Students are recommended by staff to become a Bryan Buddy at the start of the school year. Recommended students are then asked if they are interested in participating in the program before parent permission is received.
What is a Bryan Buddy?
This is an important role at Bryan Middle School in helping a child with special needs develop friendships among his/her peers. Children with special needs generally have a number of adult helpers and friends. However, like all students, they desire and need friendships with other students. Being a Bryan Buddy is voluntary.
What does a Bryan Buddy do?
The main goal of the Bryan Buddy Program is for the students to gain an appreciation of each other and to have FUN together. The BRYAN BUDDY is not in charge of or responsible for the student with the special needs and activities take place under adult guidance. Activities might include playing a game together, doing a craft, eating lunch together in the cafeteria or small group setting, cooperatively working on appropriate tasks, or going to an after school sports event or activity. For Bryan Buddies to remain in the program they must maintain passing grades and display appropriate school behavior.
When do Bryan Buddies meet and how often?
Your child will participate in the Bryan Buddy group once a month or every other month. The group will meet on Friday during 3rd period, for 30- 40 minutes. Depending on your child’s schedule, he/she may be pulled from an academic class to participate as a Bryan Buddy. Your student will be responsible for talking to their teacher and making up the work that is missed in their class. Once a month there will be an after school activity that your child can volunteer to join, with parent permission.
What can your child gain from being a Bryan Buddy?
- Feeling good about their role as a leader and friend.
- Being a Bryan Buddy helps develop an awareness of and sensitivity to others as well as opportunities for developing and practicing problem-solving skills.
- Making a new friend and having FUN!
