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LAUREL — A new group at the LCC Elementary School this year is Circle of Friends.
In today’s world, fostering inclusion and acceptance is more important than ever. One organization that has been making a significant impact in schools and communities is Circle of Friends. This program is dedicated to creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities by building friendships and promoting social engagement.
Circle of Friends is a peer-based inclusion program connecting students with and without disabilities, fostering meaningful relationships and breaking down social barriers.
Through structured activities, group meetings, and shared experiences, students learn the value of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. These friendships help bridge gaps, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.
The program operates during the school day, where students volunteer to be part of a group that interacts regularly with their peers who may have disabilities or may just need that peer mentor to have a bond with.
LCC Circle of Friends meets on Thursdays and is led by Mandi Fernau and Cori Reifenrath.
After group lessons, the one activity that the students love to do the most is play games with their peer match.
By engaging in these activities, students develop a greater understanding of differences and celebrate the unique abilities of every individual.
One of the most profound effects of Circle of Friends is the lasting impact it has on both students with disabilities and their peers.
Those with disabilities gain opportunities for social interaction and inclusion, while their peers without disabilities learn valuable life lessons about compassion, leadership, and advocacy.
As society continues to move toward greater awareness and acceptance, programs like Circle of Friends serve as a reminder that small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful change. Through friendship, understanding, and community support, we can all play a role in making our schools and neighborhoods more inclusive places for everyone.
One of the lessons done recently with the LCC Circle of Friends was talking about how words hurt, and even when we apologize, those wounds are still there. We need to be kind and lift eachother up. We were graciously given newsprint from the Wayne Herald, and so the kids wrote the names very large on the paper. The rest of the kids walked around the room and were asked to write words of kindness and encouragement on their paper. After we were all done, the kids read the words out loud and the smiles on their faces were priceless.
April is Autism Awareness month, so COF has many different activities planned to spread kindness and awareness throughout the school.
