Grandma Powell Is the Heart of the Classroom

Walk into Ms. Nordstrom’s kindergarten classroom at Maximo Elementary, and you’ll notice something special right away. Sure, there are crayons scattered across tables and the happy buzz of five-year-olds learning their ABCs. But at the heart of it all is Classroom Grandma Christine Powell, a steady, smiling presence who brings warmth, patience, and a whole lot of love to every child she meets.

Grandma Powell isn’t just helping kids learn their letters and sounds, though thanks to her, every single kindergartner in her class mastered them last year, with most already reading at a first-grade level.

She’s also the one holding little hands when the cafeteria feels too loud and scary, bringing shoes and jackets for students who need them, and greeting each child by name so they know they matter the moment they walk through the door. Ms. Nordstrom says she’s transformed not just the students, but the entire classroom environment sharing, “When I felt like I was drowning my first year, she was the calm in the storm. Every student I’ve ever had is better off because of her.”

Grandma Powell is one of many volunteers in our Classroom Grandparent Program who find a new sense of purpose while helping kids build confidence, master new skills, and feel loved. But we need more hearts like hers. This year, we need more Classroom Grandparents to reach our goal. You can make a difference that lasts generations.