November 5, 2007

To The Case Foundation:

This letter is to serve as support for the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition (PlC) and their “Linking the Generations” project. I currently serve as superintendent of the Plymouth School District. From the first time I participated in community input sessions of this group, I have sensed that their vision had tremendous potential to impact the quality of life for many generations in a way that builds positive community spirit.

I support PlC’s mission to bring together non-profit community groups into a shared-site facility to enhance the experience of generations helping each other, and working together to benefit the community. The cornerstone of this mission is to build an Intergenerational Community Center, which will facilitate intergenerational experiences that will be powerful educational opportunities and formulate meaningful relationships and partnerships for all.

To date, the PlC has done an excellent job of building community support and involvement for their vision and for the creation of an Intergenerational Center. The Plymouth School District is an active PlC partner and interested stakeholder. Our assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction is a member of the PlC Board of Directors, which provides our district with a voice in program development and provides PlC with educational and child developmental expertise. We have established a community-based four-year-old kindergarten programs with Head Start and Here We Grow Child Care Centers, two of PlC’s partners.

I value the focus on weilness, both for children developing healthy lifestyles and for Seniors ‘aging well’ this program has. Along with weilness, the concept also plans to incorporate environmentally friendly components for this facility, which provides learning opportunities for our entire community along with energy efficiency. It also presents opportunities for bringing the generations together to learn about the environment through the development of gardens, natural prairie areas, hiking trails, etc. I support the focus of the grant funds to develop these areas and programs. I also know it will be a project that can be replicated in other communities.

I urge your support for the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition and the “Linking the Generations” Project.

Simcerely,

Clark Reinke, Ed. D.
Superintendent