Our Third Grade class embarked on a heartwarming service-learning project that connected them with senior citizens in Marin. The seniors live in Villa Marin, a local assisted living facility with a personal connection to a San Domenico faculty member. 

“After being assigned pen pals in April, each student wrote letters to their senior buddies and received hand-written cards in return,” explains Third Grade Teacher Dodie Baker. “The students were thrilled to learn about their buddies' favorite animals, foods, and sports.” In addition to writing letters, the third graders made fleece tie blankets as a gift for their senior buddies. “To culminate the service project,” continues Baker, “the class went on a field trip to Villa Marin to meet their buddies in person and deliver their gifts. This initiative not only brings joy to the seniors, but also fosters a sense of connection and empathy among the students.”

In true San Domenico style, this project was a community effort. “We would like to give a big thank you to Third Grade Teacher Erin Rose Krizek for connecting our class with Villa Marin; to Director of Philosophy, Ethics, and World Religions Mirza Khan for ordering the fabric for our third graders' blankets; and to our parent/guardian volunteers who helped size the blankets,” said Ms. Baker.