I know we say it often, but we can’t say it enough…THANK YOU for going the extra mile in running a Circle of Friends group this past school year! We know how full your plates are at school, and recognize how much the extra effort means to kids and their families. One of the most difficult things for any parent is when their child struggles to make friends. Circle of Friends helps. The ripple effect you create with peers, families, and your communities does not go unnoticed. Relax during your well earned upcoming summer break with the knowledge you’re changing the world one Circle of Friends group at a time!

Have You Bookmarked Our Circle of Friends Virtual Learning Community Website?

In addition to our monthly COF newsletters, group facilitators have access to resources, inspiration, and ongoing communication on our website.  The site is updated monthly. Use it as a “one stop shop” to stay in the loop over the summer and gain new ideas for next year. Please share with new staff members who might be involved in running a group this coming fall.

$50 Amazon Gift Card Winner

Dana Coleman from LaVista Middle School!

We had a scavenger hunt around the building.  Groups had to consist of focus students and peers. They were given a list of people (staff) and objects to take pictures with around the building.  Once the time expired they had to report back and show their pictures to get points.  Kids love this activity!

Tips From the Circle

Thanks to Mandy Schmidt from Tri-County for sharing this amazing Autism Acceptance Month activity!



For Autism Acceptance month, I shared weekly Bingo Boards with kindness and autism awareness/education challenges. Families/kids/teachers were encouraged to submit pictures or videos of kids completing the tasks and were rewarded with a piece of candy for every Bingo earned. One of our classes went all out and had nearly every student participating. It was really fun to see the kids' creativity and thoughtfulness.

Bingo Board Example

Instructions:  

• Drag puzzle piece symbols (bottom right) to cover spots on the Bingo Board as you complete the tasks.
• Scan QR code (bottom left) for a link to submit photos and videos via Google Form.
• Once you’ve completed 3 in a row, take a picture of your Bingo Board and upload it so that you can be entered into the weekly drawing!

I created videos of the pictures and videos submitted and shared them on the school's Facebook page. Video Example

Starting Up a New COF Group at Your School?

Work at your convenience in our free summer independent study COF online training. Participants will work at their own pace between the months of May and August learning how to run a Circle of Friends group. At the end of the session participants will have a plan ready to go for the 2024-25 school year.

Several people have asked what the training will consist of and the time commitment involved. Participants will watch two training webinars, approximately 40 minutes in length each, and complete a COF planning guide that accompanies the webinars. Afterwards, a short Zoom Q and A will be scheduled at a time convenient for you. These tasks are to be completed by August 15th. To register: Click HERE. An email will be sent to all registrants the first week of May with further information.