September 25, 2019
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For the 2019-2020 school year, DeKalb County Schools is again partnering with NHC Healthcare in Smithville for an intergenerational partnership between students and assisted living residents. Intergenerational classrooms are places where the young, old, and in between can pursue lifelong learning in mutually beneficial ways. The partnership will provide an opportunity for intergenerational learning and sharing of values between generations.
Amy Fricks, STEAM teacher, describes this year’s plan for the iGen Partnership. “Students will visit to meet with the assisted living residents of NHC during the school day. Approximately eighty-five 8th graders, including students from DeKalb West School and DeKalb Middle School, will visit the residents at NHC. We are working on interactive projects where the students and residents can collaborate together,” she said.
Kathy Bryant, Supervisor of Instruction, explains the experience of the iGen partnership. “The iGen classroom time during the school day can expand opportunities for interactions among the students and residents that might not otherwise occur due to school schedule limitations. Additionally, the iGen classroom visits will foster learning and socio-emotional development for students and provide an opportunity for powerful relationships that enrich the lives of young people and elders.”
“I am very excited for our 8th grade students to participate in the iGen grant. Ms. Fricks being added to our schools as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) teacher has opened up a new world with technology and art for our students. Students are so excited to attend STEAM class. By partnering with NHC, our students will be able to interact with residents and show off the skills they are learning in class through project-based activities. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and the community,” adds Sabrina Farler, Principal of DeKalb West School.
Lacey Foutch, Principal of DeKalb Middle School, will host an end of the year iGen luncheon. “At the end of the year, DeKalb Middle School will host a luncheon for the participating residents and students from both schools. Students will have the opportunity to present their completed projects to the residents and other students while enjoying lunch with their iGen partners.”
“We are again excited to be able to financially support this project for our residents and the students. Last year proved to be an invaluable experience for all, and we are looking forward to this year’s partnership,” noted Clint Hall, NHC Director.