- School District of Clayton
- Overview
Connecting with the Community Through Postal Pals
With help from the Oasis Postal Pals Program, Oasis tutors remain connected with children in the School District of Clayton, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Students in Heather Pinson's second grade class at Meramec Elementary each have an Oasis Postal Pal - which they have made great connections with by writing back and forth. They recently sent their Oasis Postal Pals valentines and St. Patrick's Day well wishes.
"It's been so amazing to see my students engage with their pen pals," said Pinson. "Sadly, they have been missing the in-person connection with Oasis volunteers and vice versa. But it's heartwarming to watch my learners reach out to their pen pals through artwork, writing and sharing personal experiences."
Through Postal Pals, District students and Oasis members exchange letters with each other, which helps improve students' reading and writing skills, fosters relationships with their pen pals and is a way for the students to connect with the greater community. Both the students and Oasis volunteers equally look forward to their exchanges. Soon they will be reading Dear Dragon together and discussing the story about a special friendship that was developed through pen pal writing.
Oasis is a national education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adults age 50 and older through lifelong learning and service. Volunteers in this program enjoy the rewarding experience of working with students in kindergarten through fourth grades at Clayton's three elementary schools. The focus of the Oasis program is to build reading skills, self-esteem and a positive attitude toward reading.
Take a look at the photos from this fun and educational experience.