Spotlight on Willow Springs Elementary

Strengthening Relationships and Belonging at Willow Springs Elementary

At Willow Springs Elementary School, relationships are at the center of our work. Guided by student voice and our SEL focus on sense of belonging, we continue to build meaningful connections among students, staff, and families. Through intentional programs and partnerships, we are creating a school community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

POG Buddies: Building Connections Through Inclusion

One of our most celebrated new initiatives this year is our  POG Buddy program. After hearing directly from students about a desire for a stronger sense of belonging—and inspired by the impactful PACK Buddy work at Oak Hill—we launched POG Buddies with excitement and purpose. The program pairs students from our Enhanced Autism Classrooms and Advanced Academic Programs with general education classes to foster authentic connections across classrooms.

The joy this program has brought to both students and staff has been truly heartwarming. One of our proudest successes is a 5th-grade class partnered with our Enhanced Autism Classrooms. These students have gone above and beyond—escorting their buddies to class, reading together, and finding creative ways to connect outside of scheduled buddy time. Their compassion, leadership, and genuine friendships beautifully reflect our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

MentorWorks and Check-In/Check-Out Supports

Willow Springs also fosters strong relationships through our thriving  MentorWorks program. Currently, more than twenty students are paired with trusted adult mentors within the building. These mentors—teachers, specialists, office staff, administrators, counselors, and social workers—meet weekly with students from Kindergarten through 6th grade, providing encouragement, consistency, and connection.

Students consistently share how meaningful these relationships are, saying things like,  “My mentor is super nice and always reads books with me,”  and  “I like to play games and talk to my mentor.”  Students are thoughtfully paired with mentors, and regular check-ins ensure each match continues to be supportive and successful.

In addition, select students receive  Check-In/Check-Out interventions tailored to their individual needs. These consistent touchpoints with caring adults help students feel supported throughout the school day and further strengthen their sense of belonging.

Partnership with Our PTA

Strong relationships extend beyond the school day through our partnership with the  Willow Springs PTA. Increased communication, virtual meetings, and family-focused events have allowed for greater involvement and connection between families and staff. The PTA’s ongoing support plays a vital role in building community and strengthening the home-school partnership that benefits all students.