Buddy System

RCDS is a family and our school uses a variety of programs to build a sense of family and community. Two of these are "buddy programs" - one to help students to make friends across the grades, the other to help new parents make a comfortable transition to our school.

Our buddy program for children brings together students of different ages. Every Beginner has a fifth grade "big buddy;" first graders are paired up with third graders; second graders with fourth. The pairs of children meet regularly to work on academic projects and play games. They often form lasting friendships - enjoyed by both the "big" and "little" buddies!

Parent Council organizes its buddy program to welcome new families to our school. Late each summer, old and new families are carefully paired according to the ages of their children. This helps new parents to make friends and provides them with someone to answer their questions and introduce them to our school family.