Students enjoy visits with local ‘grandpals’

There is no such thing as age barriers for students in Shannon Fleet's Grade 4/5 class at Paris Central School. These young students learn firsthand through monthly visits to a local retirement home how easily friendships can be forged. "You tell them something, and they tell you what they did as a kid. They can relate to your stories and you can relate to theirs," said Grade 5 student Sam McLeod of S.K.I.P— a program that brings together junior elementary school students and nursing home seniors. Seniors & Kids Intergenerational Programs originated in Brantford and was initiated by active community volunteer Liz Martorano. Paris Central is one of about 40 schools across the Grand Erie District School Board that partakes in the program that is designed to eliminate a generation gap that exists in today's society. Fleet, who is also co-chair of the S.K.I.P., brings his Grade 4/5 class to Park Lane Terrace in Paris once a month for visits with their 'grand pals,' as some like to call it. "The program allows the students and seniors to feel empathy towards one another," said Fleet. "The kids rejuvenate the seniors and they make a lot of connections with the seniors." Usually there is a lot of story telling that takes place during a visit, but Fleet likes to incorporate activities with the seniors, like games and crafts, that pertain to his classroom curriculum.



"I like that we get to interact with the seniors and have fun with them," said Grade 4 student Kaitlyn Clark. After each visit, Kaitlyn and fellow classmates, reflect on the afternoon in a personal journal. What makes the program so worthwhile for Fleet is when he hears innocent comments like Sam's; "We put a lot of smiles on their faces, but they put a lot of smiles on our faces too."

S.K.I.P recently won $10,000 through Maxwell House "brew some good competition," created to help individuals and organizations to improve their communities. This momentous honour has encouraged the organization to apply for non-profit status. School boards, like Grand Erie, are lending more and more support to the program.

"I think our school boards are finding the value in it. More people are aware of the program," proclaimed Fleet. With this newfound recognition comes financial support, which is crucial to the survival of this intergenerational program.
Students at Paris Central School are collecting pledges for a Skate for S.K.I.P. that takes place at the Syl Apps Arena on Feb.18. Profits will go towards the program and students even have the chance to win prizes, like an IPOD, for collecting the most pledges.

During last year's free skate, students raised $1,200 in just over a month to help offset costs of transportation to and from visits.

Learn more about S.K.I.P. online at www.goskip.org.

PICTURED: From left to right, Isaiah, Joe, and Tyler, Paris Central School students, play an educational game with a senior 'grandpal' from Park Lane Terrace in January.

Source: Paris Star