PECI Elementary students won’t have to look far if they need a buddy. 

The special seating is popping up in school yards across North America to combat loneliness and exclusion. PECI unveiled its first Buddy Bench in May.

Project lead Molly Jamison says the benches send a quiet signal. “It’s a powerful tool to help students build friendships and to remind everyone that no one should feel alone on the playground.” 

Ms. Jamison and fellow teachers Teresa Mason and Gina Gioia started looking into Buddy Benches last year. The initiaive gained steam this year when PECI’s Regional Program students took a lead role. 

Ms. Jamison said that was no coincidence. The school’s Regional Program classroom supports students with autism and developmental disabilities, many of whom face unique social challenges.

“It was incredibly important to us that these students be at the heart of this initiative. Not just included, but leading. Not just participating, but recognized,” she explained.

Regional Program students brainstormed bench designs and selected the rainbow pattern because it includes everyone’s favourite colour.

They also chose the words: ‘I am Kind’, ‘I am Equal’, and ‘I am Loved’.

What happened next illustrates the genius of a K-12 school. Elementary organizers reached out to the Secondary School for help on construction. They found eager collaborators.

Student Teacher Eli Verkuyl helped bring the project to life with wood shop technology students. Students from the manufacturing program took on the metal work. Picton Home Hardware generously donated the materials.

“The excitement and enthusiasm from the entire school community was heartwarming. Watching students count down to the ribbon cutting and cheering so loudly was a moment we won’t forget, especially for our Regional students, who deserved every bit of that recognition and celebration,” Ms Jamison observed. “Uplifting them, honouring their leadership, and spotlighting their contributions was the true heart of this project. They deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

PECI’s Buddy Bench is already being well used.

“I don’t know how many new friendships have been made yet but I know the bench has already brought our school closer together.”