start to finish on the fiber process, was unmatched! If you haven’t experienced their tour or been to the Nome Schoolhouse, we highly recommend it.”
The sixth graders also had the opportunity to connect with their high school counterparts, learning what to expect when they transition to junior high. They had the chance to ask questions about clubs, sports, and high school classes, gaining insight and easing any apprehensions they might have about their upcoming transition.
With positive feedback from students and educators alike, this field trip sets the stage for future collaborations that connect Valley City students to local resources and hands-on learning experiences. Krueger and Enstad are hopeful that this will be the first of many meaningful trips that blend education, community, and career exploration.
