Third Graders Meet Their Pen Pals

By Communications
Last week, third graders were excited to be treated to a pizza lunch and visit the Upper School, an area that usually brings a bit of mystery and awe. The highlight of this event, though, was finally meeting their pen pals, LJCDS senior Peer Leaders.

Third graders have been learning letter writing all year long and pairing with the seniors gave the Lower Schoolers time to practice writing letters, plus the opportunity to form a connection with someone they have never met. The excitement students get when their senior’s letters are delivered to the classrooms is a joy to witness, but what’s more exciting is the chance to write back to their pen pals. In the beginning, third graders were curious about life of a senior and what the seniors were like in third grade. Then letters included discussions about books, sports and video games. It was an extra bonus when their teachers shared that some of the seniors were once their students, and they dug out photos from that time.

In the last exchange, the Peer Leaders wrote stories about where they are going to college. In honor of this, third graders drew college pennants and pictures with school colors and mascots for their pen pals.

"I really enjoyed talking with the kids and learning about them," said David Brewster '17. "I love getting to know the younger generation because not so long ago that was me."

"As soon as I saw my pen pal's handmade college banner, tears of nostalgia welled up in my eyes,” says Posy Stoller ’17. “I thought for the first time about the future of the school and the legacy I'm leaving behind. Time passes so quickly, and soon my pen pal will be in my same position. I hope that I've inspired her."

In addition to the drawings, some Lower School students even wore the apparel of their senior pen pal’s college. Seniors were heard saying they would be putting the handmade pennants and banners in their dorm rooms.

“The seniors have more of an impact on our third graders than they probably even realize,” shares Grade 3 teacher Daniella Field. “Who knows, maybe this one event, or this one human connection and experience will help inspire one of them to shoot for the stars or go to the same college as their pen pal.”

Peer Leaders are seniors who are tasked each year to help ease the transition to high school for incoming ninth graders. When the group met last year, they wanted their leadership influence to spread beyond just Upper School. After some brainstorming, the group decided to partner with the third-grade team as the students were learning to write letters. This partnership is a way of uniting the divisions, helping third graders have fun with their writing curriculum and expanding the scope of leadership for the Peer Leaders.

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