Best Buddies

Killybrooke is proud to be the first Best Buddies Chapter representing Newport Mesa’s Elementary Schools.  With just under a year of planning, we were able to launch our official chapter in October with over 40 student volunteers dedicated to promoting inclusivity.

Our Best Buddies meetings aim to educate neuro typical peers on the social barriers for our students with intellectual and development disabilities. Students have built the foundation for one-to-one friendships and leadership development in a meaningful way on campus.

On designated Fridays, Best Buddies meet with the support of staff to foster heightened social and emotional development while engaging all students with learning games and hands on activities. Many of our students with intellectual and development disabilities communicate using assistive technologies, yet they continuously show us just how they are able to connect with their buddies at each meeting. Whether we are decorating cookies, reading a book to each other, or making homemade ice cream, laughter seems to be the consistent thread for everyone.

Killybrooke is honored to provide these opportunities that give everyone the chance to speak up, be heard and advocate for themselves and others in our inclusive community.   

Deija Ray
dljohnson@nmusd.us