Fourth-grade writers get to meet their pen pals in Warren

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – Fourth graders at Jefferson Elementary in Warren have been writing to pen pals all school year. Wednesday, it was finally time to meet them.

The 85 students in Jefferson Elementary’s pen pal program made their way to St. Joseph Hospital to meet the hospital staff they’ve been writing to all year.

Tina Noble is a fourth-grade teacher and organizer of the program.

“It’s important for them to know that they have support from the community. And it’s so important to see all of the jobs that are available to them when they get out,” she said.

The kids were having a blast looking at the hospital police cruiser and the medical helicopter.

Noble said she organized the program years ago to get the community involved.

“It’s just great for the community. It shows the kids that there are people out there that really, truly care about them and want them to succeed in life,” Noble said.

St. Joseph Warren President Charlotte Gardiner is one of the staff who had a pen pal. She says they write about everything from reading and studying to the kids’ extracurriculars and friendships. Gardiner says it’s important to her for the kids to have positive role models.

“Some of them already tell you they love science, they love math and problem solving, and I think wow, they could be doctors or nurses or technicians or whatever. So, that just gives them exposure to different parts of their community. It’s very meaningful,” Gardiner said.

The pen pals also help support the classrooms and the kids by providing clothing and toiletries.

“They’re beyond generous with our school,” Noble said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.