Fifth graders aren’t just students at Garland ISD’s Club Hill Elementary School. The campus’ buddy program gives them extra responsibilities, including being a leader, role model, teacher, friend, and confidant.
Club Hill’s buddy program began in 2006 as an idea by school counselor Oliva Hester.
“A couple of my kindergarten and fifth grade students were having difficulties with discipline, so I thought, ‘why not pair them together?’” she explained. “The fifth graders would be held accountable as role models while the kindergarteners would learn correct behavior.”
Following a successful trial, Club Hill implemented the program throughout its entire kindergarten and fifth grade in 2007. This year, that inaugural kindergarten class receives the chance to pay it forward.
“My buddy was really nice,” remembers fifth grader Valentina Chen. “She took care of me and taught me not to be shy. That’s what I’m trying to teach my buddy now.”
Chen is paired with Rami Mirza, an ESL kindergartner at the campus. While Hester usually only pairs girls with other girls, she chose Mirza for Chen because they share similar backgrounds.
“Valentina was an ESL student who didn’t speak much English and mainly kept to herself,” commented Hester. “Now she’s a vibrant young lady. I hope that she can have the same impact on Rami.”
Choosing buddies that compliment each other’s personalities, Hester looks at activity level and interests. One month after school starts, Club Hill teachers give her synopses of their students, and she pairs them together based on mutual needs.
“If I have fifth graders that are strong leaders, I might pair them with kindergarteners that are having difficulty with discipline,” explained Hester. “If my fifth graders are shy, I might pair them with more dynamic kindergarteners.”
The goal of Club Hill’s buddy program is to help shape students’ character. Fifth graders set the example of acceptable behavior and learn what it’s like to be responsible for someone else. Kindergarteners make one of their first personal connections at school, receiving a friend that can reach and teach them on their level.
Every Friday from 2:15-2:45 p.m. buddies meet together to read, complete crafts, or practice assignments that need extra attention. And, both parties take buddy time seriously.
“The best part is getting to see Rami every Friday,” said Chen. “The buddy program has made me more responsible at home for my little brother. Before, I was mature, but now my parents say I’m a little adult.”
Mirza says he looks forward to one day being a buddy like Chen. With the seventh year of Club Hill’s buddy program off to a successful start, Hester says if it’s up to her, he’ll get that chance.
“I really enjoy watching the buddies faces light up when they see each other and them holding hands when they walk down the halls. It’s the cutest thing. I know this program will impact them forever.”
