Students at Oquirrh Elementary School are getting a boost in their reading skills thanks to an unexpected group of senior citizen volunteers from the nearby Sunridge Assisted Living Center. The intergenerational reading program began when a parent reached out to the assisted living facility after the school needed additional volunteers to support its kindergarten and first grade reading program.

The Sunridge Assisted Living Center buses residents down once a month to spend time with elementary students who need extra help with their reading, creating meaningful connections while boosting the students’ literacy skills. Among the volunteers is a former Jordan School District teacher who now resides at the assisted living center, bringing decades of educational experience to the program.

The partnership has provided students with one-on-one attention while giving senior residents an opportunity to stay engaged with their community.

Silver Crest Elementary kindergarten classes showed off their silver hair as they celebrated a century mark milestone in the school year. Students have been counting the days of the school year, and to celebrate 100 days of getting smarter, they dressed as if they were 100 years old. The mini-centenarians came complete with wigs, wrinkles, glasses, canes, suspenders, sweaters, and dresses. As part of the celebration, the classes played interactive math games, showing off their counting prowess, which now reaches all the way to 100.

Great job celebrating a fun educational milestone, Silver Crest students. With 100 days complete, there are just 80 more to go in the 2025-26 school year!