"Can you see me? Can you hear me? What book would you like to read today?” are some of the phrases we’ve heard as Learning Partners and students met together virtually for the last eight weeks!

Volunteers Connect from Across the State

Our Learning Partner Program took on a new look this school year as volunteers and students learned how to read with one another through the computer screen. This new virtual Learning Partner Program allowed for 92 volunteers from not only the Greater Cleveland area, but from various parts of Ohio to connect with our students across the Intergens network of schools through Zoom. Whether students are in person or learning remotely from home, students have had a chance to read with a Learning Partner!

Learning Partners Love Meeting with Students Virtually

Throughout the past eight weeks, we’ve had many Learning Partners share their celebrations about the program. Connie Pavlina, Lakeshore Learning Partner shared “So good to be back reading, and the students seem to be happy about it too! The program is terrific, and the teachers are amazing at switching in and out of the breakout rooms with multiple Learning Partners”. We could say the same thing about our Learning Partners! Each Learning Partner went through three virtual training sessions prior to their time spent with students. They’ve dedicated hours of practicing how to access digital books, using the tools on Zoom, and preparing. The amount of time and dedication they have put into making this program a success is priceless to our school communities.

“So good to be back reading, and the students seem to be happy about it too! The program is terrific, and the teachers are amazing at switching in and out of the breakout rooms with multiple Learning Partners”.

Connie Pavlina, Learning Partner at Lakeshore Intergenerational School

Pandemic Connects Students and Older Adults

As we all know, the pandemic led to many of us feeling socially isolated and in need of social interaction, connection, relationship building and most importantly sharing the love of reading with one another. Through the month of March and April, Learning Partners spent 758 hours reading with students! Countless stories, conversations, and new reading adventures were enjoyed by everyone.

As we wrap up National Volunteer Month, we want to extend a great appreciation to all of our Learning Partners who despite the pandemic, made this program truly possible! Thank you for your dedication and for choosing to share your love of reading with our Intergenerational community.

Interested in becoming a Learning Partner? Learn More at igschools.org/volunteer or email Molly Mizisin at mmizisin@igschools.org