The 8th grade students are investigating the role elderly people play in our society, and the stereotypes society often places on them.  To overcome these stereotypes and misconceptions the students make frequent visits to the  Brian Center to meet with the residents, play games, and listen to stories about their lives. The students have recognized that sometimes the elderly are stereotyped as grumpy, forgetful, and feeble, but once you get to know them, these misconceptions fade away.  Through this project, the 8th graders are hoping to convey a message about the role and value of seniors in our community. 

The 87th Year of my Life 

The 87th year of my life

 Mellow as the color yellow

Quiet as a mouse

Normal

Normal

I had expected to be

More than this

On my own

In better health

On my own

I had expected to be more than this 

By Robert

 

 The 87th Year Of My Life
The eighty-seventh year
of my life
lonely as a wolf
a life long learner
a life long learner
I had expected to be
more comfortable than this
surrounded by family
acknowledged in many ways,
known for my life's works
I had expected
better than this
I will be ninety soon
few women are once ninety
My husband didn't live to be ninety,
a man of love and opportunity
leaving behind a mother and child
sudden as a storm
and then rain stopped,
the clouds faded and
the sun came out
and i was happy
and proud
and think of him often. 
By Abbie

8th Guidelines Sheet