Longtime community supporters donate Buddy Bench

Many thanks to Prospect Point grandparents, Tish and Tye Watts, whose generous donation of a Buddy Bench on the 3rd and 5th grade playground is helping to foster student friendships. The Buddy Bench concept provides a special place where students can sit if they are feeling bored or lonely. Other students can then go to the bench and ask them if they would like to play or talk.

Fifth grade PALS (Peer and Leadership Support) students, under the direction of 5th grade teacher Kate VanCleve, are planning presentations for students in grades 3-5 on the use of the Buddy Bench, and what they hope to see happen.

“The bench is a wonderful addition to our campus and reinforces the Star Pledge our students recite daily that promotes respect and taking care of each other,” said Principal Chris Gardea.

The engraved message on the Buddy Bench reads: “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you always know they are there.” Tish and Tye have two grandchildren currently attending Prospect Point and two more to follow in the coming years.

“In today’s world there can be a lot of issues many kids have to deal with, “ said Tish. “I felt if they had a safe place to go if they were troubled and then have someone come be their friend and helper, it would relieve some of their stress. Also, if just friends wanted to sit and talk or rest, I felt it would be used by many! I appreciate all the teachers and staff at Prospect Point.”

P.A.L.S. Program Goals:
- Welcome new students to Prospect Point
- Establish good work habits
- Set Goals
- Ask for extra help
- Understand what it means to be a Shining Star