Koda Benches Arrive at Unqua, East Lake

Courtesy Massapequa Schools

Unqua and East Lake Elementary Schools were the proud recipients of Koda Benches this week, thanks to a collaborative project by Massapequa High School art and technology students aimed at promoting more inclusive school environments. Koda is a Native American word meaning friend or companion. The high school students designed and constructed the benches to feature positive, inspirational symbols and sayings intended to help students embrace acceptance of all students.

“The benches are a place for children to go when needing a friend to play with or talk to, or where friends can sit together and talk,” explained art teacher Penny Schneider, who worked with James Desantis’ technology classes on the project. The concept is similar to the “Buddy Bench,” which many schools have added to their grounds, but Schneider wanted to put her own spin on the idea and ramp up the creativity factor.

Unqua’s bench promotes “Furry Friends” and is designed as a raccoon, the school’s mascot. East Lake’s bench features ice cream cones and the slogan “Friendship is sweet.” Lockhart’s bench has trees and little birds that displays the saying, “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.” Lockhart’s bench is still being constructed and is expected to be delivered in the fall.

According to Schneider, the schools received the benches as a “gift” from the high school classes.

“The high school students were excited about the opportunity to go back to the elementary schools they attended and contribute their masterpieces for all the children to enjoy,” she said.