Carrollwood Day School Launching Buddy Program

This week, first-graders at Carrollwood Day School will have some help navigating campus life.

With the help of the Parent Teacher Organization, they will be paired up with seniors for the school's first ever buddy program, said Shannon Gauthier, marketing director for the school at 1515 W. Bearss Avenue.

The program, which was the idea of high school Principal Ryan Kelly, has earned the nickname "Patriot Buddies," and will be kicked off with an all-campus assembly held at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23.

School officials hope to "connect a tie between them that can continue throughout the years, and create a one school mentality," said Gauthier. "Hopefully, it will create excitement with the first-graders to look forward to being a CDS senior one day."

Here's how the program works:

On the first day of school, first graders - also known as the class of 2024 - and seniors - the class of 2013 - will meet their Patriot Buddies and receive bracelets and T-shirts, Gauthier said. Both classes will also create messages that welcome each other back to school, she said.

During the year, first-graders and seniors will partner for library and lunch dates, Gauthier said. In addition, the first-graders will provide "treats and tips" for seniors during their exams, and play a role in the senior send-off at the end of the school year, Gauthier said.

What do you think of the program? Tell us in the comments.