Every Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Bulkley's fifth grade class at visits Miss Novotnik's kindergarten class to read with them.
Bulkley and Novotnik began their reading buddies program five years ago—and it has become a highlight of the week for all involved.
Bulkley believes the program teaches responsibility to his fifth graders and creates lasting bonds with the younger children.
And the kindergarteners, according to Novotnik, look to the fifth graders as role models and enjoy learning to read from an older student.
Both Bulkely and Novotnik also say it is nice for the kindergarteners to have some older children welcome them into the school.
And during the annual kindergarten Halloween parade, the fifth graders make sure to yell out their kindergarten reading buddies names, making them feel special.
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Editor's note: This announcement originally was posted Thursday. The time stamp has been changed for layout purposes on the Home page of Darien Patch.
