RMS Buddy Program is Blossoming
Last year at Rotolo Middle School, eighth-graders in the Principal Advisory Group were paired up with a RMS buddy in the Instructional Learning Program (ILP). The Principal Advisory Group students assisted their buddies with morning routines and class lessons.
The program was a hit!
It was so successful, in fact, that this year it was opened up to additional eighth graders outside of the Principal Advisory Group and the program was widened to include PE, lunch, and other day parts for all participating students to practice their social skills.
At a recent PE class taught by Sandy Krantz, eighth-grade peer partners and their buddies walked into gym class and immediately started their routine by greeting each other and walking around the gym to sync social and physical activity. An impromptu dance party also broke out.
Students then stretched out together and received instructions from Mrs. Krantz on the day’s volleyball lesson.
Mrs. Krantz adapted her volleyball unit to include beach balls instead volleyballs and modified the traditional volleyball court to include ball toss courts and a running lane. Together, the students honed their hand-eye coordination and fine and gross motor skills with ball throwing and catching, running, cup stacking, and tossing. When buddies needed help, their peer partners stepped right in.
“It helps both of us,” said Luke Reimer, RMS eighth-grader, on his experience in the buddy program. “We are learning and gaining leadership skills all at the same time. I used to stereotype people. Through this experience, I learned there are no stereotypes.”
Sitting in on the adaptive PE class is eye opening. It’s impossible to tell who is teaching and who is learning because it’s happening simultaneously and effortlessly between all students in the gym. The social interaction between ILP students and peers from the general education population is in a natural, authentic setting. The peer partners view the students in the ILP program as friends. They focus on their abilities, not their disabilities. This happens through exposure, education, and experience.
“Sandy is amazing! She has made this program valuable for all participating students,” said Natalie Assell, RMS assistant director of special education. “If the students who participate in the ILP Program are studying a specific unit in their classroom, she’ll incorporate it into her PE class lessons. In November, students in the ILP are preparing a Thanksgiving Feast for their families. Sandy’s working on ways to reinforce what Barb and Tony [ILP Teachers Barbara Mamach and Tony Baier] will be teaching their students about preparing a shopping list, knowing the food groups, sorting foods, etc.”
Mrs. Kranz high-fives all students after class.
One student in the buddy program summed it best, “Being a part of this program opens up your mind,” said RMS eighth-grader Roy McMarrow. “I’ve learned it’s OK to be different. We’re all different.”
For more information about Rotolo Middle School’s Instructional Learning Program and Peer Partnership Program, contact Natalie Assell.
