The ‘Buddy Bench’ is the innovative idea that Will DeFino, a 2nd grader at Barlow Elementary School, came across and thought it might help students who might be lonely, needed some kindness, and a place to go to during recess. This way, instead of feeling lonely or not knowing how to make friends or how to get in the game others may be playing at recess, students would have a special place to go to where they might feel a bit better, a place where someone would be kind to them.
Will DeFino took his cool idea to Mrs. Walsh, his teacher. After all, when you’re 8 years old and you have a great idea, how do you get it accomplished? Well, you tell an adult that you know will listen to you – that someone was his teacher, Mrs. Walsh. So, Will and his very special teacher set out to change the Barlow playground. They shared the Buddy Bench’ idea with the Principal, Ms. Pembrook and soon this concept began to take shape and become a reality.
Soon, all the grades at Barlow Elementary School pitched in with ideas and designs for the ‘Buddy Bench’ concept. Barlow students invented special handshakes and catch phrases surrounding the ‘Buddy Bench’ idea. There is a renewed wave of kindness that has rolled over everyone at the school, students and teachers alike, and has begun trickling into the surrounding community.
Join us May 29th at Barlow Elementary School, as we cut the ribbon, to officially launch the ‘Buddy Bench’. Everyone at Barlow hopes the ‘Buddy Bench’ can help pave a path for future acts of kindness and acceptance of others.
Barlow Elementary Public School is located at 115 Barlow Mountain Road in Ridgefield, CT.
Contact Jill Bianco at 203-942-7437or email jill.bianco@icloud.com for additional information.