'Buddy Benches' promote inclusion at Sippican Elementary
One of the Bubby Benches installed at Sippican Elementary to promote inclusion and kindess. Source: Old Rochester Regional School District 
The benches sit near the playground. Source: Old Rochester Regional School Disctrict
One of the Bubby Benches installed at Sippican Elementary to promote inclusion and kindess. Source: Old Rochester Regional School District
The benches sit near the playground. Source: Old Rochester Regional School Disctrict
MARION — Making friends has become easier for elementary students with the installation of two new benches at Sippican Elementary donated through an educational fund.
The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee donated $2,500 to Sippican School Elementary which funded the installation of Buddy Benches on their playground.
The Buddy Benches are used as a tool for students to acknowledge they want to play with their classmates but may be timid to do so.
If a Sippican Elementary School student feels lonely during recess, they can sit on the bench and know a peer will soon see them and extend an offer to play.
Buddy Benches, found at school playgrounds around the world, are brightly colored benches that promote inclusion, empathy and kindness among students.
The Committee’s donation funded the installation of two Buddy Benches. The remaining funds were used to purchase 25 copies of “The Buddy Bench” by Patty Brozo, which tells the story of one school's experience with a Buddy Bench and its impact on students.
The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee has worked with Sippican Elementary in the past and also offers scholarships to Marion High School students.
The Town of Marion maintains The Scholarship and Education Fund entirely through donations from Marion residents.
