RMMS students met with residents from The Glebe in the Legacy Project.

Read Mountain Middle School and The Glebe Collaborate on The Legacy Project

Daleville, VA. – The Legacy Project, a collaboration between Read Mountain Middle School sixth-graders and residents at The Glebe, a continuing care retirement community in Daleville, Virginia, was launched on Thursday, October 25 at the school when residents and students met for the first time.

Intergenerational programming provides an environment for elders and youth to interact in an ongoing meaningful activity. A goal of The Project is for both groups to dismiss cultural assumptions about the other and view one another with understanding and respect.

The Legacy Project also presents an opportunity for the students to practice oral and written communication through the sharing of story, i.e., life experience. The first session’s topic was “School Days,” with elders sharing their mid-20th century school experiences, and students relating their 21st century school days. The students also guided residents on a tour of their classrooms.

Born through the joint efforts of Angela Myers, RMMS English teacher, the school administration, and Susy Mason, Program Coordinator at The Glebe, The Project benefits both groups. For the students, participation in The Legacy Project provides opportunities to learn important values and character traits for success from their elders who have lived these values, as well as addressing specific academic requirements in a unique and significant way. Participation for The Glebe residents allows them to engage in meaningful, productive activity which has been proven to lead to better overall mental and physical health.

The Legacy Project continues through the academic year with at least two more face-to-face meetings between the RMMS students and Glebe residents, and regular correspondence through e-mail.

Helen Devries from The Glebe with RMMS students Alexis Ellis, Zoe Laurisden, and Destiny Witt.

–Susan Mason, The Glebe