For the past five school years, now in his sixth year, Mr. John has been a valued and active member of Mrs. Rowlands’ third grade classroom at Chenango Forks Elementary. Through the Broome County Office for the Aging Foster Grandparent Program, he spends several days each week in the classroom, serving as a mentor, role model and trusted adult for students while assisting with classwork and daily learning activities.
Mr. John decided to join the program after seeing a television commercial and realizing it was something he would have benefited from as a child. Since then, he has become an important part of the classroom community. Each week, he participates in many daily lessons and activities, sharing that math is his favorite subject to work on with students. While he is always available to provide academic support, Mrs. Rowlands noted that his greatest impact goes far beyond helping with schoolwork.
According to Mrs. Rowlands, the true value of the program comes from the emotional support Mr. John provides. When students are having a difficult day, he is there to listen, offer encouragement and model respect, patience and kindness. His presence has helped strengthen the classroom environment, creating a space where students feel safe, connected and supported by another positive adult role model.
Students also look forward to creative time with Mr. John. As an artist, he enjoys sharing his talents within the classroom. Students can earn special time to draw with him, and he has even created coloring books for the students using his own artwork.
Both Mrs. Rowlands and Mr. John strongly encourage others to consider participating in the Foster Grandparent Program. Mr. John shared that Chenango Forks Elementary is a wonderful school and that his time in the program has been extremely positive and rewarding. He plans to continue participating in the program for as long as he can.
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Grandparent or partnering with the program can find additional information here: Foster Grandparent Program | Broome County