Cards and Letters

The service-learning project began with a "School Thrusts" meeting to identify how the school could help the community while fulfilling the educational needs of its students. A first-grade teacher suggested that the school expand the already existing letter writing to military service personnel overseas to include writing letters to senior citizens. This would allow the project to become more localized in an attempt to better serve the Del Norte community. The teacher wanted to provide quality curriculum and improve the emergent skills of the students and make the letter-writing project more personable. In addition, the teacher wanted to involve the lower grade levels beyond the "Draw a Picture" stage. Many of the students have families that live their entire lives without driving too far beyond the confines of the local area. Even though the children are isolated, they have a sense of community, and family. It is not a surprise that they were aware of the local Senior Center and convalescent hospital. Many of the students know family or friends that live in the two facilities. A decision was made to concentrate the letter writing on the convalescent hospital. The project would fulfill a void of contact that the residents often feel.