Lakeshore Intergenerational School Discovers Collinwood
August 9, 2014 was a thrilling day as Lakeshore Intergenerational School (LIS) opened its doors to over 100 kindergarten, first and second grade students. As the third location of one of the top-rated charter school models in Ohio, we were new to this neighborhood and felt welcome right away. The past six months have been full of learning, not only in the classroom, but in this new community.
The Intergenerational approach focuses on life-long learning for learners of all ages. We are thrilled to have over 18 community members working with our students weekly as reading mentors and tutors. We have formed partnerships with several nursing homes and long term care facilities including: Slovene Home, Gateway Family House, Governors Village, AlterCare, St. Joseph, and Manor Care. Our students visit these facilities once a month for curriculum-based activities that the students and residents engage in together. Our classes were excited to be a part of the Halloween celebration at VASJ. Enjoying the fun and food with the “big kids” at the high school was quite a thrill.
Not to be left out, this month, it was the staff’s turn to have a little fun and get to know the Collinwood neighborhood a bit better. Brian Friedman and Julia DiBaggio planned a day of adventure for the LIS staff during a professional day on February 13, 2015. A Lakefront Lines bus pulled into our lot and Rich, our driver, was ready to carry us away. Brian was a fabulous tour guide pointing out highlights and history as we toured through the streets of Collinwood. The Collinwood Recreation Center was a highlight as we learned of all the wonderful opportunities, not only for our students, but for the adults to participate in as well. Our visit to the Salvation Army was especially meaningful as many of our students attend the after school Learning Zone program each day. The history along Grovewood, 156th Street and the shining stars along 185th Street were valued opportunities for us to really get a feel for this fabulous and diverse neighborhood. To top off the day, and to quiet our rumbling tummies, we were treated to a special luncheon at the Beachland Ballroom. The food was amazing as was the tour and details of such a wonderful feature along Waterloo. The staff is already planning their next trip to this wonderful arts district to learn and experience even more.
Thank you to all the community members who have made LIS, the new kids on the block, feel so welcome, including Father Bacevice and the St. Casimir Parish. The ideas and foundations that embody the Collinwood community are very much in line with those of Lakeshore Intergenerational School. We have monthly “visitor days” listed on our website (www.lakeshoreschool.org) and encourage community members to stop by for a tour. We look forward to not only serving the children and their families in the area, but being an active part of the community, a real shining star along the lake.
Robin Bartley
Principal of Lakeshore Intergenerational School