A local letter writing initiative has brought a generation apart, together.
Grade 4 students at Lawrence Grassi Middle School (LGMS) are bonding with people aged 55 and up through the Grand Pals letter exchange program.
“The kids love it, the Grand Pals love it, and it’s a really incredible connection they can make with a different generation,” said Jon Krohe, LGMS Grade 4 teacher.
The outline was set three years ago for the “cross generational connection” with a partnership between LGMS, Canmore Family and Community Support Services, and Right from the Start Wellness Mentors, to bring students and seniors together.
“What we wanted to do was make writing authentic for our students here in Grade 4 at Lawrence Grassi and so we decided to make a connection with our seniors and start writing letters.
“I love the joy that you see with the interaction, and also the joy, that comes from what gets read in these letters.”
The students write six to seven letters per school year about a range of topics, including what life was like for the Grand Pals when they were in grade school. The Grand Pals will also provide feedback to their student pals.
Student Myla Corey enjoyed hearing stories her Grand Pal told when the students met their letter buddies in person on Nov. 25 at the Canmore Rec Centre. It was the first of two meetings during the school year.
“You have your own Grand Pal,” Corey said. “You always write to them and they write to you.
“We met them this past week and we went to the Rec Centre and about half the class started making cookies for all of us and the other half sat down at the table to talk, play board games and then the other half came out with the cookies.”
Other grades also contribute to the program as a few editing tips are passed down to help out the Grade 4 students.
The program has seen progression over the three years. It began with one class and has grown to three classes with a total of 67 students and 67 Grand Pals connecting through print. It is in recognition of Nov. 20 being the United Nations Sanctioned International Day of the Child.
