A Signature Tradition, A New Adventure

The Kindergarten/8th Grade Buddy Program is one of St. Matthew’s most cherished traditions, thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections between our young learners and Middle School leaders. Throughout the school year, buddies meet regularly for shared experiences that blend academic support, creative projects, and simple moments of friendship. 8th graders read stories to their buddies, collaborate on art activities, gather for playground time, and serve as caring role models: this is what makes St. Matthew’s a true community. Along the way, Kindergarten students gain enthusiastic mentors who celebrate their growth and curiosity, while 8th graders develop responsibility, empathy, and leadership.

This year marked an exciting evolution of the program: the first-ever joint field trip for Kindergarten and 8th grade buddies. Together, the two classes traveled to the California Science Center for a day of hands-on learning and connection.

The visit began with a screening of Antarctica 3D in the IMAX theater, sparking curiosity and wonder. In the Science Center’s interactive discovery spaces, 8th graders guided their Kindergarten buddies through exhibits, encouraging questions and exploration. At the Game On! Sports Science exhibit, pairs worked side by side to explore the physics and biology behind athletic performance, turning scientific concepts into shared discoveries.

What made the experience especially meaningful was watching the Class of 2026 embrace their roles as leaders in a field trip setting. With maturity and care, they ensured their younger buddies felt confident, included, and engaged throughout the day.

“We wanted to create an experience where the 8th graders were docents and leaders for our inaugural Kindergarten/8th grade field trip,” shared Kindergarten teachers, Mr. Cinnamo and Ms. McGinnis. “Our trip to the California Science Center was a wonderful bonding experience. It was great to see our Kindergarteners and their middle school buddies exploring, learning, and enjoying the day together. The connections they built made the field trip even more meaningful and memorable for everyone.”

For the Kindergarten students, the day provided not only rich scientific learning, but also the opportunity to see firsthand what it means to be curious, confident learners who ask thoughtful questions and explore with wonder. For our 8th graders, the field trip offered authentic leadership in action, strengthening responsibility, practicing real-world problem-solving, and giving back to a school community that has supported them throughout their educational journey.

This inaugural shared field trip reflects St. Matthew’s commitment to relationship-centered education, an approach that grows with our students and deepens over time. We look forward to many more collaborative experiences that continue to strengthen these cross-grade bonds and enrich the St. Matthew’s experience for learners at every stage.

Interested in learning more about how St. Matthew’s creates transformative experiences for students? Contact us to schedule a tour and discover what makes our community so special.