K-Kids Heart Tea
Linden Public Schools
Linden Public Schools, particularly Linden School No. 4, has set the standard for intergenerational learning for 30-plus years. The city of Linden and Linden Public Schools have worked in partnership, created a bond together, and formed lasting relationships among the senior members of our community and our students. Linden Public Schools is a place where memories of the past and reality of the present intersect. That is true intergenerational relationships that are formed and last a lifetime. The students of Linden School No. 4 are excited about their annual K-Kids Heart Tea. The Linden Public Schools K Kids is a service-oriented organization under the Linden Kiwanis club, which is led by dedicated volunteer leaders. The K Kids learn the value of community service and leadership. Also, the month of February is Heart Health month. So having movement and exercise is good for a healthy mind and heart.
Our Linden senior citizens are providing invaluable insights and guidance to our younger generation of Linden Public Schools. Our younger generation of Linden Public Schools is keeping the senior citizens of Linden connected with the world’s evolving trends. What we all are learning is that you don’t have to be the same age to be a friend. The attention span of the human touch are the most cherished assets that forms a bond at the “heart”. The social and emotional growth of our students is an essential component to learning, and our Linden senior citizens also need the support of our social and emotional growth. Everyone can make the connection of friendship which keeps the heart healthy.
This annual K-Kids Heart Tea program is a reminder of how important friendship is and that family is here with our seniors. School No. 4 and all of Linden Public Schools believe it is important to get the students into the mindset of the value of family, friends, and spending time with one another according to School No. 4 Principal Dr. Sue Oliverio.
Superintendent Atiya Perkins said that students are fully integrated into the intergenerational program. The Superintendent appreciates the collaboration with the senior citizens of Linden and our schools and sees first-hand how energizing this intergenerational program is for the Linden senior’s citizens. Having the school right across the street from Ann J. Ferguson Towers, to have this opportunity where the students at School No. 4 are naturally integrated into the Linden community of seniors is terrific.
When you ask the senior citizens of Ferguson Towers how they feel? They love it when the students come over or they go across the street to the school. When we are in the company of the students, we all feel like each student individually elevates the energy of the room. When they come to visit here at the center, we are all a little younger that day. After the poetry reading, singing and dancing the seniors and children shared hot tea, the most delicious hot breakfast and scrumptious pastries provided by Pomptonian food services. According to the senior citizens of Linden, this is a perfect way to chat with each other after having such a meaningful and joyous experience. The joy of sharing memories of yester- years and having them look at us in shock, you walked how far? That was your school lunch? It was that good. They just bring a lot of positivity and laughter to the whole building. The younger generation are helping our Linden senior citizens learn new skills, such as navigating unfamiliar technology. Senior citizens also find the youthful energy and exuberance of Linden Public School children contagious, motivating everyone to become more active. When it was time to say see you next time, it was hard to leave; both the students and seniors wanted to share more and most importantly create more memories together. Linden Public School Superintendent Atiya Perkins is humbled to be surrounded by a community that sees the value in service and values each other and passes that knowledge to the next generation.
Photos by Linden Public Schools
