During
the school year, students from the Windham Middle School eighth grade
classrooms of Pam Mallard, Lisa Hodge, Erika DuPont and Tricia Sabine spend
time mentoring students from the Windham Primary School second grade classrooms
of Brianna Butts, Casey Dubay and Haley Saurman. The goal is for the eighth-grade
students to provide a leadership role for the younger students.
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| Eighth graders Ted Becker and Elise Schultz welcome everyone to the celebration |
On
Friday, May 10 the classrooms had their Grandparents Celebration, held at
Windham High School. This celebration allows students to connect with individuals
of different generations and celebrate the mentoring program, as well as
display the work they’ve done throughout the year.
The
mentoring program, or ‘buddy program’ started roughly ten years ago. The
educators and teachers wanted to add more of a connection piece with the
students. They decided to include grandparents because they tend to get left
out as students enter middle school and it allows the students to share a piece
of their family with the schools and it makes the grandparents feel special.
Lucas Spencer, an eighth grader in
Erika Dupont’s class, said the goal was for eighth graders to teach the second
graders, and get together and just hang out.
Caleb Spencer, a second grader in
Haley Saurman’s class, liked being paired with his older brother. They both had
fun; the activities were fun and Caleb said his brother did a good job.
“During
the school year we get together once a month to do a learning adventure and to
share some time with our second-grade buddies,” explained eighth graders Ted
Becker and Elise Schultz at
the opening of the celebration to an audience of students and grandparents.
“One of
our coolest adventures is this grandparent celebration. This allows us to bring
many generations together to share this special program designed to show how
much we care about you,” they added.
“We do a variety of events such as a
share your favorite book, learning about bats, exploring the concept of
thankfulness, and making Valentines for the nursing home. This year the eighth
graders made a sled for a science unit and went sledding with their buddies,” explained
Pam Mallard.
The celebration began with Middle
School principal Drew Patton speaking ‘words of wisdom’ about the importance of
relationships. He emphasized working to keep those relationships along with
making memories and sharing traditions with your grandparents. Relationships
are essential because they guide us, not only through the happy times, but also
through the difficult ones.
Second graders led the audience in
the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Students then sang songs and
performed skits to honor and show appreciation for their grandparents. There
was a video presentation about why grandparents are special to the students. Another
video presentation followed about the community service done during the
mentoring program; students did a Thanksgiving
Day food drive with the Salvation Army, made pinecone bird feeders and started
a fundraiser to get animal beds for the Animal Refuge League.
“It was
very special to see my grandsons and their activities,” observed grandmother
Sylvia Marin, who was very proud of her grandsons, Caleb and Lucas Spencer.
“It was
really nice being here and seeing the program...it makes us feel good as
grandparents,” replied Paul Marin, grandfather to Caleb and Lucas.
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