It’s time to go back to school. First grade through third grade, that is. The Baltimore County Department of Aging, in partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools and AmeriCorps, invite you to share your life experience at four Dundalk elementary schools starting this September. Fifty seniors are needed to work with first graders to help improve their math and reading skills, as well as their social and communication skills. This newly formed program will be affiliated with Experience Corps, and will adopt its successful model for engaging older adults with young learners. “Baltimore County is extremely pleased to be a part of the Experience Corps program that is currently functioning in only twenty different areas across the United States,” stated Arnold Eppel, director of the Department of Aging. A stipend of $2,055 is available to individuals for a minimum of 300 hours of work annually – just eight to 12 hours a week. Research has found that programs like this one benefit not only the youngsters and their teachers by offering one-on-one interaction and instruction, but participating seniors also see rewards. “Giving back to your community may slow the aging process in ways that lead to a higher quality of life in older adults,” according to Linda P. Fried, M.D., director of the Center on Aging and Health at Johns Hopkins, who conducted a study on the subject, studying Experience Corps members in Baltimore. While the schoolchildren earned higher test scores and incidents of misbehavior were down – prompting teachers and principals to report high satisfaction – the rewards for working with the children were even higher. The Experience Corps members: - Had better overall health
- Increased strength and activity levels
- Burned more calories each week
- Watched less TV, and
- Reported a bigger social network after participating in the program
Ninety-eight percent said they were satisfied being involved with Experience Corps, and 80 percent returned the following year, according to the Hopkins study. “During my short time with Experience Corps I’ve felt like my life has meaning,” Baltimore resident Delores Bell is quoted as saying on the organization’s web site. “I have a reason for getting up in the morning, knowing that I am going to help a child. When they say, ‘Miss Bell I need some help’ or ‘Miss Bell will you help me?’ it gives me a feeling that I am needed. You cannot imagine the joy that it brings me. I now have a purpose to get up in the morning, knowing that there are children waiting for me.” AmeriCorps members will attend an orientation in late August and receive ongoing training throughout the year to prepare individuals to meet the educational and behavioral needs of the students, as well as engaging with peers during group sessions to share concerns, challenges and successes. Background checks will also be required for all recruits. The program does not require any formal education or experience to participate. So if you’re looking for a way to keep busy, stay involved in the community and stay young, consider signing on to assist at Battle Grove, Dundalk, Logan or Charlesmont elementary schools. These four schools – located in the County, but near the City line – were chosen because of the percentage of students who qualify for federal funding for education and for school meals. Having additional classroom support at these Dundalk area schools will strengthen educational performance and build student self-confidence. “Having our county’s citizens over 55 years of age bringing their life experience into our schools will produce improved outcomes for our children, our schools and our communities,” explained Ethel Rasmussen, chief of the Program and Resource Development Divison. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Baltimore County Volunteers at 410-887-2715 to apply.
Revised December 4, 2008 | 
Courthouse 