Another Buddy Bench Installed in Massachusetts, Inspired by Local Author, Arlene Lagos

Millis, MA, June 14, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Local author Arlene Lagos has partnered with the Millis Playground Committee and Art teacher Jim Poulos to provide CFB students with a playground “Buddy Bench.”

Here’s the idea of the “Buddy Bench”: during those times when a student might not have a friend to play with during recess, the Buddy Bench is a place where the student would go to sit and wait. Other students, seeing someone sitting alone, would approach the child and invite him/her to join into a game in progress – it’s a way to promote kindness, empathy and support, at the student-level, for including others in friendship and play. This is the third bench that has been installed and promoted by the Author based on her book, "Outside the Circle."

Author Arlene Lagos secured a Tournesol Bench donated by www.siteone.com Landscape and Supply to provide CFB with the Buddy Bench, and spoke with the Millis Playground Committee, who helped determine the best spot for the bench.

Art teacher Jim Poulos stepped up and volunteered the entire fourth grade class in painting the bench for the students of CFB – they see this as their “legacy of remembrance” before they depart for the middle school at the end of the year.

Once the bench has been decorated, it will be placed in the town park playground in time for a Dedication Ceremony to be held with this year’s fourth grade on June 22nd at CFB Elementary.

Lagos is also working with Paul Simms at the High School Metal Shop to have his students create a plaque for the bench.

She will be available to read an excerpt from her popular children's book, “Outside the Circle” (illustrated by her daughter, fourth grader Shawnee Lagos), which touches upon the topic of friendship and inclusion. Many thanks to Arlene Lagos for her work in realizing her idea for the children of Millis.

www.authorarlenelagos.com