Buddy Bench dedication

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Ralph Witters Elementary has been working for many years to get a buddy bench on the playground at the school. The idea was started by Jessica Slagle, the former PTO president. With her work, along with that of RWE principal Catelyn Deromedi, former school counselor Liz Ryan, RWE secretaries and custodians, and many PTO members, the project was possible. Joe Martinez provided the bench.

The buddy bench is a safe haven for students. Not just for sitting, the bench is there for kids who need it. If a child feels sad, lonely or picked on, this is a safe place that he or she can come to sit for some quiet and peace. If other students see someone sitting there they can go over and be a buddy. The students can ask what’s wrong, listen and invite their buddy to come play.

The bench isn’t just somewhere to sit, and is only for kids who need a buddy.

This bench is dedicated to Connie Dickinson’s daughter Baylee. When in school, she was very good at being a friend to others. It is the hope that when students see someone sitting there, they will sit with them, comfort them and listen to them, as Baylee would have

Appreciation went out to everyone who helped purchase and install the bench, and especially Britton Van Heule and the high school shop class who machined a special plaque to dedicate the bench to Baylee.