A match made at Crim.
The Crim Primary School’s 4th Grade students in Dayna Lombardo’s class finally received the opportunity to meet their pen pals from the Laurel Circle, a life plan community for senior citizens that is located in Bridgewater.
“For months, the students eagerly counted down to June 1. After a year of exchanging letters, drawings, and stories, they would finally meet their pen pals from Laurel Circle in person,” Ms. Lombardo reported.
The pen pal program, coordinated by Ms. Lombardo and Rachel Block, Social Director at Laurel Circle, connected students and senior residents throughout the school year. According to Ms. Lombardo, through their letters, the pen pals shared stories about their families, friends, hobbies, and favorite activities, building meaningful friendships despite the many years between them.
Ms. Lombardo shared the special moment when the pals finally met at Crim on Monday, June 1. “When the long-awaited day arrived, smiles filled the room as students and seniors finally put faces to the familiar names they had come to know so well. Together, the pen pals enjoyed snacks, played games, drew pictures, and spent time chatting and laughing,” Ms. Lombardo said.
She continued to reveal more about this heartfelt program. “My students have looked forward to receiving letters from their pen pals all year. I loved seeing them form genuine bonds with their pen pals, regardless of the difference in age. The residents of Laurel Circle enjoyed the experience just as much as the students. Many expressed hope that they will be able to continue writing to their pen pals throughout the summer and beyond."
Ms. Lombardo concluded, "that the success of the program highlights the power of friendship, connection, and community across generations.”