January 5, 2026
Members of the Mayville State Student Education Association (SEA) recently teamed up with Peter Boe, Jr. Elementary School (PBJ) in Mayville to provide a meaningful resource for classrooms: sensory bins designed to help students regulate emotions and stay engaged in learning. The suggestion for the sensory bins came from Emily Halvorson, elementary school counselor at PBJ and Mayville State graduate. Using SEA funding, Mayville State student members purchased bins and the materials suggested by Emily.
Sensory bins contain items that stimulate touch, sight, and sometimes sound, offering students a calming and interactive way to manage stress or refocus during the school day. These tools are especially helpful for supporting emotional well-being and creating a positive classroom environment.
The materials purchased by Mayville State SEA were packaged, and 18 bins were delivered to all teachers, the school counselor, and the principal at PBJ on Dec. 9, 2025. This collaboration not only benefits the elementary school students, but it also gives teachers practical tools to foster emotional support and learning readiness.
The project provided Mayville State SEA members with valuable hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. By collaborating with local educators, students gained insight into practical strategies for supporting emotional regulation and inclusive learning environments. The process of creating sensory bins allowed future teachers to apply their knowledge of child development and classroom management in a real-world setting, while also strengthening their connection to the community. These experiences help prepare SEA members for their teaching careers by fostering creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
Mayville State students involved with the project were Hannah Dahl, Macy Majer, Hannah Pilon, Madison Heller, Bernice Gonzales, Arianna Kjorsvik, Anna Roemmich, Lauren Kohls, and Faith Frisch. Through the project, they demonstrated their commitment to future teaching careers and to the local community, reinforcing the importance of partnerships that enhance education for all. Faculty advisor for the SEA organization is Dr. Ann Willeson.
