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‘Mrs. Jones’ Friendship Bench’ Dedicated at Parkway School in Honor of Retired Teacher

From left: Dan Jones, Temple Jones, Cathy Cole, and Dayton Cole stand behind the bench.
From left: Dan Jones, Temple Jones, Cathy Cole, and Dayton Cole stand behind the “Mrs. Jones’ Friendship Bench.”

A playground bench dedicated at Parkway School on Friday provides more than just a place to sit.  The bench is named “Mrs. Jones’ Friendship Bench” in honor of beloved Parkway teacher Temple Jones, who retired last June.

“The idea behind the bench is that any student who feels in need of a little camaraderie can sit on the bench and his or her classmates will come alongside and be a friend,” remarked Kim Pryor, a third grade teacher at Parkway.

A plaque on the bench reads “Saving the world one friend at a time” and includes the Helen Keller quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

“Mrs. Jones is known for a teaching style that develops the whole child and emphasizes kindness and empathy for others, so this bench is the perfect tribute to her legacy,” said Pryor.  “What makes it even more special is that it was created and crafted by one of Mrs. Jones’ former Parkway students, Justin Cole.  We are  proud to honor Mrs. Jones with this skilled handiwork of a former student.”