Eight years ago Debi Blank and David Balis conceived of an idea that would eventually evolve into our Kinder Buddy program. The concept was simple, pairing an eighth grade student and kindergarten student as buddies. Once a month we bring them together to learn and interact. The benefits for both eighth graders and kindergarteners have been wonderful. The kindergarteners are able to develop a relationship with a “big kid”, and the eighth grade students have the opportunity to teach and model good behavior for their “little buddy”.
This year is particularly special. Our current eighth grade students were the original class of kindergarten students to participate in Kinder Buddies. Seeing our eighth graders interact with a new generation of “buddies” has been a gratifying “full circle” experience for us. We anticipate and hope that this program will continue long into the future providing unique learning opportunities to all Mokena students.
At our last Kinder Buddy meeting, a very special moment occurred. One of our former students was one of our first eighth graders to participate in Kinder Buddies. Arwen Rolinitis was working as a substitute and accompanied us to MES. As Mr. Balis was talking to her they came to realize that her original kindergarten buddy was now an eighth grade student with a buddy of her own. What followed was a very special moment when they were “reintroduced” (and yes - they remembered each other!).