Students were smiling and the sun was shining on the playground at Willow Road School for a very special ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of the school’s new Buddy Bench.
The Buddy Bench project was supported through grants from both the Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union and the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen PTA. The eye-catching bench was designed by Mr. Alan Goldenstein of Valley Signs and was installed alongside the playground at the Willow Road School.
The purpose of the Buddy Bench is to ensure that no one feels left out or alone during recess. Volunteer Buddy Ambassadors will monitor the bench during recess to make sure anyone who is looking for someone to play with spends no more than a few minutes on the bench before someone invites them to play.
During the inauguration of the Buddy Bench, the Buddy Ambassadors gathered around the bench as Willow Road principal Stephanie Capozzoli cut the ribbon and declared the opening. The students recited the Buddy Bench Pledge promising to be kind to others, be a good friend and to never leave anyone alone on the bench.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was a member of the board and Director of the Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union Ms. Catherine T. Banigo, Interschool PTA board member Mrs. Christine Balsan, Willow Road School sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Mary Danna and school psychologists Ms. Mindy Berlin and Dr. Karen Jason.
The students look forward to enjoying their time on the Willow Road School playground where everyone has a friend.
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