CARLSBAD — The Buddy Project is a new part of the Pacific Ridge middle school service-learning program. Pacific Ridge School partners with the special education program in the Encinitas school district and visits La Costa Heights Elementary several times each month.
Each Pacific Ridge student pairs up with a younger buddy whom they continue to work with each week, forging a bond and helping the buddy socialize with other people. The pairs begin the visit outside at recess, playing games or sitting with their buddies during snack, and then move inside to continue playing or doing adaptive physical education.
Many of the elementary buddies are non-verbal, so PRS students learn various ways to communicate, interact, and have fun. This partnership began in the upper school service-learning program several years ago and now has shifted into the middle school.
The group is thrilled to resume this very meaningful partnership and can’t wait to get back on campus and meeting with their buddies.”
