Rockford SAVE club build Buddy Bench

In an initiative aimed at promoting friendship and inclusion, members of the SAVE Promise club at Rockford Elementary School came together in the spring and constructed a Buddy Bench for their school.

This project aims to provide a designated spot where students can seek companionship during recess, fostering what school officials said would be “a supportive and inclusive environment for all.”

The concept of the Buddy Bench is simple: It serves as a tangible symbol of kindness and empathy, encouraging children to reach out to one another and forge new friendships.

The idea for the buddy bench stemmed from the book “The Buddy Bench” by Patty Brozo and Mike Deas. When a student feels lonely or in need of a friend, they can sit on the bench, signaling to their peers that they are looking for someone to play with or talk to.

“It’s a small gesture with a big impact, promoting social interaction and emotional well-being among students,” school officials said.