A Place to Belong: Goulds Elementary Unveils its Buddy Bench on March 19, 2026
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Goulds Elementary School is proud to announce the installation of its new Buddy Bench, a visible symbol of friendship and emotional support that creates a dedicated anti-bullying space where students can seek connection and belonging. The Buddy Bench will be officially unveiled during a special ceremony on March 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., bringing together students, staff, families, and community partners to celebrate connection and belonging.
This initiative was made possible through generous support from The Children’s Trust and in collaboration with Christina’s Academy, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the emotional well-being of children and families in the Goulds and Homestead communities.
Located at 23555 SW 112th Avenue, Homestead, FL, Goulds Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th and is led by Principal Mrs. Passmore-Mack, whose commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong family engagement continues to shape the school’s nurturing culture. Under her leadership, the school prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
The Buddy Bench stands as a daily reminder that at Goulds Elementary, no child stands alone — every student has a place to belong.
The My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP) proudly celebrates the installation of its 8th Buddy Bench in Miami-Dade County, marking a growing movement of schools using the bench as a proactive tool for connection and communication. MBBP was recently selected to present at the Florida Counseling Association, sharing the impact of the Buddy Bench Program with doctors, therapists, and school counselors from across the state. Educators are embracing the Buddy Bench as more than a symbol, it serves as an intentional outdoor space where staff can engage students in meaningful conversations.
Mental Health:
Our commitment goes beyond just a bench—we offer the Buddy Bench Program, which includes Social Emotional Learning (SEL)-aligned Enrichment Activities that promote empathy, inclusion, and social-emotional skills, with the goal of helping to end the stigma around mental health among children and youth.
— Co-Founder / Mom Mary Portela
From the Co-Founder:
“Even though I still struggle at times with students who don’t always show kindness, that’s exactly why the Buddy Bench Program matters so much to me,” said Victoria Portela, youth co-founder and Kindness Ambassador of the My Buddy Bench Project. “I hope our program helps educate all students about how a small, intentional act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s emotional wellness, and inspires a culture shift from Pre-K through high school where no one feels alone or left out.”
