Decorah fifth graders strike up friendships with senior housing residents

(Left to right): Lydia Rude, Norma Smith, Nick Rowley

Decorah 5th grade students in Sarah Nowak's class have some new friends--seniors at the Washington Court Apartments.

The relationships began when students wrote letters to the seniors, then later made a visit to the apartments.  On their visit the students gave the residents angels and Christmas tree decorations they had made.  They spent about 30 minutes getting to know one another and sang two songs for the residents: "Winter Song" and "Jingle Bells."  

"I think going to Washington Courts is cool because we can learn about people and their lives," said Ashlee, one of the fifth graders in the class.  Kadin added, "I really enjoyed going to Washington Court.  It was fun talking to my partner, Maxine. She was kind and had lots of stories to tell me!"

The students had been discussing how important it is to think of others and how rewarding it is to give back to the community. 

The fifth graders are planning several visits back to Washington Courts in the spring.