Temple Elementary School students connect with seniors

Temple resident Linda Nickerson reads to students in Tina Perreault’s first- and second-grade class.

Temple resident Linda Nickerson reads to students in Tina Perreault’s first- and second-grade class. —PHOTO COURTESY CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students practice their reading with Heidi Hadley.

Students practice their reading with Heidi Hadley. —PHOTO COURTESY CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

A second-grader practices her reading with Jeannie Thibodeau.

A second-grader practices her reading with Jeannie Thibodeau. —PHOTO COURTESY CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Temple resident Jeanne Whitcomb helps first- and second-graders during Temple Elementary’s community reading program.

Temple resident Jeanne Whitcomb helps first- and second-graders during Temple Elementary’s community reading program. —PHOTO CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Published: 03-03-2024 8:31 AM

Students in Tina Perreault's first-and second-grade classes at Temple Elementary School have been connecting with Temple residents during a community reading program.  

Older Temple residents have been visiting the school for the past month and reading in small groups with students. Two or three residents volunteer their time per week to visit and connect with Temple Elementary students through reading and conversation. 

The goal of the program is to help students practice their fluency, reading and communication skills while connecting with members of the community.  

“This program is a wonderful way for students to connect with members of the Temple community and we are extremely grateful for our volunteers who come and read with us,” stated Principal Timothy Iwanowicz. “Together, they read stories, share books and even a few laughs. It is a win-win for both students and our volunteers, as it reinforces our school's pursuit of community engagement.” 

So far, the readers have included Jeanne Whitcomb, Jeannie Thibodeau, Heidi Hadley, Linda Nickerson and Hannah Towne. 

Those who are interested in volunteering as a community reader should reach out to Perreault at tperreault@conval.edu.