LYNN — The Lynn Rotary introduced a new initiative, the “Buddy Bench/Happy to Chat Bench,” at Fallon Elementary School in an effort to encourage conversations in the community.

Retired Lynn Public Schools teacher and Rotarian Irene Cowdell suggested placing a “Buddy Bench” at the school. 

In a press release from the Lynn Rotary, it said that the school has an alternative pre-K through fifth-grade program providing a variety of academic and therapeutic support for its students.

“The school utilizes a strength-based behavior management system to help reintegrate its students back into regular programs,” the press release reads.

The bench is meant to spark conversation. When someone is there sitting alone, another person can sit down and introduce themselves.

“Our goal has always been the same,” Fallon Principal Nancy Takis-Conway said in the release. “We strive to create a positive learning collaborative that fosters respect and compassion. I’m so thrilled to have this bench for our students. Many of our children have the perception that they’re not popular, have no friends, and simply feel isolated.”

Takis-Conway said that the students at the school now know that if they see a classmate alone on the “Buddy Bench,” they should walk over and engage in conversation or invite them to join in with whatever activity they’re doing.