Compass Montessori School
Friday, March 6, 2020,
was the day that the students at Compass Montessori received their very own, one-of-a-kind Buddy Bench!
The students had heard they would be receiving a buddy bench but didn’t know what that would entail. As the students walked outside onto their playground curious of their new gift, they tried taking quick peeks but the sheet that covered the bench gave no reveal.
The students waited anxiously for R2K’s Kindness Specialists, Caroline and Kelly, to reveal the surprise. Kelly started by explaining to the students that Resort 2 Kindness is a nonprofit that helps people get through challenges and tough times through kindness and by choosing kindness, students can inspire others to do so too. Caroline then explained that one way to choose kindness is by playing with someone on the playground if they’re playing alone and how you can do that by using the Buddy Bench. “If you feel lonely or want someone to talk to, just sit on the bench so other students and staff members can recognize your need and come sit with you and be your friend,” Caroline explained. “Are you ready to see your Buddy Bench?” The students cheered with excitement as they stomped their feet to mimic a drumroll. Caroline and Kelly grabbed the sheet and pulled it back to reveal the Compass Montessori Buddy Bench featuring the school’s mascot, the Griffin, and a Silver Fox, representing Patrick Pellouchoud, the founder of Resort 2 Kindness’ late father and inspiration behind the Buddy Bench series.
The students “awed” as they saw their new buddy bench in its natural environment on the playground. They were grateful and eager to put their Buddy Bench to use as they jumped up after the assembly for recess. It was an amazing and magical moment for R2K to experience the bench in its natural setting with the students and faculty of Compass Montessori.
A special THANK YOU was expressed to the faculty and staff at Compass Montessori for making this a reality for their students. Also, we were so grateful to Sam Mobley, Andy Linke and Danielle Detoy, the creative masterminds behind the Buddy Bench design, and to Darcy Kiefel and her beautiful photography skills that captured this momentous occasion flawlessly!
To request your child’s school to receive the next Buddy Bench, click here and fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
