Kate Rosa loves socializing so much she is getting graded on it. Rosa is one of the students in the Peer Buddies.
The peer buddies program, run by Mrs. Ilyce Cronk and Miss Tina Meyers just started last year. The idea for incorporating the peer buddies program at Woodland Regional High School was brought up when they saw the Peer Buddies Program at Ansonia High School. The program was successful there and they wanted to bring a similar program to Woodland.
Peer Buddies is a class that helps the life skills kids learn a variety of tasks while socializing with other students.
Last year this class was only needed for one block. This year, Cronk and Meyers changed it to three blocks because so many students wanted to be a part of this program.
Unfortunately there are not enough life skills kids to pair up with the Peer Buddy students so this class is only offered only being for a half- year credit. This change to the schedule gives the helpers more freedom with their schedule rather than being committed to a full year of peer buddies but, if there is room and if the students schedule allows them to do a full year then they can. .
Cronk appreciates the interaction this program allows her students. “My favorite part of peer buddies is watching the skills kids make new friends and have fun,” said Cronk. And Rosa agrees.
What got her started in peer buddies is that she saw her friends doing it and thought it “would be fun to start doing it as well. “My favorite part of peer buddies is socializing and working with the kids.” Said Rosa. However the focus of the class is not merely socialization students are responsible for teaching lessons.
Rosa thought it would be hard to get used to the change, but after experiencing the change she now feels she will be able to adapt. “It is easier to teach a whole class rather than an individual. Said Rosa.”
She also states that she plans to continue senior year. Kate also wants to use Peer Buddies in her senior project. Since Rosa wants to work with kids in her future Peer Buddies is a good class to be in. Being a part of peer buddies has helped her feel more comfortable working with kids.
It will also play a big part in her senior project. As the Peer Buddies program grows it allows students to not only interact but also to learn from each other. She is now a sophomore, but she also has experience with Peer Buddies since she took it for a half year during her freshmen year.
