Buddy Bench

Buddy Bench introduced during Middle School assembly
Posted on 02/07/2019
Julie Withrow, Zoë Freeman, Bailey Taylor and Rachel Eason.

A Buddy Bench for students looking to make new friends was introduced Friday, Feb. 1, during a school-wide positive behavior support assembly held at the Poplar Bluff Middle School. 

The concept for the special piece of furniture was student-directed, according to guidance counselor Julie Withrow. Sixth graders Rachel Eason, Zoë Freeman and Bailey Taylor approached her with the idea at the end of last school year. 

The bench was recently constructed by Mike Stevenson, the uncle of Bright Futures co-director Carrie Booker, and painted by school custodian John Ethridge with the girls’ handprints featured in the design. Once it is weather-proofed, the bench will have a permanent home on the recess playground. 

Among several scenarios illustrated during the assembly, the main rule established is for students to invite classmates who are sitting alone on the Buddy Bench to join in and play. 

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Cutline: Under the lead of (left to right) counselor Julie Withrow, students Zoë Freeman, Bailey Taylor and Rachel Eason perform a skit showing the study body the purpose of the Buddy Bench.

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