REACH OUT! MIX IT UP! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
Circle of Friends is a school inclusion program that helps students with special
needs become more connected to their peers and their school community. COF strives
to build self-esteem, social skills and positive peer relationships. Circle of Friends pairs
students with peer role models/mentors to create connections and friendships, striving
to help all students feel a sense of value and belonging. COF increases understanding,
acceptance and appreciation of individual differences.
Student mentors are selected through an application and interview process at the start
of the school year. COF members participate in a variety of supervised monthly
activities both at school and within the community. Students are also encouraged to
have lunch together and to make contact outside of school. As the students get to know
one another, they begin to appreciate commonalities and differences, build friendships
and the seeds of kindness spread and grow.
For more information on Circle of Friends at GMS, please contact the sponsor
Ms. Ferris.