Upon entering the second floor using the left staircase, you’ll see a room perched up on a small staircase. This is the home of the Life Skills class, and also the home of the Titan Buddies!
Titan Buddies is organized by Mrs. Frederick, the Life Skills teacher. The club started because Mrs. Frederick wanted to find a way for her students to build new relationships with people outside of her class and form more of a connection with the EPG community. Her students meet with general education students (mentors) over lunch to converse and do activities like pumpkin painting and decorating gingerbread houses.
Mrs Fredrick has observed many benefits of the club. “The first is seeing my students loved and cared for by so many people, especially in the simple moments such as playing catch, playing games, and sharing lunch together.” She has also seen mentors develop and grow over time. “This program has a huge impact on the mentors. It’s a beautiful connection to watch. We are better together!” Mrs. Frederick believes that spending time with the students in her room is a very rewarding and life-changing experience.
Life Skills student Noah Houston especially enjoys hanging out with buddies Eliza Meiss and Shane Holderby. Meanwhile, Jonathan Otto isn’t particular; he likes spending time with everyone. Yale Luedtke likes to sit with his Titan Buddies and simply talk–a nice, calming thing to do in such an exciting environment with all these new people. Lucas Ellis enjoys building with Legos, doing puzzles, and playing games with his friends. Finally, Peyton Sleever likes to take his time outside and color on the sidewalk with his Titan Buddies.
Eliza Meiss, a second-year mentor, loves being a part of the club: “The Life Skills students are super fun and their energy is contagious.” Another mentor, Shane Holderby, added, “I like playing games with the students, like card games, bingo, and Legos.” Mentor Myli Erhardt recalled her favorite Titan Buddies memory so far was when participants painted portraits of each other. She explained, “I like being friends with kids I don’t always see during the day.” Finally, mentor Caroline Wettstein stated, “I enjoy growing connections and helping everyone feel included.” Many of the junior and senior mentors will help facilitate the Life Skills prom later this year.
Titan Buddies currently has over 50 mentors, and is still accepting! Make sure to talk to Mrs. Frederick to join! She always appreciates volunteers.
