An exciting energy has been buzzing in our District’s buildings lately thanks to a program pairing classes across grade levels to align with the year’s theme, “CF Together.” Known as “buddy classes,” younger students have been collaborating with older peers on engaging projects all semester long.
The connections were on full display recently as Kathleen Aranavage’s eighth graders teamed up in-person with Brad Jones’ third graders for a morning of bonding. The pairs laughed through scavenger hunts, played bonding games, and learned together via a customized Blooket game.
In another buddy class, Grace McDevitt and Melinda Sawicki’s fourth graders shared the realistic fiction stories they authored with 12th graders in Melanie Hoffmann’s senior class. Getting feedback from near-graduates was hugely inspiring for the young authors’ skills and confidence. Additionally, writing interns from The Write Place volunteered extra feedback support.
The interactions have provided meaningful opportunities for guidance both ways though. When Marissa Ausperk brought her eighth graders to enjoy Tiger Perk snacks with Stefanie Ashkettle’s 10th graders, wisdom and advice flowed in both directions.
Mallory Mazzola and Nicole Kennedy even had their kindergarteners make paper hand turkeys and share gratitudes with Brooke Campbell’s 7th graders. Smiles abounded as the small students taught their older buddies.
The new buddy class initiative has been forging priceless inter-age student bonds District-wide. If the first semester is any indication, this program looks to have a bright future helping our school community thrive.
