Students at McDermott have a Buddy Bench on the playground now. Buddy Benches are designated places where students can go sit to let their peers know they need someone to talk to or someone to play with. It's a sign that "I could really use a friend right now".
A dedication ceremony was held during Peace Week honoring the son of GT facilitator, Lori Forbes. Zachary Gray Kirchner died in a car accident in 2018 and it was a loss that was felt in the whole McDermott community. During the ceremony students wore bucket hats that were donated by a group of former staff memebers who still have a strong connection to the McDermott community.
Students were challenged to "Be watchful over the bench during recess. Teachers can't watch it, they have to watch the whole playground. It's your duty while you're at recess to see if anyone is sitting on the bench and needs you", by former Speech pathologist, Lauren Daniel. Mrs. Daniel also reminded our students that "what we want is to create an inclusive community where everyone feels they belong and will be supported."
Ms. Forbes' other son, Alex Kirchner, spoke as well. He encouraged the students to "Be brave enough to sit on the bench when you need someone to support you. And likewise be brave enough to reach out to those that sit there. It's a tremendous act of courage to do either".
We feel confident that our student body will use the bench as a way to connect with each other and support each other. It is a wonderful addition to our playground and a consistant reminder that when you are here, you are part of a community that loves and supports you.