On the first Friday of each month, elementary and middle school students from Sanford’s BRIDGE Program visit Summer Commons Nursing Home to play games and make crafts with senior residents. It’s a partnership that started last year and has quickly become a highlight for both the students and the residents.
During last year’s visits, students prepared crafts in advance, then taught the residents how to make them – a process that built confidence and communication skills while bringing joy to the seniors.
"This visit is part of helping them interact and learn appropriate social skills," said Sandra Hewitt, an Ed Tech at the BRIDGE program.
On Friday, October 3, for the first trip of the school year, students brought a challenging game: plastic cups with strings attached. Students placed ping pong balls on top of the inverted cups, and then residents worked to pull their cups closer using the strings while trying to keep the ball balanced on top.
"I was able to get mine all the way to the end of the table without it falling," said Wyatt, a BRIDGE student.
The BRIDGE is a specialized program that recognizes some students face challenges that can interfere with their educational success. The program works with students who need additional support developing behavioral and social skills, offering specialized instruction, effective education, and counseling.
These monthly visits to Summer Commons provide a real-world setting where students can practice appropriate social interactions, develop empathy, and learn to engage respectfully with others
The structure of these visits—from preparing activities to teaching residents, maintaining line order, and using quiet voices in hallways—helps students build the foundational skills they need for success in traditional classroom settings.
These visits represent more than just a field trip—they're an integral part of students' growth and development.
The progress has been remarkable, according to Hewitt. Students who initially struggled with basic classroom expectations are now confidently leading activities and interacting appropriately with adults in the community.
"The interaction between the residents and the students are amazing, and everyone benefits from this time together," Hewitt said.