The change from Lunch with a Friend to buddies began last year when Lower School adopted a new social emotional learning program. This curriculum was previously created to address student self awareness, self management, and responsible decision making. According to Ms. Ide, the Lower School Administration implemented this program because it “met the needs of the school at the time.” It helped older students exercise the lessons they learn in class such as character building, school life and social integrity. For example, fifth grade students practice being a good friend and teaching the first graders. Mrs. Chikamori, a first grade teacher, explains that her students take advantage of this program to meet with their fifth grade buddies weekly. Previously, the meet-ups happened only once a quarter for Lunch with a Friend. Now there are more opportunities for new partnerships between all of Lower School. The frequent get-togethers give teachers the chance to work and learn from teachers outside of their grade level. Having weekly buddies instead gives students the chance to develop a deeper connection with each other. Mrs. Chikamori says, “We meet once a week and the activities that the students do together are beneficial in many ways. First and foremost, it really gives the students an opportunity to develop strong relationships.”
Strengthening bonds between Lower School students and their older buddies is beneficial because it provides positive role models and entertainment. Upper Schoolers look back at their time in Lower School and recall the fun times they spent with their buddies. Ella Aoki ’27, says, “It was a positive time to relax and have fun”. As an older buddy, it gave them the chance to de-stress by running around and interacting with new people. Recently, first grade students met their fifth grade buddies for the first time. First grade students say they could laugh and have a good time with their buddy, despite it being the first time they interacted. Mrs. Chikamori says that overall, this program benefits her students since it gives them positive role models and mentors. She explains, “The fifth graders had experience in first grade so it is beneficial because they can mentor their first grade friend and be a role model.” Younger students receive support and advice from their buddies who went through the same experiences as them in previous years.
Even as Lunch with a Friend changes, the heart of the tradition stays the same. There may no longer be a hot pizza or cartons of pog being passed around, but the sound of laughter, radiant smiles, and most importantly, bonds between students are stronger than ever before. While Lunch with a Friend may hold a special place in the hearts of many upper school students, the ‘buddies’ have come to have a similar meaning to the Lower Schoolers. “We don’t really have a name for the program,” Mrs. Ide, a fifth grade teacher said while laughing. “The kids know it as ‘buddies’, and when they see it on the schedule, you can just see them light up.” The change in Lunch with a Friend reminds us that for both older and younger students, inter-campus relationships are something to be cherished.
