The buddy program is the gift of a PS-8 school. The goal is to support a healthy, positive, and cohesive school community by providing intentional opportunities for younger and older students to build relationships. The buddy program affords younger students a sense of connection and safety among their older schoolmates. They learn that older students are invested in them, know them, and are there to support them. Middle school-age students who would, in a traditional middle school, be focused on peer dynamics have the opportunity to be role models, practice empathy, and gain a focus outside of their peer group to the greater school community.
Relationships are built through time spent together engaged in social, service and academic enrichment activities. School-wide events such as assemblies, field days, concerts, and ArtsFest provide spontaneous opportunities for buddies to connect, support and look out for each other. Our older and younger buddies often read together, celebrate birthdays, exchange cards, play on the playground, and sit together during morning meetings. Buddy relationships are deep and strong and carry through the child’s entire career at SMS.
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