Programs & Classes
GrandPals
-2004.jpg)
What is GrandPals?
The GrandPals program is an intergenerational learning and reading program pairing older adults and students in the Princeton Regional Schools. Senior volunteers help Kindergartners at Littlebrook and Riverside Schools learn to read, and tutor elementary students at Community Park School in reading and math. Adult volunteers assist students to improve reading, communication, and computation, as they build bridges across generations and enhance the students' self-esteem. The seniors are able to assist pupils, enrich the educational program and contribute to the community while building lasting peer and intergenerational personal relationships.
The program began in the 1997 with 45 volunteers recruited for two schools and now serves 161 children in three elementary schools-Littlebrook, Riverside, and Community Park School. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the program. They assist the director in recruiting other volunteers, serve as advisors to the program, and create the annual evaluation. School administrators and teachers select the children for participation. Some have been identified as being at academic risk and represent many ethnic and economic backgrounds. All children in the six kindergarten classes at Little Brook and Riverside will participate this year. Training and support is offered to GrandPals by the GrandPals Director and school personnel.
Could I be a GrandPal?
GrandPal volunteers are older adults (over age 55) from the Princeton area. Some have had previous teaching experience, but it is by no means required. You should enjoy working with children and be able to make a commitment to attend regularly during the length of the program. Littlebrook and Riverside volunteers meet the kindergartners once a week for about an hour. Since these volunteers meet with their partners at the same time, there is also opportunity to share with other participants. Community Park GrandPals work more closely with a teacher or an individual student, working out a mutually convenient schedule. Call the GrandPals Director at the Princeton Senior Resource Center, 924-7108 to volunteer.
"It has been the best year ever with our GrandPals! The kindergarten teachers and I agree that the program is one of the most outstanding and memorable experiences our children have during their first year of school." Kathy Patten, school Principal
