If a Sippican Elementary School student feels lonely during recess, they now have a safe space to sit with the knowledge that a peer will soon see them and extend an offer to play.

            This is a result of the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee’s recent donation of $2,500 to Sippican, which funded the installation of Buddy Benches on the playground.

            Buddy Benches, found at school playgrounds around the world, are brightly colored benches that promote inclusion, empathy and kindness among students. If a child feels lonely at recess, they can sit on the bench to signal how they are feeling. In response, other students are encouraged to invite them to join a game or conversation.

            “The installation of Buddy Benches at Sippican provides a new way to promote friendship and kindness across the student body,” said Principal Lynn Dessert. “The benches allow students to advocate for themselves by acknowledging their feelings and, in turn, their peers respond positively by reaching out.”

            The Committee’s donation funded the installation of two Buddy Benches. The remaining funds were used to purchase 25 copies of “The Buddy Bench” by Patty Brozo, which tells the story of one school’s experience with a Buddy Bench and its impact on students.

            The Buddy Bench project builds on the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee’s longtime support of Sippican.

            “We are grateful for the support the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee has provided to Sippican Elementary School over the years,” said Marion School Committee Chair April Nye. “Whether it is through classroom resources, family engagements or projects like the Buddy Benches, their support helps the school foster a positive and inclusive experience for every child.”

            In January 2023, the Committee donated $375 to support the One Book One School initiative, $1,000 to help sustain the school’s annual Vocabulary Day tradition and $300 to help relaunch Anchor, a family engagement group that hosts community-building events such as the Spaghetti Supper and Bingo Night.

            In 2016, the Committee also contributed $2,000 toward the purchase of technology equipment for the school.

            “The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee is proud to contribute to Sippican in ways that support both academic growth and a caring school culture,” said Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Dowd. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Sippican through this Buddy Bench project, and we hope that many friendships will begin on these benches.”

            The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee also offers scholarships to Marion High School students through the generosity of Marion residents.

            “We thank the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee for their continued generosity toward Sippican,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “These investments support learning, connection and kindness. The simple act of inviting a classmate to play can make a lasting difference for a child, and the Buddy Benches will help create those moments every day.”

            The Town of Marion maintains The Scholarship and Education Fund entirely

through donations from generous Marion Residents. Contributions can be made via a check payable to: Town of Marion Scholarship/Education Fund, mailed to 2 Spring St., Marion, MA 02738.

            “The Committee greatly appreciates every donation, and we look forward to continuing to support Marion students,” said Chairperson Dowd.

This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, activity in Boston Harbor sparked a flurry of speculation as to what the British were planning. Retreat or counter-attack? Thomas Paine first published his 47-page book, Common Sense, soon to spread like a wildfire across the colonies. News of the disaster at Quebec on New Years slowly trickles south.

            On January 13, 1776, Major General Philip Schuyler writes to George Washington from Albany detailing his “melancholy account” of the events that transpired in Canada two weeks prior. He says, “My amiable friend the gallant Montgomery is no more, the brave Arnold is wounded and we have met with a severe check in an unsuccessful attempt on Quebec.” He mentions further offense could be waged with reinforcements, which he does not expect to arrive. At this time, Washington also expects the troops from Canada will arrive back to reinforce him outside Boston after a triumphant victory.

            With the Continental Army’s defeat, Schuyler says “nothing my dear sir seems left to prevent the most fatal consequences,” or a counterattack from the north. He adds that he has mulled over his previously desired retirement, saying “affairs are much worse than when I made the request, this is motive enough for me to continue to serve my country.” He concludes by saying clothing and supplies are headed to Cambridge from Albany, though not much is left.

            Washington convenes a Council of War on January 16 in Cambridge, still unaware of the fate of Canada. Many are in attendance, including John Adams of Braintree and James Warren of Plymouth. The council agrees unanimously that a “vigorous attempt” be made to assault Boston, as soon as it is practical to do so. The army still awaits Colonel Henry Knox, who presumably at this time is still slowed by the weather in his march east with the artillery of Ticonderoga.

            Washington finally receives a rushed letter from Schuyler on January 18 and immediately recalls another meeting of the Council of War. They say it “improper” to direct troops currently stationed around Boston to defend the northern front and instead decided to push for the enlistment of an additional thirteen 728-man regiments. Three of those regiments are to be sent to the north with the rest being brought to Cambridge.

            On January 19, Washington sends a letter to the governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire stressing urgent action following the failures in Canada. He says, “I am persuaded therefore, that you will exert yourselves to the utmost, to throw in the reinforcement that is now required of your colony.” His letter stresses if troops are not sent soon, New England is in danger.

            On January 20, John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, writes to Washington to also respond to the news from the north. He states Congress is “anxious” to repair the losses in manpower as well as, still, “if possible gain possession of Quebec.” He states Congress is “unanimous of the opinion” that troops will be raised and sent north.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop