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Binmar students describe 'Buddy Classrooms' program to Auburn School Committee
Summary
Teachers and student representatives from Binmar presented the K'5'5 buddy classrooms program, describing restorative-circle meetings, seasonal projects, STEM activities funded by a Chamber of Commerce grant, and plans for end-of-year buddy activities.
Teachers Kristen Samberg and Eileen Tini and four student representatives described the year-long "Buddy Classrooms" initiative at Binmar Elementary, in which kindergarten classes were paired with second-grade classrooms to build cross-grade relationships and practice restorative-circle routines.
Samberg said the program began in September with a restorative circle and simple 'say hello' activities to help students notice peers who are alone. Students and teachers detailed month-by-month activities: fall-themed reading and crafts, winter snowflake projects, kindness-focused activities for the Great Kindness Challenge, a rocket-themed STEM launch using straw rockets in March, and shared STEM-bin sessions made possible by a Chamber of Commerce grant. Students reported their favorite events (rocket launch, STEM bins) and described plans to pair again for end-of-year recess activities and book-sharing events.
Committee members praised the program and parents in the audience said their children enjoyed the buddy activities. Staff said the district will continue to refine the program and share results with families when report-card redesign work is complete.
