Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District New Senior Citizen Outreach Program Organizational Committee Facilitates Community Involvement
Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District’s Senior Citizen Outreach Program exists to encourage intergenerational relationships and activities between Frankfort-Schuyler students and community senior citizens. Superintendent Robert Reina went to advisors of several already operating school clubs and organizations for assistance, and it was quickly brought to life.
The Friends of Rachel Club has been one of several driving catalysts in the establishment of the Senior Citizen Outreach Program at Frankfort-Schuyler CSD. In its eighth school year, the club is made up of students in grades six through 12 who wish to make a positive impact on the school and community. In the Friends of Rachel Club, members seek to spread kindness and compassion by attempting to address the five challenges of the Rachel’s Challenge national organization: look for the best in others, dream big, choose positive influences, speak with kindness and start your own chain reaction.
In an effort to connect with senior citizens in our area, the Friends of Rachel Club is carrying out an already realized dream of theirs by hosting a Senior Prom on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Free tickets will be available in the high school office beginning in the first week of February. Some highlights of the night will include bussing from local nursing homes, on-site aid and health professionals, student-dancing and socialization volunteers, light food, a DJ, photo booth and corsages for guests.
In addition to initiatives such as the Senior Prom, Frankfort-Schuyler CSD students have performed holiday concerts at Foltsbrook Center, plan to make visits to area facilities to interact with seniors as well as participate in a pen pal program where they will exchange letters. Additionally, there is an upcoming Senior Introductory Computer Class planned for the Foltsbrook Center that will be taught by Frankfort-Schuyler Technology Teacher Jordan Purinton, with assistance provided by members of the National Honor Society and Student Council.
Angie Dorantes, Activities Director at Foltsbrook Center, said, “Our residents love to see the students, especially the interactions they have had over the holiday season. Our Senior Living residents are looking forward to the computer class that will be beginning soon. Our residents love to continue to learn and the student involvement and interactions brings them such joy.”
A Senior Citizen Outreach Program planning and organizational committee, responsible for facilitating current and future initiatives, includes representatives from several Frankfort-Schuyler clubs. A full list of represented organizations can be found here.