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Buddy bench dedicated to Dr. Franklin

7/10/2017

The fifth grade class at Polo Road Elementary School has dedicated a "buddy bench" to district Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marshalynn Franklin. The dedication is part of an annual tradition where the fifth grade class leaves behind a gift to the school. This year, the class and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omega Gamma Omega Chapter, collaborated on the gift.

With a steady influx of military and transient students, there is always a "new kid" on the playground at Polo Road. A buddy bench is a place where any student who needs a buddy can sit. This signals to others that they need a friend. Students are encouraged to invite kids on the bench to come play with them.

"Inviting a new student to play is an easy way for kids to demonstrate compassion," said Franklin, who is president of the Omega Gamma Omega Chapter. Franklin served as principal of Polo Road from 2011 to 2016. During her time there, one of the core values was compassion.

During the recent dedication, attended by chapter members, including Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dr. Monica Elkins-Johnson, the fifth graders even demonstrated how to properly use the bench.