Somerset SPIFF

Somerset SPIFF Program Creates Intergenerational Memories that Last a Lifetime

Last week, Somerset Elementary School kicked off their 33rd year of the SPIFF program! SPIFF stands for Special Pals Involved in Fun Friendships, and is a way to form strong community connections, provide students with academic support, and form intergenerational friendships.

Former Somerset second grade teacher Alex Messicci (with his pal in the first picture below), who retired last spring, started the program during his first year at Somerset in 1989. Since that time, SPIFF has fostered 2,250 intergenerational friendships...and growing! Mr. Messicci now volunteers his time to coordinate the recruitment and pairing of pals from our community.

In the program, all second graders are paired with a SPIFF pal. The second graders and their pals will participate together in several activities throughout the school year. Their first meeting last week was spent getting to know each other. SPIFF Pals will return four more times this school year to do activities such as art, science, and singing!