Each year students in 2nd grade at Somerset Elementary have the opportunity to participate in Special Pals In Fun Friendships (SPIFF) — a unique tradition that partners students with older adults from the community.
Once a month throughout the school year, the older pals are invited to Somerset for fun events with the 2nd graders, including reading, caroling, art projects, bowling and more. Between visits, many SPIFF pals correspond by mail. At the end of the year, the pals get together to celebrate in the SPIFF Friendship Fair.
This year will be the 25th year SPIFF has been at Somerset Elementary. Over the past 25 years, nearly 1,700 friendships have been formed between kids and older adult volunteers.
On Nov. 22, Somerset kicked off its 2013-14 SPIFF program with an event that paired students with their pals and featured special guest Brenda Cassellius, Minnesota's Commissioner of Education.