Click on the above image for more photos of the buddies.

October 24, 2024 — Shirley Hills Primary School kindergartners had the chance to pair up with their fourth-grade buddies for the first time this week. The buddy program, which lasts for the entire school year, began with a “getting to know my buddy” activity in the classroom on Monday.

“We had such a fun time getting to know our buddies and can’t wait to see them each month!” said Olivia Simmons, kindergarten teacher.

Monthly meetings will include a variety of bonding activities, like reading books, playing board games, and arts and crafts projects. The fourth-grade buddies help the kindergartners prepare for their end-of-year Reading Café event, while the kindergartners write letters to their fourth-grade buddies when they travel to Wolf Ridge in the spring.

“It’s so wonderful to see the connections that these buddies create,” said Simmons. “Last year, a few kindergartners said their favorite part of their year was being with their fourth-grade buddy!