The buddy program is returning to King School after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buddies will meet at least once per month to engage in activities including discussions about King’s honor code and virtues, buddy reading, playing games, presenting projects, writing stories, and enjoying food. The activities are purposefully designed to foster a connection between students, creating opportunities for our youngest Vikings who often think that they are "an only" to see that there are other students at King who look like them, speak like them, and share similar cultural backgrounds.

This month, each lower school student was introduced to their buddy from a different grade. In their first meeting on September 23, students in Mrs. Clark’s Grade 3 class visited their buddies in Mrs. Rachinsky-Wood’s Grade 1 class. The group enjoyed a snack while socalizing together. New friendships were made, and the Grade 3 students shared fond memories of their Grade 1 experiences.

On September 29, the buddies visited each other again in Mrs. Rachinsky-Wood’s classroom for a shared story time. Younger learners proudly demonstrated their reading skills through books focused on community and belonging. Older students helped the little ones with the occasional stumble, showing off their skills and inspiring their younger peers.

Next month the group will meet for activities celebrating the fall season further fostering their sense of community and belonging.