Buddy Bench unveiled at Myrtle Elementary School

Students at Myrtle Avenue Elementary School now have a Buddy Bench on their playground - a space where students can go if they need someone to talk to or to play with during recess, or if they simply need a few minutes of alone time.

The Buddy Bench project was a collaboration between Myrtle Avenue Elementary teachers, the Myrtle Avenue Elementary PFO and Keystone Oaks High School's Technology Education Department. Class of 2019 graduate Alex Wallace and senior Zach Branik completed a majority of the design, engineering and construction work last school year during Mr. Craig Wetzel's Research & Design class. The Parent-Faculty Organization and teachers provided input on the design and funding for the project. 

The Buddy Bench features an innovative design as the backs of the bench can move so that students can either sit side-by-side or facing away from one another, allowing students to indicate whether they are looking for a buddy or need time by themselves.

"We are very excited to have a Buddy Bench at Myrtle to help foster friendship and eliminate loneliness on the playground," said Myrtle Elementary Principal Scott Mizikar. "I am grateful to the students for their hard work on this project and to our PFO for their support in making this possible for Myrtle students."