Homecoming With Your Buddy 

As Homecoming season rolls around, start thinking about how to include the buddies in your area in this fun fall tradition! Here is a guide to all things HOCO with your buddy: 

1. Pre-Homecoming Activities 

If you are are unavailable to accompany your buddy to Homecoming, participate in Pre-Homecoming activities with them. For example, take your buddy out to go Homecoming dress or suit shopping. Buy shoes, accessories, or ties too! Additionally, the day of the dance, you can get ready together with your buddy. Style each other's hair, do each other's make up, get your nails done, get your hair cut together - literally anything, just be creative! Last but not least, don't forget to attend the HOCO football game with your buddy. The HOCO game is usually one of the most exciting games of the season, so make sure you and your buddy don't miss it! 

2. Ask your buddy out! 

Regardless if you are a girl or guy, ask out your buddy! Be creative! A cute poster can put a big smile on their face! If you can make it themed with something like like such as an artist, show, sport, or activity that would be even better, as it aligns with something they are already passionate about. Here are 2 examples below. 

3. Planning! 

If you are going to attend Homecoming with your buddy or a group of buddies, start planning ASAP! To start planning, ask your advisor/parent liaison/ head special ed teacher to reach out to the buddies' parents to see who is interested in attending the dance. Once you know which buddies are attending, the next step is to make a group chat with those buddies' parents, your advisor, and the other students accompanying the buddies. Communication is key, so use this space to plan out every detail. Discuss the location of where pictures will be taken. Additionally, decide on a restaurant that aligns for everyone's dietary needs and make a reservation. Finally, make sure all transportation is planned out. Who is driving? Will you carpool?What time should you meet at each location? Where will you meet at the dance itself? Who will be picking up your buddy? These are all things you want to think about during your planning process. 

4. At the dance!  

Once you've made it to the dance here are some things to keep in mind. Dances can be crowded, dark, and loud. Check up on your buddy frequently at the dance to ensure that these conditions are not bothering them. If the music is too loud for your buddy, walk out to the hallway or a place further away from the speaker. If your buddy is overwhelmed, take a step outside with them for a bit to get some fresh air. Finally, do not leave your buddy alone at the dance. Make sure you guys are dancing together all night long, so you guys don't get separated in the large crowd of people. Most importantly, HAVE FUN and make the best memories together!