After 4 years without the buddies program the school has brought back buddies! The purpose of this program is to partner high school and middle school students. Because of Covid the program was stopped for 2 years.

The Buddies program builds leadership and gives high school students opportunities to learn with middle school students. For middle school students, Buddies teaches them how to be better people.

According to the High school counselor, Ana Garcia, middle school students listen to high school students more because they are of similar age. Usually, students pay more attention to students rather than teachers.

Buddies started in 2011 to make students better in their everyday skills. Amalia Sierra, an 11th grade student, loved the time with her buddy and the opportunity to meet other people.

Before buddies begin, older students have to be trained afterschool on their leadership skills around younger students.

Paulina Alvarez, a Columbus Senior, liked being a buddy because she learned to manage difficult situations. She had a very fun time every morning before her classes and wants the project to continue.

Buddies will happen every Wednesday for six weeks. Buddies is a way that the school moves away from normal learning and makes it fun!

Discussion Questions

Who is an older person that helps you every day? How do they help?

What do you think Paulina learned from middle school students?

How are elementary school students and high school students alike?

Link to original article: https://thediscoverer.columbus.edu.co/news/middle-school/buddies-is-back/