Schools
Whiz Kids: Curtis Companions Reach Out To Special-Needs Students
Curtis Companion Club is a group of Curtis High students who volunteer their time to "buddy" with special-needs students in the University Place School District.
Whiz Kid(s)/Group: Curtis Companion Club
Whiz Kids Advisor: Terry Dosser, SpEd/Transition Coordinator,
Accomplishments: Curtis Companion Club provides special education students with the opportunity to gain confidence and friendships through mentor relationships with other teens. The program pairs regular education students as mentors with SPED students. Mentors gain confidence acting as leaders while their peers with special needs gain the support and guidance of a regular education peer. The program meets twice a month on Tuesdays right after school at 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The program provides many benefits to both groups of students. Building these relationships between SPED students and mentor students develops a support network, leisure skills and familiar faces around campus. While the special-needs students develop trust and social skills, the other youth are learning volunteer skills to, also working with students their age, but with special needs--this builds empathy and kindness. Regular education peers gain confidence in leadership skills .There is a great respect for individuals that are different due to special health needs and learning challenges.
Key to Awesomeness: When asked what makes this group so awesome, Terry Dosser replied, "For me, it is seeing the relationships grow and the joy each meeting brings to the students. There is always laughter and interaction during the meetings. The students really feel a part of making a difference!"
Find out what's happening in University Placewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This group develops a yearlong program to assist SPED students after school twice a month. They have been involved in many different activities such as jewerly making, sports day, Disney day, Valentine Party, egg hunt, bingo, movies, cookie decorating, barbeque, card making and even attending a local CHS basketball game.
Students who are interested need to attend all the Curtis Companion Club meetings, maintain a 3.25 grade average, and be a positive and enthusiastic leader who will work their hardest to create an enjoyable experience for their "buddy". If interested contact, Ms. Dosser at Curtis.
Keep up the good work Curtis Companion Club! You are serving others which provides a service while building a better citizen too. If you know of any amazing Kid (s), teams, groups please contact Marion Lybbert at mmlybbert@aol.com. Nominations are weekly.