At Green Vale, nurturing a strong sense of community is a key part of our Mission and Strategic Plan, and the Lower School Community Groups program is one of the most meaningful ways we bring students together. This initiative, designed for 1st through 5th Grade students, helps create lasting bonds across grade levels, providing opportunities for students to engage, collaborate, and support one another in a unique group setting.
While the beloved Buddies Program pairs Upper School students with Early Childhood students, offering one-on-one mentorship and fostering relationships between older and younger students, Lower School Community Groups take a different approach. In this program, students come together in multi-age groups, and each student stays with their group throughout their Lower School years. This structure creates a strong, empowering network that grows and deepens as students progress through the grades.
The connections formed in these groups go beyond the classroom. Whether chatting about their favorite teachers, sharing stories about class trips, or reflecting on their individual experiences, students have the opportunity to learn from each other in a dynamic, multi-grade environment. The groups engage in a variety of activities such as community service, team-building exercises, and discussions led by homeroom teachers and specialists who serve as Community Group leaders.
Heather Wagner, Head of the Lower School, explains the importance of this initiative saying, "Community Groups plays an integral role in the Lower School experience because it helps students build relationships that span across grades. They see each other in the hallways, recognize familiar faces, and feel a part of something larger than their own grade. This sense of connection fosters a close-knit community where students learn from each other, support each other, and grow together year after year."
By the time students move on to Upper School, they leave the program with strong friendships, a sense of leadership, and a greater understanding of what it means to be part of a supportive, compassionate community. The Lower School Community Groups program is a testament to Green Vale’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every student is known, nurtured, and valued.