Embedded Files
By Addison Manning
For six weeks, the students in Sarah Hannick’s Honors 12 English class sent and recived letters from their second grade pen pals. The pen pal program began last year, when Rich Hannick, second grade teacher, seized the opportunity to start the program.
“When I became a second grade teacher I thought back to what I actually remembered in 2nd grade,” explained Hannick. “The only thing I can remember was my high school pen pal and the day spent together.”
Photo Courtesy Sarah Hannick
Seniors and Second graders uniting to play a card game.
Hannick’s motivation behind starting the program was rooted in his desire to make memories that lasted a lifetime for his students. Additionally, one of his main goals was to find a way to bridge the gap between the three schools in the Pen Argyl School District.
“I am all about the school community and the more we can mix together the better it is for everyone,” commented Hannick on his goals for the program.
Starting at the beginning of the school year, each student in Hannick’s class was assigned to one or two second grade students.
Each week, each student spent a period of time writing a letter to their pen pals, with topics ranging from sports, their favorite things, common interests, and even relationships.
Ashlyn Oessenick, senior, commented on the interesting topics that the second graders write about.
“I like hearing about all their drama and friends and crushes,” Oessenick laughed.
The process of writing the letters became a highlight of their day for the second graders.
“They can’t wait to open them and share them with their friends,” Hannick said. “They have just as much fun writing letters as they do receiving them.”
The exchange of letters between the second graders and the seniors has been a learning experience for both parties. For the second graders, Hannick explained how the students have become much more independent in their letter writing.
“It has definitely strengthened their writing skills,” said Hannick on the benefits of the program.
For the seniors, interacting with the younger generations has brought upon a sense of nostalgia for them.
Oessenick commented on the matter, saying "Participating in the pen pal program has reminded me of what it felt like to be a little kid again, which is a good feeling.”
Kelton Giamoni, senior, agreed with Oessenick’s sentiment. “Though our passed letters, I have been able to learn about fun things they are doing and it has allowed me to relive how I was as a child.”
As the semester draws to a close, the seniors plan on going down to Plainfield Elementary on December 18th to spend time with their pen pals.
“I am excited to be able to have in person conversations that do not take a week to respond to,” Giamoni said when asked about his excitement for meeting his pen pal.
Overall, the program has been an insightful and beneficial experience for all of the students involved.
“My motto is ‘make it memorable.’ I am doing everything I set out to do when I became a teacher,” Hannick remarked about how the program has affected him and his students. “I hope to continue and grow the program in the years to come.”
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