Foster Grandparent volunteers are role models and friends to children with exceptional needs. For children who are struggling in school, at-risk, neglected, or abused, the support of a foster grandparent can help build confidence and stability. | FHSP
GOLIATH J. DAVIS, III, Ph.D. | Contributor
PINELLAS COUNTY — It goes without saying that grandmas and grandpas are renowned for their wisdom and their special way with children. The lessons they learned and mastered over the years are invaluable and frequently utilized to calm troubled waters and offer needed and necessary guidance to young folk and adults alike. They are known for having special relationships with their loved ones and those of others.
All too often, their special skills and abilities are underutilized. The status of education and the achievement gap in education is an area where grandparents can make a real difference in the lives of elementary scholars. Experience in Pinellas County Schools has documented their value in assisting classroom teachers to improve the academic performance of elementary students, as well as their self-esteem and classroom behavior.
Currently, the Seniors in Service Classroom Grand Parents Program is recruiting grandparents to serve and make a difference in a child’s life. Kim Skrovanek coordinates the program, and she, along with the program’s members, are regular attendees at COQEBS meetings. Currently, 70 grandmas are assigned to 14 schools in Pinellas, and the need for more is evident.
I am asking caring grandparents to join Christine Powell, Mary Allen, Barbara Burnett, Cynthia Allen, Sharon Ross, Janice Sherrieff and a host of other caring grandmas as they share their love, patience and wisdom with our scholars and the educators teaching them. Repeatedly, grandparents have proven they are well-suited for the job.
Scholars have come to rely on grandparents for the love, support and attention they need to be successful in school and life. As Bill Withers shares in song, there is something special about “grandma’s hand.” And it should be noted that grandpa’s hand, love, wisdom, guidance and patience are just as special and needed.
I encourage grandmothers and grandfathers ages 55 and older to sign up for the Seniors in Service Classroom Grand Parents Program. Program Coordinator Kim Skrovanek is waiting to hear from you. She can be reached at phone number 727- 798-5499 and email address kskrovanek@seniorsinservice.org
Make a difference in a child’s life. Sign up today and encourage friends and family members to do the same.
Thank you in advance for your support and service.
Dr. Goliath Davis is a former St. Petersburg police chief and deputy mayor who advocates for education in Pinellas County, focusing on Black student achievement.
What an outstanding article to help support the education of our young students. The grandparents bring a very special skill to set to the classroom environment. They use their special set of life and academic skills to improve the academic knowledge of students and provide support to the instructional staff. These staff members are an invaluable to the school district. There is no substitute for experience.