Recess for seniors may sound unusual, but it is just one of many volunteer roles that the Rochester School District’s Office of Extended School Programs has developed to increase community involvement in its elementary schools. The Rochester School Department defines as its goal the enhanced achievement and academic success of students who participate in extended-school programs. Volunteers play a key role in support of these programs. The Office organizes enrichment programs by sharing resources, creating partnerships with businesses and community organizations, and involving parents.
These programs have proven to be a boon to both students and volunteers, many of whom are older adults. Intergenerational activities benefit senior volunteers, who take pleasure in giving back to their communities and participating in a structured social environment. They often exult in the joy of working with children.
To increase community involvement in Rochester’s School District, The Office of Extended School Programs established a volunteer branch in 1999, which is successful because it continually adjusts to changes in the schools and available resources. Through the program, 60 community partnerships have been formed, to include such companies as JC Penney, Citizens Bank, Harvey’s Bakeries, Inc., and the Riverside Rest Home.
The Office’s volunteer branch accommodates students and volunteers by taking into account the schedules of both. The commitment of volunteers ranges from one to two hours each week and some take on more hours, depending on their availability. The Office does not limit volunteers to specific programs, and is open to the creative use of their time. For instance, many teachers bring parents into the classroom to read or participate in other activities.
Some volunteers read to students during breakfast and lunch, encouraging students to relax and avoid getting too wound up. Others have specific titles, such as library volunteers, who help keep school libraries organized and share their love of reading by aiding students with book selection. Some older adults help out during recess, and organize and participate in games. Older volunteers also assist with after-school activities, to include coaching with homework, and playing games such as Scrabble, Parcheesi, and Monopoly.
Intergenerational activities, like those offered by the Rochester School District, are welcomed by many seniors, who may not have the chance to spend as much time with children and other young people as they would like. Retirees are a great fit for the program, as they have free time during school hours when volunteers are needed most. Cathy Boston, the program director, points out that many families are scattered across the country, even more than they have been in the past; many children have few opportunities to interact with grandparents. Senior volunteers help fill this gap, thereby changing perceptions of older adults. They teach younger generations to respect and appreciate their elders, and confirm for them the value of intergenerational relationships.
More information on Rochester Public Schools can be found here