ROCHELLE — Handwriting letters to a pen pal is something of a lost form of communication given the digital world we live in, but not for some local elementary students.

During the school year, second graders in the Rochelle Elementary School District were paired with a pen pal from another school within the district. Last week they had the opportunity to meet their pal in a fun setting at Cooper Park, which included a picnic lunch and games.

Second grade teacher Michelle Mairs said the event not only helps to promote friendly letter writing, but it also shows students the basics of letter writing — from where to write the date, greeting, and body of the letter, to the closing and the signature.

The students corresponded several times before meeting each other in person.

“The kids look so forward to getting letters and finding out who their pen pals are,” Mairs said. “Sometimes they find out that their pen pal is someone they once had on a sports team, went to preschool with, have dance class with, or go to their church. Regardless it is great to see them learn about someone else and get to know them from writing before they meet them in person.”

The pen pal activity is something the district has been doing for the last 10 years or so.

“New this year, our bilingual classroom joined in! This is great practice to use their English writing skills,” Mairs said. “We do plan to continue since it is part of our state standards.”

The 170 students at the pen pal picnic enjoyed the playground, played soccer and kickball, buried their toes in the sand and built sand castles. But most of all they had fun meeting their new friends.

“It was packed but we had amazing weather this year and a great time was had by all,” Mairs added.