Anita Manley
March 23, 2020
A new program is slated to begin this month at Bloomingdale Elementary. “Lunch Buddies” is intended to support the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) culture. One caring adult is paired with one student. Each week they will spend one lunch period together. During these weekly appointments, the duo will eat lunch, talk, and choose activities to do together. They may play board games, make a craft or go outside for fresh air. The objective of the program is friendship and encouragement. Having a relationship with a consistent, caring adult can help improve student attendance, self-confidence, and social skills. The school staff is looking forward to welcoming community members into the building and believes their presence will add positive support to nurture children. Lunch Buddies will begin with 10 volunteers who have all applied, had an orientation, and passed a background check. Half of the adult Lunch Buddies are employees of Bloomingdale Telephone Company. The elementary staff is grateful for such significant support and is looking forward to seeing the program flourish and expand in the future to include even more mentors from the community.
