This post was created on 12/09/2019.

Who: Bexley Elementary School, R. B. Cox Elementary School, New River Elementary School, Denham Oaks Elementary School, Chasco Elementary School, and Connerton Elementary School

What: Buddy Bench ribbon cutting ceremonies

When:

• 10 a.m., Thursday, December 12, at Denham Oaks Elementary School
• 4:30 p.m., Thursday, December 19, at Chasco Elementary School
• 2 p.m., Friday, December 20, at R.B. Cox Elementary School
• 8 a.m., Thursday, January 16, at Bexley Elementary School
• 8:40 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, at New River Elementary School
• 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 10, at Connerton Elementary School

Where:

• Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz
• Chasco Elementary School, 7906 Ridge Road, Port Richey
• R.B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
• Bexley Elementary School, 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
• New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
• Connerton Elementary School, 9300 Flourish Drive, Land O' Lakes

Why: To promote an inclusive school community

How: Through a Systems of Care grant opportunity, the district has been able to expand compassionate schools work by purchasing 13 Buddy Benches. The Buddy Bench is a simple idea to foster friendship on the playground. Children who are feeling emotional or lonely can sit on the bench as a clear signal to others on the playground that they are in need of social connection. Students in these schools will receive instruction on how to respond when they see a peer sitting on the bench. When a school creates a visual signal that emotional and social connection is a priority in their community, it’s helping elementary students prioritize social connection.