Fifth-grade students at Conestoga Elementary School participated in a year-long Pen Pal Program with residents at Meadow Ridge, a supportive living community at Willow Valley.
This program created authentic opportunities for cross-generational friendships, learning, and building a sense of community while supporting education and social-emotional goals.
The students at Conestoga were matched with a resident at Willow Valley based on shared interests. Students introduced themselves in their initial letters and provided information on their favorite books and movies or what their hobbies are.
Residents responded by sharing wisdom with the students, information on their careers, hobbies, and other interests. As the letters were exchanged, the students and residents began researching and learning more about the topics expressed in each correspondence.
For their final letter of the year, Mrs. Eckroat assisted the students with filming their letters that were read aloud by each student. In the final letter, the students expressed how much they enjoyed writing to the the resident’s and some of the favorite things they learned.
Val Hoback from Willow Valley said, “Over and above these highlights, wisdom from both generations has been passed back and forth. Having these relationships and writing these letters has helped keep the residents’ minds alert, engaged, and invested.”
“The smiles and joy that they display when a letter arrives in their mailbox – there is no comparison. They will spend the next few days talking to their friends about the excitement of having a Pen Pal and it fills their spirits with a renewal of happiness in life,” Hoback noted.
Congratulations, students! We are so proud of you.