Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee Donates Buddy Benches to Sippican School

The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee recently donated two Buddy Benches to Sippican Elementary School. The benches promote inclusivity among students by encouraging kind behavior. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

MARION — If a Sippican Elementary School student feels lonely during recess, they now have a safe space to sit with the knowledge that a peer will soon see them and extend an offer to play.

This is a result of the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee’s recent donation of $2,500 to Sippican, which funded the installation of Buddy Benches on the playground.

Buddy Benches, found at school playgrounds around the world, are brightly colored benches that promote inclusion, empathy and kindness among students. If a child feels lonely at recess, they can sit on the bench to signal how they are feeling. In response, other students are encouraged to invite them to join a game or conversation.

“The installation of Buddy Benches at Sippican provides a new way to promote friendship and kindness across the student body,” said Principal Lynn Dessert. “The benches allow students to advocate for themselves by acknowledging their feelings and, in turn, their peers respond positively by reaching out.”

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 Buddy Bench project builds on the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee’s longtime support of Sippican.

“We are grateful for the support the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee has provided to Sippican Elementary School over the years,” said Marion School Committee Chair April Nye. “Whether it is through classroom resources, family engagements or projects like the Buddy Benches, their support helps the school foster a positive and inclusive experience for every child.”

In January 2023, the Committee donated $375 to support the One Book One School initiative, $1,000 to help sustain the school’s annual Vocabulary Day tradition and $300 to help relaunch Anchor, a family engagement group that hosts community-building events such as the Spaghetti Supper and Bingo Night.

In 2016, the Committee also contributed $2,000 toward the purchase of technology equipment for the school.

“The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee is proud to contribute to Sippican in ways that support both academic growth and a caring school culture,” said Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Dowd. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Sippican through this Buddy Bench project, and we hope that many friendships will begin on these benches.”

The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee also offers scholarships to Marion High School students through the generosity of Marion residents.

“We thank the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee for their continued generosity toward Sippican,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “These investments support learning, connection and kindness. The simple act of inviting a classmate to play can make a lasting difference for a child, and the Buddy Benches will help create those moments every day.”

The Town of Marion maintains The Scholarship and Education Fund entirely
through donations from generous Marion Residents. Contributions can be made via a check payable to: Town of Marion Scholarship/Education Fund, mailed to 2 Spring St., Marion, MA 02738.

“The Committee greatly appreciates every donation and we look forward to continuing to support Marion students,” said Chairperson Dowd.

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Buddy Benches, like this one at Sippican Elementary School, are found at school playgrounds around the world. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)