Skip To Main Content

Chester students connect generations on National Write a Letter to An Elder Day

students sit on the floor in their classroom, listening to their teacher explain the activity of creating cards for their elderly neighbors

Chester Academy and Chester Elementary School students are spreading kindness and connection this winter by participating in National Write a Letter to An Elder Day, recognized annually on February 26.

seven students stand in the front of their classroom, proudly displaying the cards they created for their elderly neighbors

District Library Media Specialist Catherine Incledon spearheaded the month-long initiative at Chester schools, with the goal of bringing together students across grade levels to write uplifting letters and cards to seniors at Glen Arden, assisted living, Chester Senior Center, and Chester recipients of Meals on Wheels. The letter-writing campaign gave students opportunities to practice empathy, kindness, and active citizenship, all while making a positive impact on the lives of local elders.

National Write a Letter to An Elder Day was created to encourage people of all ages to reach out to senior members of their communities and families to combat isolation and loneliness among older adults. This can be especially helpful during the winter, when cold weather, icy conditions, and shorter days can make it difficult for seniors to get out and about or even receive visitors.

a group of elementary students sit around a table, hard at work writing, coloring and cutting their cards

“For many of our elderly community members, a letter from a young person brings a moment of connection and a welcome bright spot in their day,” Ms. Incledon said, as she prepared to drop off the bundles on February 25. She added that one of the goals of the project was to practice and improve writing skills, but that the overall impact – for both the students and the recipients – was much greater.

“I’ve been so proud of these students, seeing them model the social and emotional learning skills (SEL) of empathy and compassion,” she beamed. “And their letters are going to build wonderful intergenerational community connections.”

The Chester students wrote upbeat greeting cards and letters, sharing positive messages, jokes, and even their thoughts on favorite local restaurants and shops.

“From the SEL standpoint, the project asked students to reflect on how an elderly person living alone may be feeling right now. If they were in their shoes, how would they feel about receiving such a greeting card,” Ms. Incledon said. “What would you want it to say? What do you do when you feel sad or lonely?”

a group of four chester academy students sit at their desks writing cards to their elderly neighbors in Chester

Some of the other writing prompts that students received prior to putting their messages:

  • Write a brief letter about a topic you are learning about in class
  • Write a postcard from somewhere in history
  • Write a book review

The project also directly supports the district’s goals and objectives for the 2025-2026 school year. By engaging in authentic writing for real-world audiences, students strengthen their communication skills and develop social-emotional competencies. The project also fosters a sense of belonging and connection—core components of CUFSD’s mission to cultivate a supportive and inclusive school community.

Together, Chester students are proving that a simple letter can help bridge generations and make our community stronger, all while strengthening fundamental skills.

four male students participate in a drum circle
Collaboration and Culture: A Look at Chester Academy’s Multicultural Showcase

Chester Academy’s auditorium recently hosted the Black History Month Showcase, a vibrant event highlighting the diverse backgrounds and talents of the student body. Originally established by Dayanara Garcia, the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Communication, the Multicultural Club and the assembly were founded to amplify student voices and build a sense of belonging.

Read More about Collaboration and Culture: A Look at Chester Academy’s Multicultural Showcase