2 Buddy Benches created by the high school's advance construction class
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Wedgwood Elementary School's wish for a Buddy Bench became reality thanks to the efforts and service of a group of Washington Township High School students. The Wedgwood PTO decided they wanted to purchase a commercially made Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench is placed on a school playground, and when a student feels lonely or needs a friend he or she can sit on the bench. When other students notice a student sitting there, they befriend that student, ask him or her to play, or just sit and talk. It's a place to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship. But at a cost of $900, it would put a large dent in the PTO's budget.
That's when the school's PTO liaison, Computers teacher Kathi Kersznowski, interjected with an idea. She suggested getting in touch with Washington Township High School's Technology Education Department to see if it was a project the students could adopt. After seeking approval from the PTO and Wedgwood Principal Mike Landon, Kersznowski reached Business Education supervisor Steve Whalen with the request. Whalen thought the project was an excellent opportunity for collaboration, and put Kersznowski in touch with teacher Mike Repasy.
Wedgwood Computers teacher and PTO liaison Kathi Kersznowski (left) and WTHS Technology Education teacher Mike Repasy pose in the shop with the two Buddy Benches created by Repasy's Advanced Construction students. Repasy and his Advanced Construction class immediately started researching. They asked questions about optimal length and height, school colors and customization options. They did online research by looking at commercially made Buddy Benches, and they decided they could do the job cheaper. Much cheaper. The PTO wrote an initial check for $500 to get the class started with supplies. Several months later, two custom-designed Buddy Benches were finished and ready for delivery.
"I am absolutely overjoyed that we found a creative design thinking opportunity for the high school students," Kersznowski said. "This Buddy Bench project gave them a meaningful and authentic design challenge that also has the benefit of being a bit of a legacy, as these benches will be a beautiful addition to Wedgwood's playground for years and years. I'm so grateful to Mike Repasy for embracing this project and for being the kind of teacher who is willing to go above and beyond."
Repasy and a few of his students visited the school to see the finished products, which were installed by district maintenance. They were thrilled at how excited a class of first-graders were when they had their first chance to sit on the benches. Also on hand was fourth-grader Madeline Gallo, who had written a persuasive essay about getting Wedgwood a Buddy Bench.
"The great part of this project is that the suggestion came from the elementary students and was then accomplished by the high school students," Landon said. "Thanks to the wonderful support of our PTO, the guidance of Mr. Repasy and the liaison work of Mrs. Kersznowski, Wedgwood students will long benefit from this idea."
Added Whalen: "The end product of this collaborative involvement has exceeded my expectations. The pride that I'm feeling for the teachers and students involved is unmatched in my professional career. The Buddy Benches look awesome."
This item submitted by Matthew Pesyna, Washington Township Schools.