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What a special moment at Lloyd Harbor School on May 22 with the unveiling of their “Friendship Bench” outdoors in the playground area. Student council, staff, classes and even the Lloyd Harbor club cheerleaders spread the news, with the school’s first-ever Jazz Band leading the charge! School Improvement Team (SIT) members were instrumental in organizing this event which positively impacts the school’s culture aiming to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. Ms. Massimo extended her thanks to the LHSPTG board who graciously gifted the new bench for all students to enjoy. All shouted with glee about this special seating spot earmarked for friendship and the HIKER values beholden to students – especially the “I” which stands for Inclusion. Ms. Massimo instructed students to use the bench as a tool to recognize signs of social isolation and encouraged them to be more empathetic and inclusive with their classmates. Peer Mentors and Student Council Officers gave speeches that helped explain the meaning of the new Friendship Bench and how students can use it to model the school’s HIKER values.
Starting at Goosehill, our youngest learned early about the importance of the Buddy Bench at Goosehill. When someone was feeling lonely or in need of a friend – the Buddy Bench was the place to go. Before long, friends would gather to lift spirits and bring a smile. Lloyd Harbor wanted to continue embracing the importance of these lessons. So, they decided to call their bench a “Friendship Bench” so they could continue these simple but important lessons of making everyone feel welcome, safe, included…and most importantly, that they have a friend.
