-In This Issue-


Spring Forward
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Spring Forward 
By Robyn Stack Reagan
Circle of Friends Program Director


Dear Friends , 

I've always loved seeing things grow. My favorite color is what I call "new grass green," when the tender shoots come up from the soil and glow with new life. Lately I've been inspired by advisors and students as they share what they've learned about themselves and each other this school year.  There's such happiness and hope in their stories that I want everyone to know about the positive impact Circle of Friends is making.

We recently created a forum on our website with a space for parents and a space for advisors to share their thoughts about Circle of Friends and other related areas of concern. Please take a moment to check them out, register, and let us know how you are both growing and glowing this season!

In Friendship, 

Robyn

News newsnews

Making A Difference
Lauren Sigell reporting for CBS

Circle Of Friends Helps Build Lunchtime Bonds
Circle of Friends brings students with special needs together with a broad array of classmates to socialize. Lisa Sigell reports.
Watch the full segment here.
Club Breaks Boundaries and 
Intergrates All Kinds of
Students

Circle of Friends is a nation-wide organization that is on several campuses in the William S. Hart Union High School District.  The organization works to integrate students with special needs and general education teens to make friendships that may last a lifetime. 
Current Events  Upcomingevents

2017 Friendship Gala 
On April 29, 2017
Suppport the invaluable work of Circle of Friends and enjoy a magical evening during our annual Friendship Gala.


2017 Circle Summer
Circle Summer brings together youth with special needs and non-disabled college students for  eight days of field trip fun in June and July in Santa Monica, California. Registration is now open, please call our office (310) 312-6600.
Brightideas
Circle of Friends students wrap gifts
Baler Bulletin News
By Casandra Guerrero
Circle of Friends Club Advisor  
San Benito High School
 
Adam is a student who has always been fascinated by the weather.  He has always wanted to be a storm chaser and a weather man. When he first came to me as a Freshman, he would come to my room at break and lunch to show me websites and online channels related to weather.  He is a ball boy for the football team, an officer for Circle of Friends and our newly minted weather man for the school bulletin newscast.  Dreams do come true, and Circle of Friends opened the door for this student by making the school culture so inclusive and helping  Adam become the confident and independent young man he is today.  Go  Adam and Go Balers!
North Park Elementary Placemats
Mega Fun Activties

Helpful hints from North Park Elementary School for improved attendance, organization, and class management:
  • I laminate placemats for the groups and every group came up with their own team name. Each placemat is a different color, bears the team name, was assigned a group number, and ALL students in the group are indicated on the placemat. This helps by telling the students where to sit each week as I place them around the room in different places each time. It also serves as a cheat sheet for me to help with remembering students names as I have over 100 students.  It also allows for easy game coordination as I can sort groups by number, color, etc. 
  • Recently we played Mega Jenga and the students had a blast. I loved how some of the students helped the friends master the task of pulling out a Jenga piece. I was surprised at the level of attention given by all of the students. I was also in awe of their expertise as it took a long time for anyone to get out! The entire room cheered for each student as they successfully completed their individual turns. It was such an awesome experience as I watched these students feel a sense of sheer joy as they accomplished something that they may have previously thought was impossible to achieve. 
Sponsorship Announcements Grants
We extend a heartfelt T hank You  to Crown Media, The Rosman Family, The California Wellness Foundation, Morrison & Foerster Foundation and Kaiser Permanente for your support of our Friendship Gala.  Your generosity enables Circle of Friends to change the lives of students nationwide.


  


The Rosman Family


makeadifferenceLooking for a way to make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities?
Circle of Friends | 310-312-6600 | circleofriends.org
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