Peg Kelley demonstrates The Power of One

Peg Kelley aka "Grandma Peg" helps an Echo Lake First Grader
Photo courtesy Power of One

Community Volunteers Help Shoreline Students Succeed

By Karen Kessinger

Meet Peg Kelley, one of the most “mature” people you’ll find in first grade. Mrs. Kelley is a long time Power of One volunteer at Echo Lake elementary. She started when her own granddaughter, Chloe, was in first grade and new to the Shoreline school. Chloe’s parents thought having Kelley around would help ease the transition.

Kelley also saw volunteering in the classroom as a worthwhile way to spend her time. “I learn something new every day I come into this building. I could stay home and do cross-stitch. I’m hoping people give back. There are parts for everyone…what can I do, how can I help.”

In busy classrooms, having the extra sets of hands community volunteers provide is an enormous help. “I love the consistency they provide and the warmth,” says first grade teacher Martha Nichols. “I know they love working with the kids and getting to know them and they bring a different energy and I think it is valuable for the kids to see older folks in the classroom and to have a chance to develop a small relationship with an elder.”

Peg Kelley thought that if a first-grader could log on to a computer,
she could too - and now she helps new students.
Photo courtesy Power of One

Mrs. Kelley started out volunteering with reading groups. One day she happened to be there when Ms. Nichols was instructing students how to log onto the lap top stations. Mrs. Kelley then became the helper — losing any intimidation she felt with the technology.

“If a first grader can do it,” she realized, “I could probably do it.”

Although the granddaughter has moved on, Kelley, or Grandma Peg as she is known among the students and staff, remains a first grade fixture. Even now, she finds it gratifying to have older kids, previous students, greet her in the halls. “I like to go to sixth grade graduation and see those (former) first graders who couldn’t sit still, in a suit, getting a diploma and shaking the principal’s hand.”

Many schools and teachers are in need of help in a variety of areas and grades. Echo Lake, Meridian Park, Lake Forest Park and Syre elementary schools all have openings for community volunteers. Anyone interested in learning more about giving their time and talents to classrooms within the Shoreline school district is invited to join Power of One. Volunteers must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check and be consistent and reliable. The program is sponsored by the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center and affiliated with Shoreline Public Schools.

For more information about Power of One, contact volunteer coordinator, Karen Kessinger by email or by phone 206-365-1169.