S.A.G.E. Takes Seniors Back to School

At 86 years old, Jerolyn McDowell didn’t think she’d have to work on her printing. The Bensalem resident began volunteering in Faust Elementary School through Senior Adults for Greater Education (S.A.G.E.), and quickly realized that young students don’t start out learning cursive penmanship, as McDowell had as a student.

“That was a learning experience for me,” said McDowell.

She said she gave herself “homework” in printing, to make sure her letters were neat enough to show the children.

McDowell is one of 23 senior citizens who volunteered in Bensalem schools this past school year.

“Right now, we are only in elementary schools in Bensalem,” said Kathi Sherzer, associate director of S.A.G.E.

The non-profit also places volunteers in Bensalem, Council Rock, Neshaminy, and Pennsbury school districts, and is seeking more volunteers. These volunteers help in a number of ways. Individuals age 55 and over can spend their free time in local schools helping on a regular basis or volunteering at special events, such as school fairs and sporting events. Sherzer places the volunteers in different schools and classes according to the interest of the volunteer and the needs of the schools.

“Some people love to help in math and some love to help in reading,” said Sherzer, “Some bring in experiences from their travels.”

For the past two years, McDowell spent two mornings each week at Faust. She often helped students work at the classroom learning centers. Learning centers are different spots in the room dedicated to certain subjects and activities the students need to learn.

McDowell said she often helped at the math center.

“There were different ways of teaching the math,” said McDowell.

The former Sunday school teacher learned how to play coin and domino games that utilize math skills with the students.

“It was a challenge for me to learn a new way of teaching,” she said.

McDowell welcomed that challenge, and found that the children welcomed her in return.

“They just seemed to accept me,” she said.

McDowell decided to volunteer with S.A.G.E. after her husband passed away in April 2009.

“I think the children help me more than I helped them,” said McDowell, “I was married for 60 years and of course I missed my husband.”

The challenges of learning new methods of teaching and the interaction with the children kept McDowell busy and purposeful.

Bensalem resident and fellow S.A.G.E. volunteer Carol Lowry also volunteers in a kindergarten classroom, but at Struble Elementary School.

“I chose a kindergarten class because I wanted to be smarter than the kids,” quipped Lowry.

Lowry, a former school district office employee, has also volunteered in Bensalem schools for the past two years. Lowry said she served as an extra pair of hands in the classroom on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, when the children tend to be most active. From zipping up coats to playing games, Lowry said she did a little of everything in the classroom.

“I got down on my hands and knees with puzzles,” said Lowry.

Both McDowell and Lowry said they plan to return to their volunteer positions for the 2011-2012 school year.

“I would tell anyone who is retired to get involved,” said McDowell.

Sherzer said those interested in volunteering go through a three-step process. First, potential volunteers fill out an application and apply for the background clearances necessary to work in a school. Then Sherzer interviews the potential volunteer to find out his or her interests, experience and availability. Finally, with that information Sherzer is able took at the needs of the schools and make a volunteer placement.   

“Volunteer placements are done all year long. It’s not just in September,” said Sherzer.

Those interested becoming a S.A.G.E. volunteer can visit www.beasage.org or call 215-357-2332.

Lowry said she found volunteering with children very rewarding.

“When they (students) come over and hug me, that is all the payment I need,” said Lowry.