Global volunteer movement Best Buddies now at Loveland Middle School

 

Goal establishment to bring a chapter to Loveland High School beginning in 2015

 

Loveland, Oh. - Loveland Middle School (LMS) is now home to one of only a few middle school chapters of Best Buddies, an international organization focused on promoting one-to-one friendships between students that might not meet under ordinary circumstances.

The LMS chapter of Best Buddies kicked off its inaugural year with a fantastic night of bowling at Eastgate Lanes. Members pictured (L to R): Jack Shanahan, Merrick Hummer, Olivia Piziali, Noah King, Natalie Drury, Jack Wentland, Adian Mitchell and Eileen Wassel. Members not pictured: Max Pardue, Ryan Paolino, Josh Albin, Grace Powell, Jordan Morrison and Grace Bernth.

“Partnerships nurture one-to-one friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, and an environment of acceptance and friendship is paramount,” said LMS Teacher Jenn Ramage, who works as an advisor to the group, along with colleagues Rachael Angel and Carol Huxhold. “Members are paired according to similar interests and encouraged to communicate regularly at school, at least once per week via texting or telephone conversation, and schedule a social event together at least once per month.

“The founding of the Best Buddies chapter at LMS is the first step in bringing this global volunteer movement to the Cincinnati region. It is the goal of the LMS chapter to blossom throughout the year and continue to grow through the establishment of a chapter at Loveland High School beginning in 2015.”

Currently there are 14 charter members; students and families interested in becoming involved in Best Buddies can contact any advisor for additional information via email: [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

Loveland Middle School (LMS) is now home to one of only a few middle school chapters of Best Buddies, an international organization focused on promoting one-to-one friendships between students that might not meet under ordinary circumstances.

“Partnerships nurture one-to-one friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, and an environment of acceptance and friendship is paramount,” said LMS Teacher Jenn Ramage, who works as an advisor to the group, along with colleagues Rachael Angel and Carol Huxhold. “Members are paired according to similar interests and encouraged to communicate regularly at school, at least once per week via texting or telephone conversation, and schedule a social event together at least once per month.

“The founding of the Best Buddies chapter at LMS is the first step in bringing this global volunteer movement to the Cincinnati region. It is the goal of the LMS chapter to blossom throughout the year and continue to grow through the establishment of a chapter at Loveland High School beginning in 2015.”

Currently there are 14 charter members; students and families interested in becoming involved in Best Buddies can contact any advisor for additional information via email: [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
- See more at: http://www.lovelandschools.org/protected/articleView.aspx?iid=5IP002&dasi=3IU2#sthash.ReZVTUcR.dpuf