BHS Elementary Students Build Meaningful Relationships

Building and fostering meaningful relationships is an important part of Bloomfield Hills education. As a part of “teaching to the whole child”, BHS elementary schools provide opportunities for students to be socially interactive, not only with their peers, but with students of other ages as well. Each elementary school, which houses students in Kindergarten through fifth grades, has a program in place to support this social and emotional growth.

At Conant Elementary students have buddies. Each class is matched with another class from a different grade to establish buddies. These buddies aim to meet at least once a month. During their gatherings, a variety of social emotional learning activities are organized to foster partnerships and build relationships across the school. Activities include playing games, working on crafts, sharing projects or reading, and even enjoying recess together. Older students take on a mentoring role, guiding their younger buddies with patience and care, while younger students bring fresh enthusiasm and curiosity to the partnership. The connections formed through this program are meaningful, often lasting for years.

The Eastover Eagles have started a new tradition by instituting a buddy program. Principal Andy Gignac introduced this when Eastover returned to having grades K - 5 in the building. This offered a great opportunity for the younger students to be matched with older students each school year. Buddies are matched by grade (kindergartners are matched with third graders, first graders with fourth graders, and second graders with fifth graders) but also by classroom. For example, Miss Pastoria’s fourth grade class is matched with Miss Wade’s first grade class. Earlier this year, they gathered together to work on a math-based hot chocolate craft. They could be found throughout the classroom working side-by-side with their buddies, cutting out and counting marshmallows, coloring in their hot chocolate pictures, talking, giggling, and enjoying each other and the project. These simple tasks, when performed together, create a bond among students that might not otherwise be possible.

New to Lone Pine Elementary this year, Lions and Cubs gather together monthly. Older students, the Lions, are matched with one or more younger students, the Cubs, based on grade level and classroom. Many of the lessons the students learn together focus on social awareness and relationship skills, such as how to be kind to each other. Other activities include shared recess, reading time, crafts, and gametime. The students look forward to these get-togethers as it gives the older students the opportunity to guide and mentor while the younger students get a chance to interact with kind, excited “big kids.” One Lone Pine Lion commented, “We love meeting the younger kids at Lone Pine. We like making friends with them and saying ‘hi’ to them in the hallway.” A Cub responded, “Our Lions keep us safe in the building. My Lion will check in on me and ask how my day is going.”

Way Elementary students actively participate in PRIDE dens, each led by a school employee and composed of students from various grade levels. Once assigned to a PRIDE den, students remain with that group throughout their entire elementary journey. These meetings are highly anticipated, as they provide a unique opportunity for students to engage in collaborative learning experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. Activities are designed to foster critical thinking and creativity, encouraging students to explore new ideas and challenge themselves in supportive, inclusive settings. PRIDE dens become a beloved tradition, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and growth that defines the Way Elementary experience.

Through these interactions, students develop strong bonds with peers and mentors, creating a sense of community and belonging that enhances their overall educational journey. The diverse perspectives within each grouping help students build empathy and understanding, equipping them with valuable skills for future success.