{"id":11283,"date":"2025-10-21T21:58:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T21:58:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/11283\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T21:58:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T21:58:26","slug":"former-students-buddy-bench-idea-becomes-reality-at-staten-island-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/11283\/","title":{"rendered":"Former student\u2019s \u2018buddy bench\u2019 idea becomes reality at Staten Island school"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Students, staff, and local leaders gathered at PS 55, The Henry M. Boehm School, in Eltingville on Tuesday to celebrate the unveiling of the school\u2019s new \u201cbuddy bench,\u201d a student-led initiative aimed at fostering kindness and inclusion on the playground. <\/p>\n

The idea for the buddy bench came from former PS 55 student Gemma Mastroguilio who, during a time when she often felt lonely, wanted to create something that could help both herself and other students feel more included.<\/p>\n

\"PSFormer student Gemma Mastroguilio pictured with Principal Francesca McAuliffe, Assistant Principal Dawn Roman, paraprofessional Lisa Anderson, PE teacher Angela Saccaro, and Councilmember Frank Morano in front of the buddy bench.Sydney Maldonado<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really unexpected, but it\u2019s really nice to see it happen,\u201d Mastroguilio said after seeing her idea come to life at the event.<\/p>\n

While the project began with Mastroguilio\u2019s idea, it was ultimately brought to life through the efforts of the current student council, with support from previous councils who helped design, plan, and advocate for it. The bench now serves as a space where students can sit, take a break, and signal that they\u2019re looking for someone to talk to or play with \u2014 encouraging goodwill, connection, and empathy on the playground.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis couldn\u2019t have happened without you guys and the students who came before you,\u201d said Assistant Principal Dawn Roman during the ceremony. \u201cAs you can see, all it takes is one voice to make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CouncilmemberCouncilmember Frank Morano gathered with PS 55 students at “buddy bench” unveiling.Sydney Maldonado<\/p>\n

Councilmember Frank Morano, a Republican who represents the South Shore, highlighted the importance of the buddy bench initiative.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one thing we\u2019re seeing in society these days — among children and among adults — is a real problem with loneliness, and I think that you guys have taken such an important step in combating that today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Morano also shared a personal note, adding that his son will begin kindergarten at PS 55 next year. He expressed his excitement for his son to learn, grow, and be a part of the positive, inclusive culture the students are building.<\/p>\n

Inspired by their students, PS 55 staff have expanded opportunities for students to develop social, emotional, and general life skills through three school clubs — the SHINE club, Helping Hands club, and the Merit club. These clubs focus on building character, leadership, and empathy, helping students grow not only academically but personally. <\/p>\n

\"PSStudents help unveil buddy bench on campus, which features the message \u201cShining with Pride\u201d — encouraging values such as kindness, responsibility and safety. The bench reflects the school\u2019s SHINE initiative, which promotes excellence.Sydney Maldonado<\/p>\n

The SHINE club encourages students to support, help, inspire, navigate, and exude excellence. The Helping Hands club promotes community service, selflessness, and compassion. The Merit club teaches students competencies, such as self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, social awareness, and personal responsibility. <\/p>\n

\"P.S.A poster at P.S. 55 outlines the school’s Merit Program, which emphasizes self-awareness, personal responsibility, decision making, and other key social-emotional skills.Sydney Maldonado<\/p>\n

\u201cOur idea is simple — we believe in putting service above ourselves,\u201d Angela Saccaro, a physical education teacher, said speaking about the clubs. \u201cWhat better way to make that happen is by speaking to the students, meeting with them, teaching them really great leadership skills that they can put in their back pocket and carry on with them for the rest of their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the clubs, the PS 55 student council proposed creating a sensory room \u2014 a safe space where students can decompress, unwind and play. The room was built entirely by PS 55 staff, who completed it themselves and raised their own funds to purchase sensory items and toys for students.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur PS 55 shining stars, you impress me each day,\u201d Principal Francesca McAuliffe said. \u201cYou break the mold, and you come up with ideas that support and make the future a better place for all of us. Never lose that, continue to do that, and always shine.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event brought together members of the Parent-Teacher Association, faculty, and students.<\/p>\n

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