More than 800 residents of the Dorchester School District Two attendance area will have special privileges during the 2008-2009 school year when they use their Senior Citizens Privilege Cards.

In its twentieth year, the Senior Citizen Privilege Program is offered by the school district as a way to encourage the involvement of senior residents, age 60 or above, in the schools of their community. According to Public Information Officer Pat Raynor, "We have a large number of senior residents who attend school functions and volunteer in our schools. Their presence and involvement is welcomed and appreciated."

Cardholders in the program are entitled to free admission to all home athletic events for the three high schools with the exception of state playoffs. Senior Citizen Privilege Program participants also receive free admission to most band and choral concerts and other school activities for which admission is charged. A 25% discount is allowed on enrollment fees for all adult and community education classes where the cardholder is the enrollee. Program participants may also eat in school cafeterias for the price charged to teachers -currently $3.00 for lunch.

The school district is pleased to offer a new feature to the program beginning this year. The privilege cards are now valid for three years, expiring on June 30, 2011. Renewal cards for the privilege program were mailed on June 25th to school district residents who participated in the program last year. Anyone who has previously participated in the program and has not received the new privilege card may renew by calling Phylis Williams or Tina Lake at the school district office, 873-2901. District residents over the age of 60 applying for a card for the first time should come by the school district office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to complete an application and show proof of their age. Renewal becomes automatic thereafter as long as participants reside in the Dorchester School District Two attendance area.

Each year the district receives very positive comments from program participants who have used the cards, ranging from a simple "thank you" to notes saying, "This is a wonderful program. We enjoy our benefits tremendously."

The program has encouraged a number of senior citizens to join the ranks of school volunteers. "We're always pleased about that," says Superintendent Joe Pye. "Today, in our mobile society, many children do not have the benefit of living close to grandparents. Senior citizens working in our schools are important as role models and caring adults for students. In addition, these individuals are a wonderful resource for our schools."