Riverbend students gather outside Oak Hills Living Center preparing to deliver May Day baskets. Pictured left to right:   Alexis Bode 5th grade, Nat Haney 8th grade, Perla Sanchez-Nunez 9th grade, Elise Lentz 10th grade, Isabelle Merkel 12th Grade, Shelby Mifek-Jolitz 12th grade and Acea Kneeshaw 6th grade. (Submitted photo)

NEW ULM — Students of all ages at River Bend Education District are bringing history to life this spring through a hands-on May Day basket project that combines learning, creativity, and community connection.

As part of a cross-curricular lesson, students explored the history of May Day, a tradition dating back centuries in Europe that celebrates the arrival of spring. One of the customs associated with the holiday is the creation and delivery of May baskets, small, handmade containers filled with flowers, treats, or notes of kindness, traditionally left anonymously on a neighbor’s doorstep.

After learning about the origins and meaning behind the tradition, River Bend students designed their own baskets and filling them with candy, flowers, and thoughtful messages.

“This project helps students connect history to real life in a fun way,” said PAES instructor Jen Isaac. “They’re not only learning about a tradition, but they’re also practicing communication, gift giving, creativity, and community involvement.”

Jackson Halloran and his classmate Dillon Gerzsik shared that they really enjoyed making the baskets. They were responsible for adding the handles and including a note, which made the project feel more personal to them.

Bethany Pierson said she thinks “giving the baskets to OHLC is a good idea because the elders aren’t able to get out as much, and it gives them something cheerful.”

Once completed, the baskets were delivered throughout New Ulm, including a special visit to residents at Oak Hills Living Center. Students had the opportunity to personally hand out baskets, share smiles, and brighten the day of many residents.