FIFTH-GRADERS SING AT SENIOR CENTER

Fifth-graders from Washington Elementary School entertained diners at Cape Girardeau's Senior Center Thursday with Christmas songs.

The performance by Mary Mims' music students is part of an ongoing school district program called Senior Citizens Connection.

Board of Education member Gwen Bennett heads the community relations committee of the board. Reaching out to senior citizens in the community has been a goal of the committee.

"What a tremendous resource their experiences and lives could be to our young people," said Bennett. "At the same time, there are things we can offer to them.

"We hope to just open the doors for some sharing among the youngest people in our community and the older people in our community," said Bennett.

Two years ago the committee hosted a senior citizen's day and brought people in to the schools for a tour and program.

"We brought the senior citizens to our school. Now it's our turn to go to them," said Bennett.

The Senior Citizens Connection is headed by Diane Haggard and Jack Grisham.

Students from different schools in the district have been visiting the Senior Center for different occasions. Thursday's performance marked the Christmas holiday.

Another aspect of the program is the RSVP program, which provides an avenue for senior citizens to volunteer in schools.