Maren Bradley, Pickney PTO president, helped raise money through an online fundraiser. “If someone just sits there and another kid would walk up, 'Wow this is a cool bench, I wanna sit there, I want to be friends with this kid,” said Ortega-Perez. There's also the hope the benches will lead to new friendships. “I’m happy I can bring a sense of closure to the kids at the school,” said Robinson. Organizers at Van Go hope it will be a place for students have new conversations and avoid loneliness.Īrtists Cornelio Ortega-Perez and Simn Robinson created benches in honor of the Pickney Elementry School students transitioning to new schools. Van Go is an arts-based, social service agency.Įach bench comes with a different story, reason and feeling painted onto them. With the help of Lawrence student artists, they created 20 buddy benches across the city. Jennifer Roth, Van Go board president, helped unveil a new kind of opportunity. With three weeks to go until school starts, the community is trying to make sure kids have the best experience at their new schools.

The students and families who went to Broken Arrow Elementary and Pickney Elementary schools had to choose a new school to call home. The Lawrence Public Schools made the tough decision last spring to close two elementary schools because of funding woes. Jeffrey Hirschman, Senior Program DirectorĬapital Area YMCA - 60 ext.LAWRENCE, KS.

Parents interested in participating in the Capital Area YMCA’s Before School or After School Program should contact us for registration information.

The Capital Area YMCA provides an aftercare program where students can finish homework, participate in enrichment activities and make lifelong friends. Would you like to work with children? Join the Y team at. The Capital Area YMCA is NOW registering students and hiring staff for the BEFORE AND AFTER CARE Programs for the 2023-2024 School Year.īEFORE CARE: 7:10AM – SCHOOL STARTS - Available in the following schools:ĪFTER CARE: Until End of School – 6:00PM (all schools)

Lawrence township school calendar