During the month of May, more than 150 seniors who volunteer with the Hamilton School District were invited to visit elementary schools to meet their fourth grade student pen pals. The end-of-year pen pal parties are a much anticipated event for both students and senior volunteers alike after exchanging letters throughout the entire school year.
Brian Bazile is an avid volunteer and enjoys connecting with students as a pen pal. “It is always interesting to hear through the letters what the kids’ lives are like and what they are into nowadays,” explains Bazile. “The most exciting part of the Pen Pal Program is when you are invited to the end of the year party where you get to meet your pen pal. You can clearly see the students’ excitement when they share with you their school, classroom, desk and artwork.”
Pen pal parties were held at Marcy Elementary School in Menomonee Falls, Lannon Elementary School in Lannon and Maple Avenue and Woodside Elementary Schools in Sussex. Students and volunteers enjoyed refreshments and each other’s company. They played board games, cards, dominoes, shared family photographs and toured the schools.
The Pen Pal Program is part of the Hamilton School District’s Seniors & Students Volunteer Program, which began in 1998 and is designed to recruit volunteers over the age of 55.
Pen pal volunteers are asked to reply to student letters every other month during the school year. All volunteers are invited to attend a Fall Kick Off event every October at Hamilton High School to learn about the program and enjoy the company of fellow volunteers.
“It is fun learning about the students via their letters and watching their communication skills improve over the school year,” shares volunteer Mary Bauer. “Often the volunteers and fourth graders have things in common which is very cool! The best part is getting to meet our pen pals at the end of the year party,” adds Bauer. She recommends other local adults consider joining the program. “It’s a great way to connect and give back to the Hamilton School District.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer pen pal for the 2026-27 school year, please visit the Seniors & Students page of the Hamilton School District website. Those interested in volunteering are also welcome to reach out to Hamilton School District Communications Director Nicole Koglin at koglni@hamilton.k12.wi.us or 262-246-1973.