‘Buddy Bench’ unveiled at Woodland Primary

Woodland — Thanks to Woodland Primary School’s new “Buddy Bench,” some kids might just feel a little less lonely on the playground. The bench, designed by Melissa Sanders’ third-grade class, was unveiled with a ceremony June 13. A family of one of her students suggested the idea after hearing about a Buddy Bench that was placed at an elementary school in Pennsylvania, according to a press release. The idea is simple, but heartfelt: If a kid sits on the special seat during recess, other kids will know they are feeling lonely and can then ask the student to play with them. The third-graders were able to raise nearly $1,300 to buy the bench. They sold pickles, rubber band bracelets and treats at soccer games. Some even donated their birthday money. Part of the money they raised also went to buying anti-bullying books for the library as well as extra playground equipment, such as balls and jump ropes.