As Berkshire Local School District joins the nation in celebrating National Senior Citizens Day on Aug. 21, the district highlights its ongoing partnership with the Geauga County Department on Aging...
National Senior Citizens Day
As Berkshire Local School District joins the nation in celebrating National Senior Citizens Day on Aug. 21, the district highlights its ongoing partnership with the Geauga County Department on Aging. Now in its second year, the collaboration has grown into a model of multigenerational learning and service.
On Aug. 15, Berkshire supported the Geauga County Department on Aging’s annual Senior Citizens Technology Fair. The event welcomed more than 200 seniors and featured contributions from many department staff members, along with 15 community partners, including University Hospitals and Ohman Family Living. High school students played a central role, earning community service hours while providing one-on-one technology support with computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Students also staffed welcome tables, guided guests, and worked directly with vendor partners to help make the day a success
Earlier in year, Berkshire also welcomed seniors to the Spring Gala Dance on May 13. The evening of joy, culture, music, and fellowship featured dinner, student artwork, and performances. Highlights included the Berkshire High School cheerleaders, the Spanish Honor Society, a bilingual poetry reading, classical and flamenco performances, and live jazz music by the Berkshire High School Jazz Band. Students not only entertained but also served meals, greeted guests, and created an atmosphere of warmth and celebration for more than 150 senior attendees.
Looking ahead, Berkshire Local Schools and the Geauga County Department on Aging will continue to offer programming designed to honor and engage seniors. Planned activities include theater and musical performance attendance, the annual Senior Citizens Dance, book studies, and the Hallwalkers program in partnership with the Geauga County YMCA.
“At Berkshire, we believe learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our partnership with the Geauga County Department on Aging allows students and seniors to learn with and from one another,” said Superintendent John Stoddard. “These connections strengthen our schools and our community, and they embody our core value of encouraging kindness.”
“What we are teaching is that a little kindness goes a long way — and that it is equally important for our students to learn from the wisdom of the elders in our community,” said Vanessa Povozhaev (Karwan), director of professional learning and community outreach.
“This collaboration allows for a continuation of lifelong learning between the seniors of Geauga County and students at Berkshire. It was awesome to see so many students help seniors embrace the digital age. The seniors were so grateful for the students helping them learn how to operate their smart phones and tablets,” said Sandy McLeod, senior centers’ supervisor at the Geauga County Department on Aging.
These efforts reflect the district’s PBIS BEST model, where the “E” for “Encourage Kindness” shines through acts of service to seniors. The partnership demonstrates the power of multigenerational opportunities to foster shared learning, compassion and community connection.
To make a donation to support upcoming events, contact Dr. Vanessa Povozhaev (Karwan) at vanessa.karwan@berkshireschools.org or call Sandy McLeod at 440-279-2137.
