Students regroup, get an education truly for the ages

Saturday, May 27, 2000 | 10:11 a.m.

Only two weeks left in their school year, and students at what is informally referred to as "Willow Creek Academy" are expecting some tears.

Since mid-April, 17 sixth-grade students formerly of Shiloh Christian School have been meeting for class at Willow Creek Memory Care Residence, a home for seniors.

They were among more than 300 students whose parents took them out of Shiloh Christian School amid administrative upheaval.

Over the past six weeks students have developed some unexpected bonds with the residents. They've been attending chapel with the seniors, feeding them, sharing stories and playing games.

"It's been a real special opportunity," said Pat Tate, a former Shiloh teacher who, with Juel Reitz, is tutoring students at the Alzheimer's disease center. "It's been interesting as a teacher watching my students interact with the residents."

Don Herman, co-owner of the residence, provided the use of the facility so students and teachers could have a place to finish their school year.

"You have to have closure," Tate said. "In spite of everything, we're ending on a good note."

The breaking up of the school brought heartache to both teachers and students -- many who had attended classes at the school since kindergarten.

Now working through the district's home school office, students are being taught by their parents and meeting daily with their former teachers, who serve as tutors.

"There are at least 16 groups that are doing this," Reitz said. "Most of them are in homes."

Half of Reitz's class came with her to the Alzheimer's center. Although the students are making plans to go on to different schools next year, many say they were grateful to have developed friendships with residents at Willow Creek.

"They help them drink, they help them eat and they are very compassionate with them," Reitz said.

Student Jake Burke said the time spent with residents gave students a better understanding of Alzheimer's.

"It was scary at first, but once we got to know them it was a lot better," sixth grader Morgan Bingson said.

The experience has been beneficial to the residents as well.

"I love them," resident Marguerite Ward said of students Bryan Kunkel and Nick Bowden. "We talk about football. Bryan read from the book of Solomon and brought a picture of himself."

John Young, director of activities at the center, has been delighted with the arrangement. Most people are reluctant to involve the community with elderly residents, Young said.

Classes end June 9. Students and teachers will hold an awards ceremony June 8 and will include the residents.

The ceremony is a traditional end-of-year ceremony at Shiloh Christian School that recognizes outstanding students. Additional awards given this year will recognize student involvement with the residents.

"We're going to miss them dearly," Young said of the students.