GLENDALE, Ariz. — A group of Glendale first graders made a trip to visit a special community in the Valley on Tuesday.
Kids from Highland Lakes School wanted to celebrate their 100th day of school and make some new friends when they took a trip to visit the seniors at Inspira at Arrowhead, a retirement center in Glendale.
It's a tradition for the kids to dress up like they are 100 years old on the 100th day of school. It is also something they look forward to, according to their teacher.
“They were more excited about this field trip than any field trip I’ve seen,” said their teacher Kimberly Howey.
The students played games with the residents and of course, made tons of new friends.
“I think it’s just a great way to bring together two different generations and have them interact together and realize they can still have fun together,” said Howey.
Howey said the trip benefits the kids because they get the chance to develop their social skills.
“It helps work on their compassion. It helps them broaden their horizons. Get to meet other people who are different ages. Practice their conversion skills," Howey said.
The kids' visit was also an experience the residents enjoyed. Howey said that her students were happy to be there.
“We thought that they would have fun and it would also help the retirement center have fun cause then they get to see the kids dress up like they’re 100, they get to do crafts with them, and so we thought both parties would have a good time coming together and learning from one another.”
Howey said the 100th day is always a hit with her students.
“They think the 100th day is the greatest. We have ones that come with little purses stuffed with little candies that they hand out throughout the day and tissues hand out like their grandma has and so they think it is hilarious to dress up.”
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