• BEST BUDDIES

     

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Advisor: Ms. Manfra--Room 118
    President: Gabby Fama
    Buddy Director: Donna Iuvone

    Vice President: Gabby DeLeon
    Executive Team Members: 

    Connor Farrington

    Ryan Cagnassola

    Lainee Henry

    Addison Wood

    WHAT TO EXPECT AS A MEMBER 

    We focus on forming meaningful friendships by creating one-to-one matches between a student with an IDD (intellectual or developmental disability) and a general education peer who shares similar interests. 

    Swing by the bulletin board in the 100-wing to see what’s been happening.

    HOW TO JOIN BEST BUDDIES

    Please complete the sign-up requirements as soon as possible. The sooner we have everyone signed up, the sooner we can begin matching friends and planning our fun activities. We would like this done by TUES., Oct. 4, 2022. But NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. You just won’t be matched in a one-to-one friendship.

     

    1. Join our Google Classroom--same one as last year

    Enter this code: zf7sbg5 

    1. Register Online*--New and Returing members must complete this step every year.

    Register on the BB360 platform.

    Go to: bestbuddies.org/join

    1. Do you want to order a Best Buddies t-shirt?

    $15–Cash or check payable to “WH Student Activity Fund” with “Best Buddies” and your name in the memo section is due with the application. Order forms available in room 118 and in the folder on the club bulletin board.

     

    A small green rectangle to divide sections of the document

    SOCIAL MEDIA and COMMUNICATION

    Twitter/Instagram: bestbuddies_wh
    Hashtags: #WHBestBuddies 

    Email: manfrat@warrenhills.org

    Voicemail: 908-689-3050 ext. 3569

     

    Join our Google Classroom

    Enter this code: zf7sbg5

     

    We will send announcements and updates to keep you informed about all of the upcoming activities. 

     

    STAYING INVOLVED

    Parent Volunteers

    If you are interested in helping with all or some of our activities, we would really appreciate it! Here are a few ideas to get started:

    • Carpooling to and from events outside of WH High School

    • Donations for activities

    • Chaperoning activities

    • Participating in Chapter fundraisers

    • Communicate with your child’s buddy and his/her parents to set up hangouts outside of school!

    BEST BUDDIES Mission

    Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. Best Buddies positively impacts nearly 700,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide. (Visit bestbuddies.org for more information about this amazing organization.)

    What is a buddy?

    A buddy is a student in the special education program who is interested in making new friends, participating in social activities, and is ready to experience some unforgettable moments and great memories!

    What is a peer buddy?

     

    Peer Buddies are students in general education who are partnered with students in the special education program. 

     

    Peer buddies will exchange contact information with their buddies and their parents. This will allow all to schedule convenient hangouts, transportation to and from activities as well as improve their friendships with their buddies. Peer buddies are required to make contact (call, stop by the classroom, send text, etc.) once a week and hang out at least twice a month (eat lunch with them at school, hang out on the weekends or come to activities with them). 

    *If you cannot register online, we can provide a printed copy of the Membership Application Packet with the consent forms. Contact Ms. Manfra to receive a hard copy of the forms instead of the online versions.