Foster grandparents at Bonneville Elementary credit program with steady support that helps students learn

Marilyn Bascom, a Foster Grandparent volunteer at Bonneville Elementary School, said she has volunteered with the Foster Grandparent Program for 10 years and described the work as a daily motivator. "It gets me going in the morning, gives me a reason to get up, and, it's just fun," she said.

Sterling Bascom, who said he has volunteered for about five years, called the role "addicting" and said being with the students reminds him of his own children.

The Bascoms described how consistent one-on-one time with students helps them move past initial shyness and become more comfortable speaking, reading and doing mathematics. "A lot of times they start out they're quite shy. Sometimes it's kinda scary coming out. A little intimidating. As they gain more freedom, you know, they're less nervous," Marilyn Bascom said, adding that she has observed measurable changes in students' reading and math ability when volunteers are present.

School staff introduced the Bascoms at the conversation and asked how volunteers encourage student progress; the Bascoms described steady attendance and personal attention as key to that progress. The volunteers said they would encourage others to join the Foster Grandparent Program because of the benefits they see for both students and volunteers.

The remarks were part of a short visit and did not include formal proposals, funding details or actions by the school. No votes or administrative decisions were recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.