Ellisville Elementary Tiger Family Program
The Tiger Family Program is centered on creating the feeling of a caring and supportive "family" within the school community. Ellisville Elementary has created 45 Tiger Families (TFs) which consist of students from each grade level (K-5), an adult staff member who acts as a facilitator, and an "adopted grandparent" from the community. TFs meet monthly and participate in a lesson that has been created around a theme for that month. Children, staff, and adopted grandparents correspond back and forth based on the theme. The monthly lessons are focused on promoting understanding of others and appreciating the experiences that make an individual who they are. As a result, the program has made an important impact on school climate. Students, staff, and adopted grandparents have formed meaningful attachments to one another. Many adopted grandparents report that they feel valued as they share their personal stories and serve as mentors to a younger generation. Ellisville's children have recognized their ability to provide joy and friendship to a senior generation that is often separated from the rest of society yet still desires to make meaningful contributions to the lives of others.