E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School Welcomes New “Buddy Bench” to Promote Kindness

To foster kindness, empathy, and inclusion among students, E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School has introduced a new “Buddy Bench” on its playground, thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Warren County. These special benches provide a safe space for children feeling lonely or needing a friend, offering them a spot to sit while signaling to others that they would like company.

Michael Williams explained how Hope Petty, a Rotary Club member and central administration worker, came up with the idea for the Buddy Bench. The goal is to encourage students to notice their peers who might be feeling isolated and invite them to join in, building empathy and understanding within the school community. “It’s about creating those relationships,” Williams said. He highlighted the need for multiple benches, noting how students are eager to gather and connect. “Any opportunity for students to build relationships is welcome.”

The timing of the benches aligns perfectly with October’s focus on anti-bullying initiatives at the school. The program is aimed at promoting kindness across the student body. Principal Jennifer Knox shared how initiatives like this reflect a broader effort to ensure students are kind and considerate of one another, noting that the Buddy Benches will add to the school’s ongoing kindness programs.

In addition to the Buddy Bench, the Rotary Club has contributed significantly to the school’s activities. The club supports the Early Act Club, a school-based service program encouraging young students to engage in service and leadership. During the Buddy Bench introduction, Michael Williams, representing the Rotary Club of Warren County, also discussed how the club has donated other resources to the school, including book vending machines. These machines reward students with books as birthday gifts, helping to ignite a love of reading among the students. “They get excited to pick out their birthday book,” Knox added, describing how this simple gesture creates a positive connection to reading.

Beyond these donations, E. Wilson Morrison Elementary also embraces hands-on learning through its gardening program. Students have been cultivating vegetables like watermelon and pumpkins in the school’s garden despite last year’s water issues. This year, they are looking forward to new plantings, including tomatoes and green beans, with the help of the soon-to-launch 4-H club. Williams shared how important it is for students to engage in these activities, saying, “I bring students out every day, whether it’s to pull a weed or just enjoy being outside. It helps them connect with nature and see where their food comes from.”

Another significant upcoming event at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary is the dedication of their newly installed “Peace Pole,” which will coincide with the school’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. The Peace Pole is part of a Rotary Club initiative and represents the school’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and unity. It bears inscriptions in four languages representing the diverse student population at the school. “We haven’t dedicated it yet, but we’re planning to do so during the Veterans Day event on November 7th,” Williams said. “It’s a beautiful way to symbolize peace, especially during a ceremony honoring our veterans.”

The addition of Buddy Benches, the gardening program, and the upcoming Peace Pole dedication all point to a school community that values inclusivity, connection, and learning. These efforts, supported by the Rotary Club, reflect E. Wilson Morrison Elementary’s commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all its students.