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You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Lori Kennedy
One of the things I love most about High Meadows is the relationships that students build across the grade levels. We’re not talking about only knowing names. Our students know each other’s interests, hobbies, goals, and more. This sense of community is evident every day at HMS. When I step outside my office during Meadow Time, it’s not unusual for me to see a second grader excitedly waving at their 8th grade buddy. The older student will kneel and offer a high five or hug, spending a special moment with their friend, who returns to Meadow Time with glee. These moments don’t happen by accident. They take place because of one of our most intentional traditions: the Buddy Program.
Every student, from our youngest learners in Pre-K3 to our 8th grade leaders, is paired with a buddy in September. This year, I witnessed art projects, fun card games that ended with happy squeals and giggles, sports, and reading, during the introductions. Yes, the buddy pairings provide our youngest students with an older pupil to look up to, and they also provide the platform for an elder student to lead the way, guiding a student in a book, a game, or a social conversation.

Buddies spend time together throughout the year in ways that feel structured and natural. An initial Meet and Greet happens early in the year. The buzz is real; both elder and younger students are thrilled when that day arrives. Buddies might read stories together under the Chicken Tree or share a snack and a conversation during Meadow Time. There are scheduled times where teachers plan activities, and there are the monthly Community Gatherings where students joyfully join their buddies to share the time.




The first Community Gathering of the year happens early in the fall, when the humidity feels like it’s at an all-time high, and we are constantly fanning ourselves to stay cool. Often, we see buddies from years past run to greet one another. At the year’s second gathering, new buddy pairs quickly find each other. The younger students often dash over to their buddies and excitedly fill them in on the latest happenings in their world, ranging from a fun classroom activity to a play date with a friend, or an upcoming family trip.

Last year, one of our 8th graders was placed with a Pre-K student. When he took the microphone in front of the school to announce acknowledgements — our way of celebrating our faculty, staff, and students’ milestones — his Pre-K buddy always accompanied him. Throughout the year, I watched her blossom and shine, confidently taking the microphone, telling everyone her name, and helping with acknowledgements. The buddy program is not just about relationships. It helps build confidence and a sense of belonging, too!

The benefits ripple in every direction for all of our kids. Younger students have a familiar face in the older grades, someone who cares about them and someone they can count on. We talk a lot about our students being active members of their community and how they become ethical leaders. Our older students are doing just that — developing leadership skills, empathy, and compassion. They are guiding and encouraging their buddies throughout the year. The result is a stronger school community where names are known, and friendships are genuine regardless of age or grade level. 

Years down the road, I hope that the buddy pairings continue to serve as building blocks for friendships that outlast their years at HMS. May our students remember those hand-in-hand walks across the Meadow, the quiet moments diving into a book, and the laughter they shared with their buddies.
 
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The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.
Age 3 through Grade 8 | Authorized IB PYP World School
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org