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Schools

Making a Connection with Younger Generations

Local elementary schools are taking advantage of seniors in the classroom through a pen pal program to help third and fourth graders with their reading and writing.

For some elementary school students, connecting with their elders is also a connection to improve reading and writing skills. 

Local schools are partnering up with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a non-profit program connecting seniors with classrooms where they can make a difference in students’ lives.

Part of the program is the growing Pen Pal Project, which matches seniors with third and fourth graders. Volunteers exchange letters with a student once a month for the school year, which culminates in a pen pal party where the students and seniors meet each other.

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“For the students, this is a writing lesson where they can work on their communication skills, paragraph formation, and gain experience with mailing letters,” said Becky Hubred, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator.

She says the students enjoy exchanging letters each month, and the fun activity is really a helpful tool in the curriculum. 

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“The kids are so excited when someone in their class gets a letter," said Carole Burzynski, one of the volunteers who founded the program. "They usually read it aloud. Their skill level in reading and writing increases exponentially over the school year.” 

The students learn to interact in letters using questions and answers. However, it's not only the children who are benefiting from the program. Seniors also enjoy connecting with the younger generation.

“This program is geared to meet the needs of the seniors as well as the students," said Burzynski. "The seniors look forward to the letters, and you can’t beat the little smiles from the students when they finally get to meet their pen pal at the party at the end of the year.” 

At the party, students meet their senior pen pals, show them around the school and play games with them or sing old songs like “It’s a Grand Old Flag” and “On Wisconsin.”

“The Pen Pal Project has an important impact," said Denise Lindberg, the spokeswoman for the school district. "It reinforces academic skills and gives the students a real way to practice their reading and writing.”

In addition to the Pen Pal Project, RSVP sponsors a Seniors and Students Program where seniors can volunteer as tutors, classroom aids and computer lab monitors in the Hamilton schools. 

There are three more classrooms of students that would like to start a pen pal project, but they need 20 more senior volunteers to start the program. To become a pen pal or a RSVP volunteer, call coordinator Becky Hubred at (262) 246-1973 extension 1524 and leave a message.

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