Photo courtesy of Kathy Orthaus. Lynd Public School students spent time with Hill Street and Boulder Estate residents last Tuesday playing games and visiting.

MARSHALL – Lynd Public School fifth through eighth grade students took time out of the day last Tuesday to visit Hill Street and Boulder Estates to engage in games and conversation with residents.

“With board games, card games, laughter, and lots of conversation, our students and the residents connected in meaningful ways across generations,” Lynd Social Emotional Learning teacher Kathy Orthaus said.

The field trip was a part of the community service criteria of the social emotional learning class that Orthaus teaches, and the students walked away with a day full of memories.

“The visit wasn’t just about playing games. It was about building relationships, sharing stories and spreading joy,” Orthaus said. “It was heartwarming to see our students listening with interest, helping with game rules, and simply enjoying time with the seniors who welcomed them with open arms and big smiles.”

The fifth and sixth graders visited Hill Street, while the seventh and eighth graders spent time at Boulder Estate.

Orthaus also took her seventh and eighth graders to Avera Hospital in Marshall last Wednesday to deliver over 60 hand-knit newborn baby hats the class had been working on since the beginning of the school year.

“Days like this remind us all of the power of community and joy that comes from learning from one another,” Orthaus said.