At any one time, Luther and Fannie Mathias may have close to two dozen “grandchildren.”
The Columbia couple isn?t related to them, but the youth have become like family, as they forge relationships to help reduce the suspension rate among black students.
The Mathiases and about two dozen other seniors are members of the Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County, which meets weekly with high schoolers.
“We try to get to them before they get to the problem stage,” said Fannie Mathias, 71, of Columbia.
The Mathiases visit with about 20 students at Howard High School through the council?s Elders in the Schools program, in its fourth year.
Elders are assigned to 12 high schools and work with school administrators to identify students in need, said Natalie Woodson, chairwoman of the council?s education committee.
The Council of Elders was formed in 1992 as part of the county?s Black Student Achievement Program, which aims to close the achievement gap between black students and their peers. Through intergenerational connections, the elders offer wisdom and support for struggling students.
“We talk to students who have been suspended or who may be displaying tendencies that would lead them to being suspended,” said Linda McEwen, an academic assistant for the Black Student Achievement Program.
The students may be ditching class, showing up late or using their cell phones when they are not allowed. Some don?t have a nurturing home life or even someone to look up to, McEwen said.
In recent years, the suspension rates for black students has decreased slightly in the schools visited by elders, McEwen said.
“We?d like to think we have a piece of that,” she said.
Not every student wants to visit with the elders, and as Luther Mathias, 76, put it, “If you don?t want to stay, you?re free to go.” But more often, a bond is formed, and the elders become a part of the students? success. The Mathiases have attended three graduation ceremonies.
“The most rewarding [part] is to see the children develop in the way we?d like to see them develop and not get suspended,” Fannie Mathias said.
Fast facts
» Elders in the Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County are all at least 60 years old.
» Volunteers between 50 and 59 years old can serve as associate elders.
» Last year, more than 1,000 students were served.
