Big Buds

Fifth grade teacher, Rich Schwartz, and school social worker, Lindsay Grand, believed in the importance of a Big Brothers/Big Sisters type of group. With that in mind, they created the Big Buds Club at Abbey Lane Elementary School in Levittown. The fifth grade club members now have the chance to mentor and bring friendship to the first graders in their school. Every Thursday, the group meets before school to work together on activities designed around team building and creativeness. “One thing I adore about the activities at Big Buds is that they are so fun and enjoyable to do with your little buddy,” shared student Arianna L. Melissa S. added, “I loved when we did the relay race, because we had to work together as a team.” In addition to the joy the fifth graders shae with the first graders, they realize they are bringing something even more valuable to the children as positive role models. “I am so glad I signed up for Big Buds, because now my little buddy has a role model to look up to,” said Vinny M.