By: Mak Krinsky [Impact | Puget Sound Elementary Kindergarten Educator]
At Impact Public Schools, we live out our commitments to Spread Joy and Stronger Together through programs like PSE Peers. We believe a strong school community is built through meaningful relationships, and during the 25–26 school year, Impact I Puget Sound Elementary launched PSE Peers as a cross-grade buddy program that intentionally pairs older and younger scholars. Meeting at least once a month, these scholars connect, learn, and grow together. What began as an idea rooted in belonging has quickly grown into a school-wide tradition that both scholars and staff eagerly look forward to.
The inspiration behind PSE Peers came from a deep belief in the power of role models. There is something incredibly special about having someone to look up to; someone who has walked the same hallways, learned from the same teachers, and grown within the same school community. As a longtime Kindergarten teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how much confidence, comfort, and motivation young scholars gain simply from watching and learning from an older student who cares about them. PSE Peers was created to bring that magic to life across our campus.
The impact of PSE Peers is best reflected through the voices and experiences of our scholars. One 4th grade scholar shared, “My favorite part is that we get to show and tell them what they’re going to learn and that they look up to us,” while another added, “They’re really respectful, and when they’re having a good day, it makes our day too.” For our youngest scholars, the joy is just as meaningful. A Kindergarten scholar shared, “My buddy is my friend. I like to color with them and have fun. They’re very nice to me in the hallways.” Across campus, these relationships come to life through shared, joyful experiences with one another. One of our 1st grade classes, the Hedgehogs, and a 4th grade class, the Seahorses, came together with their buddies to create snow globes and celebrate, while our Kindergarten Monarchs partnered with 2nd grade Caterpillar scholars to write silly stories filled with laughter and creativity. These connections extend beyond monthly meet-ups, giving scholars friendly faces to wave to, trusted buddies to count on, and a stronger sense of belonging throughout the school day.
PSE Peers has also had a powerful impact on our staff community. Teachers are building consistent relationships across grade levels, finding new opportunities to collaborate, and strengthening our campus culture. “PSE Peers gives my scholars a sense of responsibility and leadership while building connections across the school,” shared Miss P., a 4th grade teacher. Ms. Eddy, a 1st grade teacher, added, “It creates opportunities to cross-collaborate and build relationships with grade bands we might not normally work with. ” As one teacher perfectly summed up, “The kids love seeing each other in the hallways and we all get so excited.” That excitement has sparked a stronger adult culture as well, with educators forming their own “buddy” connections, mirroring the relationships our scholars are building every day.
Seeing PSE Peers grow from just an idea into a thriving program has been incredibly meaningful. On Friday mornings, our halls come alive as older and younger scholars learn, create, and smile together. Reminding us all of the power of intentional community. Looking ahead, I hope to expand PSE Peers to other schools across our organization and, eventually, into our middle and high schools as Impact continues to grow. Someday I hope to have the ability to weave it more intentionally into our Social-Emotional Learning curriculum, with lessons on what it means to be a strong role model – emphasizing empathy, problem solving, friendship, and leadership. Giving the scholars the support to take the program beyond the monthly meet-ups, one day envisioning older buddies providing ongoing support for our younger scholars through check-ins, encouragement, or simply being a trusted presence during tough moments. And with that, we look forward to celebrating these bright role models through recognitions like “Buddy of the Month” and shout-outs during Community Meetings that honor our core values.
At its heart, PSE Peers is about belonging, creating a school culture where scholars feel seen and supported by not just their teachers but also by their fellow scholars. Creating a space where everyone, young and old, can grow together. PSE Peers is more than a program—it’s a celebration of connection, leadership, and the joy of a values-driven, united school community.