+ Implementing a Peer Buddy Program Neshaminy High School Christie Napadano & Kristin McGee

+ PRE-PHASE 1 Multiple meetings with Neshaminy High School administration Provided administration with a list of ideas we would like to see implemented Multiple times told to wait Asked not to reach out to schools to research current programs Told for students not to volunteer/participate in volunteer activities for school

+ Then……… We were contacted by a Special Education Teacher in charge of an existing club (late February) Discussed our ideas Accepted Planning started

+ Goals of Peer Buddy System Encourage acceptance Encourage social relationships between all students Work on transition goals of IEP to prepare students for transitioning

+ Initial Design of Program Peer Buddy to help student during resource class with work or vocational class to eat lunch with student once a week to encourage positive interactions and facilitate communication To become involved in extracurricular activities To participate together in school events To facilitate social interaction outside of school – “hang out” Start Social Contracts

+ Flaws In Our Design Unable to develop Peer Buddy “Only” System Students in club we were assigned to are extremely shy and quiet Students did not sign up to be a peer buddy Unable to make decisions and create a Peer Buddy system that will benefit our students the most Lack of Organization Lack of Direction in Club Decrease in attendance of regular education students

+ Phase 1 Meet with Special Education Supervisor to discuss Inquire/Visit existing programs Discuss ideas of peer buddy system with Change It Up Club Discuss possibilities of joining Change It Up Club to encourage diversity with Service Learning Club, Game Club, Peer Mediation, and Class Presidents Introduce to Change it Up Club ideas for starting program with social events Volunteer for the Autism Walk at Holy Family Sell t-shirts for Autism Awareness Month through Change it Up Club (students will sell during lunch)

+ Phase 1 Continued DIVERSITY= Differences, Individualism, Variety, Empathy, Respect, Sincerity, Inclusion, Teamwork, You Advertise Hang posters about diversity made by students Morning Announcements Have a Social for Diversity– sell tickets at $5.00- Gym – Wednesday, April 30 th – Volunteers to be obtained. Food, Music, & Games

+ Phase 2 Provide Training to Change It Up Club and other interested clubs - Discuss and define diversity, basic principles of diversity, and beginning to overcoming the barriers to diversity once a month Once a month have a social Discuss truly overcoming the barriers to diversity Begin implementing a program – Study Buddy or Lunch Buddy Obtain appropriate permissions for students participating in Study/Lunch Buddy Do at least 1 Fundraiser – Selling Mums or Cinnamon Buns – To be sold during school time with IA or teacher assistance Kick-off event for the Fall Table for Homecoming Game run by students

+ Phase 2 Continued Students create a commercial to advertise for more peer interaction Social media – Informational- President in charge of site

+ Phase 3 Incorporating vocational activities within the school to support transition goals (school store, selling tickets or t- shirts for groups) Join Greeting Committee to welcome new students Our students will fill orders for welcome cards – making, printing and delivering welcome cards to new students Offering service to NHS students and staff to purchase any type of card and candy Continue bi-monthly meetings

+ What’s Happened So Far? Multiple students staying after school for Change It Up Club Posters made and hung around school Big Sign hanging at front of school T-shirts sold – doubled our original plan. Students with and without disabilities sold t-shirts in the lunchroom to work on communication and math goals.

+ What’s Happened Continued? Students filled orders for t-shirts Tickets for social sold during lunch by Change It Up Club members and our students Social held. Students eating lunch together. Student interviewed for Student of the Week to kick off Autism Awareness Month Volunteered for Walk for Autism at Holy Family

+ Change It Up Social

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+ Favorite Clip Our student being interviewed for student of the week.