Hanby Principal Monica Brown helps fifth grade student Delaney cut the ribbon in dedication of the school’s new Buddy Bench.
Beginning on Monday, November 20, students at Hanby Elementary School participated in Friendship Week activities that included traveling around the building to visit stations manned by fifth graders. This year’s theme was Start with Hello – Be a Buddy, Not a Bully! Friendship education activities included:
- Reading anti-bullying books with a buddy;
- Creating leaves for a tree which were decoupaged onto a trunk painted by art teacher Jules Rathje, which is displayed in a hallway;
- Anti-bullying skits performed by pupils; and
- Games and activities allowing youngsters to focus on commonalities or problem solving as a team.
At the conclusion of the event, a ceremonial ribbon cutting took place dedicating a new Buddy Bench for the playground, made possible through the efforts of fifth grade student Delaney Knisely-Haag and her parents, who secured the generous donation from Amish Originals in Uptown Westerville.