When our little ones start their first year of kindergarten, it can feel like a big transition in a school with
many grades and “big students.” Because of this, one of our beloved traditions was created during the
school’s founding years. Prayer Buddies is a unique, community-focused tradition that connects 8th
graders with kindergarteners several times throughout the school year, which creates a long-lasting impact
on both students.

Teachers thoughtfully pair each kindergarten student with an 8th-grade buddy at the beginning of each school year. The buddies sit together at community Mass each week and visit the classroom several times throughout the year. Their relationship culminates at graduation, when the buddies walk into the Baccalaureate together, and the kindergartener gives their buddy a San Damiano cross to remember their time at TFS. “When the kindergarteners give their buddies the cross, it’s perhaps the most touching aspect of the program,” shares Principal Dawn Smith.

8th-grade teacher Patsy Thieken, who has been at the school since its founding, sees this experience's remarkable impact on her 8th graders: “This program holds significant importance for 8th graders, as it emphasizes their role as leaders within the school. It’s heartwarming to witness the engagement and nurturing between the students.” The interactions with their buddies teach the 8th graders valuable lessons in patience, maturity, kindness, and good citizenship. Mrs. Thieken also shares that as the year progresses, the relationships deepen into joy and enthusiasm, which is quite special to watch.

Principal Smith similarly believes that 8th graders are given the opportunity to model leadership,
responsibility, empathy, and patience. “All of these aspects make TFS a stronger community,” shares
Principal Smith, “helping us grow together in our faith, continue with tradition, and foster
interconnectedness across different grade levels.”

This importance is just as profound for kindergarteners. Sara Akers, kindergarten teacher, says that the
buddies help show and guide our kindergarteners in forming a love for our faith. “We not only meet
during Mass, but the buddies also help to facilitate Stations of the Cross, Catholic Social Teaching days,
and other liturgical events throughout the year.”

Jenny Hammond, a parent of a 7th grader, reflects on when her son, Will, was in kindergarten. “As
new TFS parents, we were relieved to have an older student take our son under his wing and help him
navigate the school. They formed a very special bond that year, and his buddy continues to stay in touch
and even visits when home on college breaks. With this special program, we received a buddy and friend for life!"

Mrs. Akers has seen the same – many prayer buddies have kept in touch with each other throughout the
years, seeing each other at Mass or even outside of school. We look forward to continuing this time-
honored tradition at TFS with its far-reaching positive impacts on students' academic, social, and
spiritual development, strengthening the overall school environment.