A group of children walks into Highgate Senior Living Center, chatting excitedly in anticipation of meeting the residents there for the first time. But this field trip is exciting for another reason as well: it marks a welcome return to a long-running friendship between Vancouver’s Highgate Senior Living Center and Ridgefield School District’s South Ridge Elementary School.
\r\nOver the last few years, Karen Moses and her fourth grade classes were able to spend time with residents of Highgate Senior Living Center. Sometimes the students went to visit them, and sometimes the residents came to visit the school. Together, they enjoyed treats and meals, celebrated holidays, and built friendships. But when COVID restrictions started in the spring of 2020, in-person visits were put on pause as health and safety became the highest priority. While students were still able to meet with their friends from time-to-time via Zoom, it wasn’t quite the same.
\r\nBecause the groups spent so much time apart waiting for COVID restrictions to lift, their visit today feels like a new beginning. Everyone is happy to be outside, finally spending time together in person. There are plenty of games in the courtyard, and the area echoes with shouts and laughter as the students and seniors throw balls and play cornhole. Afterwards, they break into small groups to chat, learning more about each other. Bright connections spark across generations just as quickly now as they did in years past.
\r\nIn what seems like the blink of an eye, the field trip is over. Everyone is disappointed when it’s time to get back on the bus. But there are last minute treats for students to take home, and promises to catch up with their new friends at the next visit. The fourth graders are already looking forward to December, when they plan to bring handmade gifts and sing holiday songs. Over the rest of the school year, the students and seniors will get to know each other better, creating a strong intergenerational bond.
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Moses is grateful to see her students back at Highgate again. "The kids were so excited and did a very nice job with the seniors. It was a wonderful time!” It’s a heartwarming continuation of a weekly class activity called “Friendship Fiesta.”
\r\nWhen Moses started Friendship Fiesta a few years ago, she asked students to list ways they could have a positive impact on their class, school, and community. Those students asked if they could visit senior citizens in their community, and Moses wanted to make it happen. Highgate Senior Living Center was happy to become a class partner, and it has led to a long-standing relationship that benefits both the young students and the senior citizens.
\r\nNow, years later, the Friendship Fiesta is still creating positive change. From just a small idea in an elementary school classroom, this circle of friends keeps growing wider, building community one smile at a time.
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