Peter R. Marsh Foundation

05/30/2026

Music Grant: "The seniors absolutely LOVE our visits. Because my 5th grade can walk, we go once a month to Diamond Care, but the residents thoroughly enjoy students singing for them, so the activities director asked if we could come more often. Thanks to the grant, I was then able to bring my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students (requires expenses for transportation).

My most memorable moment was during my 7th grade visit this year. I had a boy that generally hangs with a group of boys and is oftentimes on the busy/even sometimes ornery side. When it was time to mingle/visit with the residents, he had gone off on his own and was kneeling next to a woman in a wheelchair that was nonverbal (I included a picture). He was down at her level and although she couldn't talk back, he was having the sweetest one-sided conversation with her! Absolutely melted my heart!

This is the best program ever! More than the grant money to purchase music items for the middle school, I MOST appreciate the additional money to use for travel expenses. Our school is in such a budget crunch right now with deficit spending, this additional travel expense money allows this great opportunity to continue!
Having a parent in the senior facility has given me a new appreciation for spending time with these seniors. It truly makes their day!"

05/28/2026

Music Grant: "It was really eye opening how the kids responded in kindness and respect to these elderly citizens. My school and district were so impressed with the community outreach or this."

05/26/2026

Music Grant: "Many students expressed how much they loved hearing stories, sharing laughs, and simply spending time together. For several, it was a powerful moment of realizing how music can bring people together across generations. The bracelet-making activity helped break down barriers and turned the experience into something personal and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the residents."

05/24/2026

Music Grant: "Our students gave away beautiful hand made cards for the residents and they really seemed to enjoy the visitation. Many of my students enjoy singing and want to sing all of the time. When we visit the nursing homes, they can sing without judgement and just be themselves."

05/22/2026

Music Grant: "During our December visit, the nursing home gave each student a 3-inch white puff ball, and they were able to have a “snowball fight” with the residents. This was my favorite visit for many reasons—Christmas has always been a joyful time for me, so being able to share that spirit made it especially meaningful. Watching students and residents alike laughing, aiming, and playfully 'competing' with one another was something truly special and precious to witness."

05/22/2026

Sharing more Pathways Club community service!

05/20/2026

Music Grant: "I found my students to be very respectful when visiting with our community seniors. They stood taller, spoke clearer, and acted more maturely during those interactions. Some of the students that often have me concerned about behaviors were some of the most polite and engaged of all during our visits. It was clear they NEEDED that type of connection and I am glad this grant enabled us to provide it."

05/19/2026

Pathways Club Grant: Update

As yet another example of their community-based learning model, Grand Rapids Public Museum School students recently got outside to help those who may call its streets home.

Sophomores and juniors involved in Pathways Club — formerly named Helping Others Together — planned and executed their second Spring Giveaway event to provide food, clothing and toiletries to area people in need. This was the fourth event organized by the club. https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2026/05/15/students-step-outside-for-community-service-project/

05/19/2026

Pathways Club Grant: Update

05/18/2026

Music Grant: After our most recent visit to the Senior Center, I surveyed the 8th graders to ask individually how they felt about our visit. I'd like to highlight some of their comments:
"I loved it all. Me and my friends are going to be volunteering there over spring break."
"It was very positive and I loved seeing how happy they were to see us."
"I really liked how the seniors treated us like their own and how they got us out of our comfort zone and be present in their day. A thing that surprised me was how big it was and how many people liked that we were there for them."
"I like the trip because I liked to see the smiles on their faces. What surprised me was how many people danced."
"I liked the line dancing with the people. Also I like when I got to see the surprise and joy on their faces when we were singing."
"I liked how they were so nice and when we talked to them they didn't ignore us, they talked to us so nice and kind. I was surprised how they were always smiling and happy. I talked to most of the senior center people that were with us and they all had different experiences with them when I was talking to them (all positive)."
"I LOVED the senior center trip it was so amazing to interact with them and laugh and smile together! It was so fun to line dance with them and then to sing for them was fantastic! I think we definitely have to go back and I think this grant is a very great thing to get us all in the community and being with seniors!"