Area senior citizens get ready to reach across generations

Math consultant Cassandra Joss trains volunteers on how UCS students are using iPads in their classrooms.

More than 40 area senior citizens are now ready to share their time and talents with Utica Community Schools students.

The seniors recently spent a morning with UCS staff learning how a few hours each week will mean a lifetime of difference for students.

The volunteers will work with students in four elementary schools as part of the district new “Reaching Higher Across Generations” initiative.

“I was fortunate to retire early and was looking to do something meaningful,” said senior Terese Mueller-Bocian, who recently moved to the area from Chicago. “Education is so important and kids are so much fun.”

The volunteer program began last year at Browning and West Utica elementaries. The program is being expanded to K-6 this year and two more elementary schools - Dresden and Harvey - were added.

Organizers were planning to welcome 20 new volunteers, but are now moving forward with 44 seniors who can help students with literacy, mathematics and the UCS blended learning initiative.

“We are thrilled with the response from our senior citizens,” said Chief of Staff Dr. Robert Martin. “Our students love working with this generation. It is making a real difference in their learning.”

The program’s goals include:

• Creating opportunities for both generations to appreciate and learn from one another
• Providing avenues for seniors to benefit students by sharing their wisdom and talents
• Encouraging seniors to become active in their local schools and experience both traditional and new learning initiatives that are leading to increased student success and college readiness
• Supporting our UCS students to reach their full potential in reading and mathematics