By NATE KING
Salina Post
Cottonwood Elementary School Third Graders hosted residents from Salina Presbyterian Manor at their school on Friday for the first time since forming relationships with their elderly new companions. While the residents made their way to the school, students got a headstart on the project they would complete with their elderly friends — a paper kite.
Friday's visit marked the fourth time Cottonwood students met with Salina Presbyterian Manor residents. What began as a simple visit became a deep relationship grounded in understanding and companionship.
According to Cottonwood Elementary Principal Kyle Griffitts, the idea for the project came from third-grade teacher Tessa Yungeberg.
"She [Yungeberg] came up with the idea of taking students to visit with the residents at Salina Presbyterian Manor, and it became a lot more than that; it became relationships," said principal Kyle Griffiths. "It's just a really unique bond and fun to see two generations that can communicate and enjoy seeing one another."
Yungeberg, currently working toward her master's degree, said the idea came from one of her class projects.
"In one of my classes, we had to come up with a community project. And so we didn't have to make it happen or anything. But this was just my idea. I always thought it would be cool to bring those two communities together," Yungeberg.
Back in January, Cottonwood third graders were divided into groups and assigned residents at Salina Presbyterian Manor.
After visiting and sharing their life stories, the groups created presentations with information to share with other groups. Yungeberg said that although spending time building paper kites might not be the typical math or reading assignment, it is an integral part of learning.
"They're learning how to create things together," Yungeberg said. "The residents have great ideas, and the students have creative ideas, and they can bring those together and show how things work best when we work together."
CeCelia Anderson, a resident at Salina Presbyterian Manor, said she enjoys sharing stories about her life with the children.
"It is just so nice to be with the children and hear about their interests," said Anderson. "They are interested in me and how I grew up on a farm and went to a one-room school."
As she began designing her own paper kite, Anderson said the one-room schoolhouse where she attended was not much bigger than Mrs. Hodson's third-grade classroom.
"Our parents took us in the morning so we would be on time," Anderson said. "The children couldn't believe how far we walked home after school each day."
According to a statement released by the USD 305 District Office, The project was more than just a collaboration. It engaged young students' minds and hearts and honored the life experiences of older generations.
Ray Salmon, a longtime Saline County educator was one of the Manor residents to visit Cottonwood.
"Mr. Salmon was my superintendent when I was in school," Griffitts said.
The 95-year-old retired USD 306 superintendent and his wife, Lorene both said they were so pleased to be associating with young people again.
"The facilities are clean and the educators are eager to work with the students and help get them through the day," Salmon said. "It is so great to be here."
Amy Hoffman, a resident of the Manor, and centenarian said she remembers when she was a teacher "many years ago."
"Many years ago I taught second and third grade and then I taught high school English," Hoffman said. "I remember one principal I had while I was teaching told me I shouldn't smile so much, I thought that was the silliest thing I had ever heard."
When asked if other elementary schools in the area will join in this project, Yungeberg said she hopes so.
"We're wrapping up the year and we have about another month left of school but I'm hoping next year, we can continue this project," Yungeberg said. "The Salina Education Foundation has helped us out a ton. They made it possible because they got us grants for the busses."
"The Salina Community has come together and I hope that other organizations can come in and help us make this possible for next year," Yungeberg said.
Yungeberg said more residents at Salina Presbyterian Manor would love a new Cottonwood Elementary student friend.
"I went to go visit some of the residents a few weeks ago, and I ran into other folks that I hadn't met before and they were like "How do I sign up for this?'" Yungeberg said.
Through these enriching visits, the students at Cottonwood Elementary have made new friends and heard their intriguing personal histories, while learning to understand the world through a different lens.