A Message From Your COF Team

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, mostly. It IS an exciting month of special treats, holiday music, church programs, magical lights and decorations, and family social gatherings. But these environmental changes can put extra demands on kids who crave routine.

Anyone working in a school knows this season can affect our students. But, as Circle of Friends facilitators, you’ve spent the last three months laying the foundations of friendship and social connections, helping your focus students better navigate this time. Lucky for them they now have classmates who can offer help, a kind word, or a smile during difficult moments at school. You did this! We are especially thankful to our Circle of Friends group facilitators all across the state. In the midst of the excitement, flurry, and yes, the exhaustion, know what an inspiration your work is. Simply put, you matter. We wish you all the peace the season can bring–at least once the Christmas break begins!

Tips from the Circle

Thanksgiving Celebration at Irving Middle School, Shared by Ashley Forbes

Last week we made "hand turkeys" and wrote what we were thankful for. My room had glitter and feathers all over the place after they all left so I think it was a total success. This next week we are going to do "Friendsgiving" and watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and eat what they eat in the movie (popcorn, jelly beans, and toast) :) 

Ashley’s Tip:

My group is larger and I try to keep it a pretty fluid group / let it be open throughout the year. I had to ask for another teacher sponsor. I now have 3 to help me manage the group and this has helped us so much. We meet every other week for the last 30 min of the day and it's good to have it every other week to plan fun activities!!

Stacy Stewart’s COF Kids Practice Conversation Skills at Shelby Rising City Elementary

The group used a curriculum from the book With Open Arms by Mary Schlieder to work on conversation skills. The next week the group reported back on how many conversations they had that week with the focus student. I timed two-minute conversations and the kids switched and used conversation starters to converse with each other. It was a success!!!!!! 

A Success Story from our November Amazon Gift Card Winner

Congratulations to Lynsdy Rinehart, LeMay Elementary, Bellevue Public Schools

We loved her success story and know you will, too. This is exactly what Circle of Friends is all about!

“I began CoF in our building this year. I have absolutely fallen in love with my group of kids. One specific reason has stuck out. One of my target students is new to the building and has been homeschooled for the last 3 years. One of my peer students and the focus student have become really good friends. Not just in the group, but on the playground, at lunch and in the classroom!!! It has encouraged me as a facilitator to create more CoF groups in my buildings. It's the bright spot of my week to meet with these students.”

Resources for you!

What is normal? These materials designed for use with 5th-8th graders explore the concept of “normal” and how the misuse of this term can be unintentionally hurtful to others. The curriculum guides teachers through ways to teach students how to be allies in the disability community. It’s all free, Google Docs and posters are provided, and it’s perfect for Circle of Friends groups.

Disability, Invisibility, and Inclusion Curriculum includes the following:

• History of disability invisibility slide deck
• Shadow box project lesson
• Please Don’t microaggression lesson
• Disability policy activity ideas
• Poster download

All materials are also available in Spanish.

Need help or ideas for your Circle of Friends group? Email: mary.schlieder@gmail.com

Monthly Gift Card Drawing for December