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Banana Splits
Banana Splits is a peer support group for children whose families are going through transition (separation, divorce, adoption, illness, or death of a family member).Our program supports children through group meetings, which are organized by grade level. The groups meet during lunch and involve time for news and sharing, as well as an activity or game.Banana Splits was developed in the 1970s by Elizabeth McGongagle, a school social worker who worked in the Ballston Spa School District. It's is a wonderful program that can be found in schools nation wide, as well as around the world. New Hartford Central School District has proudly offered Banana Splits for almost 30 years at the elementary level. As the children moved on form the elementary setting, a similar program is offered at the Junior High School known as H.O.P.T. (Helping Other People Talk - named by students).An annual celebration is held at the end of each school year with a picnic at the New Hartford Recreation Center, which is attended by students, parents and participating teachers. The success of the program can be attributed to the enthusiastic support of families, faculty/staff, administration, PTAs, and more than 200 student members.
