SPRINGFIELD WEDNESDAY NEWSLETTER

Welcome Back Springfield!

School Is Back In: Let's Get Creative!

As the new school year begins, there’s a special energy in the air. Springfield Platteview classrooms are once again filled with eager students ready to learn, and our dedicated teachers are just as excited to inspire and guide them.

To kick off the year, I reached out to some of our educators with a simple yet meaningful question: Why did you choose teaching as a career?

The first response, who simply said, "To make a difference." Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that teachers have every single day.

Several other teachers shared their perspectives:

“Coming from where I did, I have one reason: because education is the best vehicle out of the cycle of poverty. I was that kid who hated school, and I wanted to help kids like me. Our future depends on it! Every student deserves equal access to an excellent education. All students deserve a chance to thrive and know that they can succeed. Trades are amazing for these students too, and we need to encourage them to find their strengths in what they love. I also wanted to be a mom. I could go professional and never be able to provide for my family, or I could go into education and have the same schedule as my kids. I love seeing little minds learning new things—it makes them smile!”

These reflections highlight the profound reasons why educators choose to be in the classroom: to make a difference, to break cycles of poverty, to inspire every student to reach their potential, and to support the future of our community.

And remember, it’s not just up to teachers. We should all be a tribe and help out where we can. If you see someone struggling, lift a hand. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Remember the story of the boy who said, “He is not heavy; he is my brother.” The two boys weren’t actually brothers—one was a crippled child abandoned at Boys Town. All the boys there helped by carrying him around, showing what it truly means to care for one another.

As we embark on this new school year, let’s all commit to making a difference in the lives of the students in our community. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a neighbor, we all have a role to play.

Wishing everyone a successful and inspiring school year ahead!

Library FUN

Savor Sweet Moments: Make Cookies and Cards a Library Tradition

Get in the Habit of Reading: Discover the Power of Book Clubs

Perk Up Your Mind: Enjoy Coffee and Crosswords at the Library

Empower Yourself with Library Tech Training

Don't miss the Farmers Market. So much to see and taste!

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Great High School Job!

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It Happened in Springfield

Pictured (left to right): Orville and Allen Kreifels
The Kreifels brothers, Orville and Allen, established Kreifels Hatchery in Springfield in 1947. In
addition to raising chickens, they oversaw the successful hatching of various birds like quail,
pheasants, partridge, peacocks, ducks, and geese. The business diversified into selling poultry
equipment, poultry houses, grain bins, corn cribs, hog houses, and pig feed. By 1956, an ice
machine was added for retail and home ice sales. In the late 1970s, Kreifels Enterprises, Inc.
introduced a line of fresh frozen meat. Orville and Allen were active members of the Springfield
community, holding roles in civic, business, and church organizations. Orville played a key role
in establishing a local business association, the Springfield Boosters, and served as its first
president, in addition to his positions on the village board and in the American Legion. Allen,
too, was involved with the Springfield Boosters, served on the city council, became Springfield's
first elected mayor, and contributed to the formation of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.