This year, OLHMS proudly continued the Buddies Program, pairing 8th grade students with students from the CASE program for interactive learning experiences designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and friendship. The program has been a hit, with both groups coming together to work on meaningful projects that blend academics with hands-on activities.
One buddy group read The Bad Seed by Jory John, then teamed up to complete a STEM challenge where they designed and built a new home for the seed, exploring engineering and problem-solving skills in the process. The second group read Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall and tackled a creative engineering project by constructing catapults. Together, they launched their Jabari characters off a diving board and into a "swimming pool," adding a fun, competitive twist to the activity.
The Buddies Program has not only helped students bond but also encouraged teamwork, innovation, and communication between the 8th graders and CASE students. As the year progresses, we look forward to more exciting activities and the growth of these new friendships!
