First graders were bursting with excitement! They walked into the school assembly, glanced towards their fourth-grade buddy classes who were already seated and, with little waves and big smiles, sat next to them!
“Welcome to our first Buddy Assembly,” said Assistant Principal Dr. Michael Weschler. He reminded everyone of Increase Miller’s theme of the month: the gift of kindness. “What better way to show kindness than to be with our buddies!”
Buddies are one way that Increase Miller Elementary fosters an inclusive and connected community where everyone belongs and thrives. Each of K–2 classes is paired with a class in grades 3 – 5. They enjoy activities together that are designed to encourage connections with a focus on social emotional learning and monthly themes.
The Buddy Assembly included time for buddies to turn and talk about ways they could show empathy and compassion to others. When Dr. Weschler came around with the mic, the duos spoke together to the whole assembly; the younger students showed growing confidence, and the older students demonstrated new leadership.
Both the older and younger students love spending time with their buddies—both at the Assembly, listening to the fifth-grade band play holiday songs, and in classrooms.
“One student said, ‘It reminds me of how much I've grown,’ related fourth grade teacher Jane Emig. “Another student said, ‘It’s nice that they want to learn from us; it’s like being a teacher.’”
Resnick and Whitehead’s second graders were equally positive. Students said: "When we hang out with our buddies, it makes our day." "They teach us things and are always ready to help us." "Our buddies make us feel like we belong."