Middleton High School’s Best Buddies Club – a peer-led program that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development and inclusivity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – is growing at a time when building social connections is more important than ever.
According to a recent report from the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, only half of Wisconsin high school students feel like they belong in the classroom. The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health noted social connectedness is critical for students’ mental and physical health, and it’s crucial that schools create a welcoming atmosphere for all students.
Middleton High School seniors and club co-presidents Tvisha Pundir and Cate Cassata along with club member Coleman Bray recently talked with WKOW 27 and News 3 Channel 3000 about how the club has grown over the past year and the impact it’s making at Middleton High School.
Pundir explained what’s driving the club’s growth.
“We attribute this growth to our amazing leadership team that helps organize and run our meetings and events, along with our awesome buddies and members that show up to support our cause,” Pundir said. “Everyone deserves a safe space where they can fully be themselves and belong.”
More than 100 students in the club meet monthly, where they create crafts, participate in activities and develop advocacy skills. Club members also have buddy pairings for one-on-one activities outside of school, such as attending UW-Madison sporting events.
Club members gathered on Feb. 11 to cheer on the boys varsity basketball team in their game against Madison La Follette. Best Buddies Club members were introduced on the court before the game and took pictures with the team.
On Feb. 12, the club met for its monthly meeting. Students worked together on heart coloring sheets, create thumb hearts and cards, and paint their nails.
Cassata shared what makes the club special with News 3 Channel 3000.
"There are more than 2,000 kids at Middleton High School, and there's a vast variety of classes we're taking," Cassata said. "In Best Buddies Club, we get together and become friends with people we wouldn't otherwise normally see."
Club advisor Laurie Wood, an occupational therapist at Middleton High School, agreed.
“Our goal is to build a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and inclusion,” Wood said. “High school students have many demands placed on them every day. Our hope is that in being a member of Best Buddies, students feel welcome attending our meetings and activities as often as they would like with the intention of having a soft place to land.”
To learn more, watch club members’ interviews on WKOW 27 and News 3 Channel 3000. (The Best Buddies Club segment begins at the 8:30 mark in the News 3 Channel 3000 broadcast.)