The Buddy Box

Do you recognize this box? Maybe you've seen it before and wondered what what it was.  Or maybe you've dropped some papers in it and wondered what would happen to them.  This is the Buddy Box and every school has one.  It's a way for you to get help for yourself or your friends anonymously.

Why anonymously?  Sometimes we're afraid that we might hurt someone's feelings.  Sometimes we might feel embarrassed.  Sometimes friends have asked us not to say anything.  There are a lot of reasons why kids feel like telling an adult would be hard.  Using the buddy box is a way to tell an adult about a problem without having to worry about any of those reasons.

So Where Is the Buddy Box?

You've probably already seen it in the library on the circulation desk.  It is there so that you can find it when you need it.  The library is open before and after school, during lunch, and whenever your language arts class visits.

If you need to pass on any information to the counselor or principal, simply right a note with some of the details and place it in the box.  You can do it whenever the library is open.

When not to use the Buddy Box

The Buddy Box is a great way to get some help but there are some limitations and times when you shouldn't use it.  The Buddy Box is not immediate communication.  It may take some time before someone reads your note.

• Never use the Buddy Box for an emergency.
• Never use the Buddy Box to report an immediate threat (something that will happen soon).
• Never use the Buddy Box as a joke.

Emergencies and immediate threats should be reported to the office as soon as possible.  And jokes take time to sort out--time that could be spent helping someone else.