For the past five years, fourth grade students at Clearview Elementary have been visiting residents at St. Benedict’s Senior Center and Talahi Care Center twice a month. Last week for the first time, some of those residents paid them a visit back.

 

After enjoying so many visits with the students at St. Benedict’s, one of the residents in the program decided she’d like to switch things up and come to Clearview for a visit. Program organizers on both sides started talking and a plan was conceived.

 

On April 15, seven residents from St. Benedict’s visited Clearview. The students took them on a tour of the school, shared an ice cream treat with them, and had question, answer, and reminiscing time in the cafeteria before the residents lined up to wave goodbye at the end of the day. 

 

“The students were so well behaved on our visit,” said resident Rita Mettenburg. “I like the kids, they’re interesting and this is so good for them.”

 

Resident Sister Theresa Lodermeier said she liked seeing all the life that’s around Clearview. 

 

“I was impressed with everything, it was fun,” she said. “I always enjoy children.”

 

Another resident, Caroline Dixon, said when the students visit St. Benedict’s they always do crafts together. She puts them on her door, so she thinks of the kids every time she goes into her room.

The students were eager to see “their” residents, and talked excitedly about their visits to the senior care centers. 

 

“Ruth (Rengel) is my resident and she’s really fun to talk to,” said Wesley R. “I get to visit her, play games and make crafts. When we leave everybody says goodbye to us.”

 

“When we visit I like to interact with my resident even though she can’t see or hear well,” said Eva S. “She’s so fun, I think she really enjoys it and loves the crafts I give her.”

 

Braeden D. said his favorite part of visiting is reading books to his resident.

 

Olivia S. said she enjoyed playing games and doing the crafts with her resident. “We just have fun together.”

 

Hilary Studenski, recreation coordinator at St. Benedict’s, said the benefits to the programs for both sides are huge, especially the relationships the students and residents form with each other. 

 

“When you see the growth from the beginning of the school year, when the students are a bit hesitant, to now when they come in full of excitement, it’s so amazing.” Studenski said. “It’s such a great partnership, it’s a gift.” 

 

The care center visit program is grant supported, and incorporates all four fourth grade classrooms. Mrs. Severson and Mrs. Coulter’s classes visit St. Benedict’s Senior Center, and Profesora Mariel and Profesora Haley’s Spanish immersion classes visit Talahi Care Center. Each small group of students is paired up with a resident who they visit the entire year. 

 

“This brings out a whole other side to the kids,” said a Clearview staff member. “They’re loving, caring, helping, and engaged. They couldn’t talk enough about their residents.”