January 2024

The Highlands Middle School and High School Best Buddies Chapter enjoyed a celebration together in the high school cafeteria before the holiday break. The student-led activity included music, games, snacks and cookie decorating! Special thanks to Mrs. Nicole Tavarez, who provided the wonderful cookie kits for the students!  

Highlands started the Best Buddies Chapter in May 2023 in an effort to offer one-on-one leadership and friendship programs to students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies promotes social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy.