Berkshire School District
Berkshire Local School District is partnering with the Geauga County Department of Aging to offer intergenerational learning experiences and opportunities for senior citizens to enjoy school-based learning and students to learn from seniors and their school experiences...
District Partners with GCDA
Berkshire Local School District is partnering with the Geauga County Department of Aging to offer intergenerational learning experiences and opportunities for senior citizens to enjoy school-based learning and students to learn from seniors and their school experiences.
“It is critical that school-age children learn humility and respect for our community elders in order to honor senior citizens’ contributions. As part of our PK-12 Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Curriculum, we are teaching students how to be their best and we encourage kindness,” shared Dr. Vanessa Karwan, director of professional learning and community outreach.
The collaboration is mutually beneficial for both seniors and students.
Sandy McLeod, Geauga County Senior Center supervisor shares, “The Geauga Dept on Aging is very excited to provide Geauga seniors the opportunity to participate in these upcoming intergenerational programs with Berkshire Schools. The seniors love interacting with the students and showing their support in the arts by being the audience for the dress rehearsals. The intergenerational book discussions provide the seniors the opportunity to share their wisdom and life experiences with the students, while learning from the students a new perspective and sharing in their enthusiasm and energy. This is a win-win for all.”
In addition to arts programming and book studies, Berkshire and Geauga Department of Aging plan to offer a spring dance for seniors with a dinner and live music event taking the seniors back to music of the decades performed by the high school’s jazz band. The program will be facilitated by student leaders from jazz band and choir, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, cheerleading, ROX Girls Club, art students and student council.
The district also appreciates its partnership with Fairmount Center for the Arts which will also be providing some line dancing fun with both seniors and students. Anyone who would like to contribute a community raffle prize or a donation for the event may reach out to vanessa.karwan@berkshireschools.org
“On behalf of the Berkshire Local Schools, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Geauga County Department of Aging for their invaluable partnership. This collaboration between our senior citizens and school-age children is an extraordinary opportunity for both generations to learn, grow, and share in the richness of our community. Together, we are creating a vibrant, intergenerational bond that will leave a lasting impact on our students and seniors alike. We are excited to watch this partnership flourish and strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Dr. John Stoddard, superintendent of Berkshire Local Schools.
In all, this partnership is certain to be a tremendous learning experience for everyone involved in an intergenerational environment.
