NPE dedicates Buddy Bench to encourage friendship

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Fort Polk North Polk Elementary School students sing the "Army Song" for their guests at the dedication celebration of the Buddy Bench held Oct. 25.  

FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES

11.02.2018

Story by Angie Thorne 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — North Polk Elementary School hosted the dedication of a “Buddy Bench” Oct. 25. The bench is a proactive solution to possible isolation. New students can sit on the bench at recess or free time to signal they need a friend or would like someone to talk or play with them.
More than 95 percent of NPE students are military, and it’s not unusual for NPE to have students register due to a permanent change of station in mid-year, said Lee Coriell, the school’s principal.
Last year, some new students began school in October and December, with a larger group registering in the spring (between 10-15 students). “That can be hard for incoming students who have to deal with peers that have already formed friendships and bonds with fellows,” he said. “It’s a situation that can leave new students feeling isolated and negatively impact their academics and self esteem. NPE recognizes the importance of encouraging positive communication, fostering healthy peer relationships and helping new students feel welcome and excited to come to school.”
The school received a grant from the Fort Polk Spouses’ Club for the buddy bench, said Coriell.
Each year the Spouses’ Club awards scholarships and grants to support the community. Brynn Rivera, Fort Polk Spouses’ Club president, said the club tries its best to help when a school asks for money.
“We consider it a top priority because we like being able to help our military children,” she said.
Rivera said the concept of the buddy bench is amazing.
“I have two children of my own. The youngest has been lucky enough to be in the same school, but my oldest has been to four different schools and he’s in fourth grade. I think that a buddy bench would have helped him. I also believe it would be a great asset at other schools. As a parent, I would like to see all schools have these,” she said.
As far Coriell knows, this is the first and only buddy bench in Vernon Parish. “Hopefully it’s setting a precedent for other schools,” he said.
Other NPE parents have responded well to the idea of the bench, according to Coriell, because they have seen the administration take a proactive approach. “We are trying to teach students how to adapt and become part of a new community, a skill they will carry with them the rest of their lives,” he said.
Purchasing the bench was the first step, said Coriell. “The next step is educating students. We have to teach them about both sides of the issue — if a student is lonely, they need to know someone will talk to them when they can sit on the bench and if a student sees someone lonely sitting on the bench, they need to know how to reach out and be their friend,” he said.
NPE plans to tackle that training with social-skill-building groups while teaching students how to use the bench.
Teachers and school staff will help educate current and new students on the bench’s purpose and use it to facilitate friendships among peers.
Gelisa Howard, LA 4 teacher, said the buddy bench is a great asset to NPE because it personifies the concept that everyone needs comfort, support and love.
“With a little help from their teachers, students will understand the importance of what the bench means,” she said. “As a military child myself, I wish they had something like this when I was their age.”
The NPE administration anticipates the buddy bench will help decrease bullying while increasing communication and positive socialization skills among students, said Coriell.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2018
• Date Posted: 11.02.2018 10:46
• Story ID: 298627
• Location: FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US