Buddy Program

Clad in knee-high boots and sweaters, an exuberant group of pre-kindergarten students mingles easily with third grade students. Together they harvest, clean and package vegetables grown in the Bistline Garden on the Pennfield campus. This exercise is just a portion of their science lessons on plants, as well as part of the monthly, schoolwide Buddy Program that pairs younger students with older students in cooperative projects and activities.

What began as a simple idea between a Pre-K and 3rd grade teacher has grown into a cherished school-wide tradition. Originally designed to build self-esteem, communication, and empathy by pairing younger and older students for shared reading and conversation, the program quickly revealed something powerful: both “big” and “little” buddies thrived. Inspired by its success, more teachers joined in—and today, the Buddy Program is a permanent and treasured part of Pennfield life.

Once a month, students from different grade levels come together for meaningful, joy-filled activities. These experiences range from celebrating International Peace Day and sharing a meal at our Thanksgiving Feast to working on art projects, outdoor learning, and team-building exercises. The impact, however, goes far beyond scheduled events.

Buddies often exchange warm greetings during the school day, sit together at Morning Assembly, or simply brighten each other’s day with a wave or smile. These connections foster a deep sense of belonging, leadership, and mutual respect—strengthening the bonds that make our close-knit community so special.

At Pennfield, the Buddy Program is more than just a tradition—it’s a beautiful expression of our values in action: joy, understanding, and respect across every grade.