A new program is turning generations into collaborators–pairing senior citizens with elementary students to share stories, skills, and the love of learning.
In January, the Wauwatosa Recreation Department launched its Senior Tax Exchange Program (STEP), which connects Wauwatosa seniors with Wauwatosa School District schools by having them read with students and support school libraries.
"Strong, intergenerational connections don't happen by accident. They're built by people who are willing to show up, to lean in, and to try, especially when the results aren't immediate or obvious. That belief sits at the heart of STEP," Director of Recreation Ted Martin said.
STEP exists through the belief that schools are stronger when generations are connected, when community members are present in school spaces, and when students feel supported by adults. This year, more than 50 participants committed to the program to support Wauwatosa schools and students.
STEP offers residents age 65 and older a chance to make a meaningful difference in Wauwatosa schools while receiving up to $750. It was created as part of the commitment made in the November 2024 referendum.
‘The Perfect Spot’
Wauwatosa School District Elementary Library Media Coordinator Meegan Archambo was quick to jump on the opportunity to incorporate the program in elementary libraries, because they are “the perfect spot” for inter-generational connections to begin.
“The library is the most welcoming place in the school,” Archambo said. “We have books here that represent perspectives of all types of human beings, and what a perfect way to match those perspectives that our kids are learning about and have people who are much older than them coming in and spending time with them.”
While Archambo loves all the ways STEP supports district focus areas, such as fluency and one-on-one attention for students, she is also heartwarmed by the important relationships that have already started to form that benefit all involved.
“[STEP participants] are coming in, maybe to get a little financial relief, but then they’re finding out the blessing is really spending time with these children,” Archambo said. “Honestly, it gets me a little choked up, because they’re showing the kids how important they are and making the kids understand that there are people in this community who are here to support you.”
Inter-generational connections
STEP participant Laura Nelson signed up for the program with the hopes of helping students understand that there are people who care about them.
“It’s extraordinarily beneficial for the children, but it’s amazingly rewarding for the [STEP] individual,” Nelson said. “I just feel so happy when I leave and so grateful to be here. I hope I will make a difference, but it’s just something that you just carry in your heart. …I’m just really grateful for this opportunity.”
Whether it’s laughing together, learning new words, or exploring a new story together, WSTEM second-grader Greta G. emphasized how simply being heard is her favorite part of having Nelson in the library.
“I love that she listens all the time,” Greta said. “It makes me more confident because I know there is a person listening to me. …I’m really glad we can have her.”
Collaborative effort
For Wilson/WSTEM Elementary School Library Assistant/Special Education Assistant Renate “Ren” Flanders, seeing the kids interact with the “steppers,” as she fondly calls them, has been her favorite part of the program so far.
“There are no boundaries and no questions that they won’t ask, and they just feel as if it’s another person that’s within their realm, their safe space, that they can talk to,” she said.
It’s equally rewarding, however, to bring community members into the learning environment, because “everybody’s perception of what a school is like is based on something that was 30, 35 years ago, and it is completely different now,” Flanders said. With a program like STEP, they’re able to see what it’s like for themselves and make a meaningful connection.
“The community is really the heart of the schools, so it kind of makes them feel as if it’s a big family and they’ve got people outside of here,” Flanders said. “It’s collaborative and all works together.”
To learn more about STEP, visit tosarec.com/step or contact the Wauwatosa Recreation Department at tosarec@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us or 414-773-2900.
Seniors participating in the program will:
Spend 30 minutes to two hours a week in schools, reading with students and being read to.
Provide a caring, encouraging presence for children as they develop literacy skills.
Support library staff by lending a helpful hand in creating welcoming spaces for students.
Help foster intergenerational connections, provide students with positive role models, and allow participants to share their time and talents in a rewarding way.
Participants must:
Be 65 years or older
Have a primary residence in the City of Wauwatosa
Complete a background check and a TB screening/health questionnaire
Be willing to serve in a Wauwatosa School District school as an independent contractor
Participate in required training (two hours) before beginning service
Special thanks go to Wauwatosa Senior Centers Director Kosta Zervas, Director of Recreation Ted Martin, Elementary Library Media Services Coordinator Meegan Archambo and the entire elementary library team, the Division of Finance and Operations, and Superintendent Dr. Demond Means for their support in bringing this program to life.