Central Elementary School Principal Dr. Jennifer Hennegan is encouraging students to be pen pals this summer.
Hennegan came up with the Summer Pen Pal idea to keep in touch with students while fostering the love of reading, writing, and a sense of belonging, she said.
Correspondence will be sent to the school’s address or Hennegan’s work email.
“For students in kindergarten through fifth grade, writing for an authentic audience makes reading and writing feel purposeful and exciting,” Hennegan said.
Students can write letters or emails to Hennegan all summer. They can write about a book they are reading, vacation memories, a summer camp activity, or share a drawing in those communications.
The pen pals are practicing communication, reflection, storytelling, and self-expression in a fun rather than academic way, Hennegan said.
“Summer gives students time to explore, read, create, and make memories, and I want them to know that their school community is still rooting for them every step of the way,” she said.