Ivy’s buddy bench takes on a life of its own
Bench offers students a place to make friends and find support
By Katie Harris
The Surveyor
Years ago, when Ivy Stockwell Principal Rick Bowles first presented the idea for a buddy bench to the school’s parent-teacher organization (PTO), he never dreamed it would have so many uses.
“I saw the idea online,” said Bowles. “It was being used in other schools, and I loved the concept.”
The theory behind the buddy bench, which was designed to be installed on a school playground, was students who were struggling to make friends could sit on the bench and classmates would know they were feeling lonely and invite them to play.
“Initially when I came across the idea the timing wasn’t right,” said Bowles. “We were initializing our outdoor classroom playground renovation plan and it took us some time to look into funding for the bench.”
Last month, after years in the works, the PTO approved funding for the bench, and it was installed on the school playground.
“The atmosphere that we try to have at Ivy is to include everyone,” said school counselor, Pam Knipscheer. “We have always emphasized this in our classroom guidance lessons, and the bench seemed like a good way to reinforce it.”
According to Bowles, in its first month the bench has proven to have many functions, aside from its intended use.
“The first week we got the bench I went out to take a picture, not expecting anyone to be using it,” he said. “I found two students sitting on the bench. It turned out they were working through feelings of grief one of the students was experiencing after the loss of a family member.”
Bowles said since that day he’s seen the bench used for conflict resolution, calming exercises for students who are feeling anxious, and often as a place for students to visit and connect with each other.
“This year we have a focus on social-emotional learning, so the concept of the bench works well,” he said. “The bench also ties in with a “peace pals” program we’re implementing which focuses on peer support.”
Knipscheer said the bench also goes hand in hand with the “in focus” program the district utilizes, which focuses on exploring personal strengths, recognizing and labeling emotions, and practicing problem-solving techniques.
“I would guess that it’s been used as more of a friendship bench than anything else so far,” she said. “One of the great things about the bench is that it’s taking on a life of its own, and students are incorporating it into their playground time in the way they choose.”
Bowles, who admitted to keeping his distance to allow students the privacy to explore the bench’s possibilities on their own, said it’s early to know exactly how the concept of the buddy bench will evolve over time.
“Whatever the reason, it’s definitely being well used,” he said.
- October, 05 2017
Berthoud Elementary and Ivy Stockwell...
By Aaron Reynolds The Surveyor Berthoud continues to remain one of the more sought-after places...
- July, 29 2022
Thompson leadership excited for 2022-...
As the start of the 2022-23 school year approaches, the leadership if the Thompson School...
- April, 01 2022
Berthoud El makes it to Math Madness&...
A few Berthoud Elementary School students played with numbers instead of basketballs as they made...
- April, 26 2019
Thompson teachers to receive pay raise
By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor Once it is formally agreed upon by both sides next...
- September, 02 2021
Mask mandate once again dominates TSD...
The subject of the mask mandate and other COVID-19-related issues once again dominated the discussion...
- February, 25 2021
Thompson middle, high school students...
Thursday morning, the Thompson School District (TSD) announced that secondary students (middle and high school)...
- Asher Architects builds projects from...
- More than a market, a family legacy
- Colorado business confidence is impro...
- Community Calendar & Legal Notice...
- Community Calendar & Legal Notice...
- Community Calendar & Legal Notice...
POLICEBLOTTER
Community NewsNorthern Water sets C-BT quota at 70% for 2024
Community NewsEmotions run high during Revere Property hearing
Community NewsSnowpack at 119% above normal
Community NewsKarspeck to serve third term as Berthoud mayor
Community NewsOPINION – No bitchin’ allowed
Community NewsRoy Tripi to become principal of BHS on July 1
Community News
COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Community Calendar – add an eventHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
03 May 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
07 Jun 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
05 Jul 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
02 Aug 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
06 Sep 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
04 Oct 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM