RSVP Unites Students and Seniors as Pen Pals

The RSVP Pen Pal program unites elementary students and senior citizens by matching students with local senior citizens with whom they will correspond throughout the school year have plans to expand. Established in 2006 the program pairs an elementary school aged child with a senior citizen volunteer and the two of them write to each other about their family, their pets and their favorite activities, among other topics. By being paired with a student, the caring RSVP senior hopes to foster an interest in reading and letter writing to improve language, written communication, and social skills.

This endeavor that began in the 2006-07 school year with two half day kindergarten classes at Paul Smith School in Franklin has been so successful that it expanded in the 2008-09 school year to include two second grade classes. In the 2008-09 school year, 57 children from Paul Smith School, Franklin participate in the program, as do 34 senior volunteers.

"You really see a big improvement in their writing skills from the beginning of the year to the end of the year," remarked George Harrington, a Pen Pal volunteer in his third year. It is a positive experience for all.

Students experience:

• A practical application of their writing skills
• Improved writing skills
• An experience that bridges a gap between generations
• Friendship with an older person

Seniors gain:

• A sense of connectedness to younger generations
• A sense of accomplishment in seeing the improvement in the children’s writing abilities
• A sense that they are making a difference in a future generation and preserving the lost art of letter writing
• Something to look forward to that will brighten their day

To learn more contact: The Friends RSVP Program 84 South Main Street, Concord, NH 603.224.3452, rsvp@friendsprogram.org