Life Skills Into Friendships
An update from Sheldon Public Schools,
Shared by Rebecca HooblerRebecca Hoobler (SCIP-Student Center Individualized Program Teacher) was excited when she came to Shelton Public Schools this fall. She noticed a couple of students on her caseload could be involved in the Nebraska Circle of Friends project. What started out as just students’ specific grade levels has turned into a school project. Students who were shy in the first semester are now participating in the second semester.
The activities range from monthly breakfast clubs (1 elementary and 1 middle/high school), lunch buddies, recess escorts, game challenges, making meals together, inviting friends to special events, to even friendships with the boys basketball team. Everywhere you go there is something happening all the time.
From eating alone in the lunchroom to eating with several groups of students. A student went from having 1 to 1 adult support to having recess escorts take him to recess. Other grade levels are excited to jump right in and participate in all the activities, not just those assigned to the students. Rebecca has had to say no a few times because of what the activity was but enjoys the time where she can have all students together.
The highlight of the year was when her student was allowed to help the boys basketball team. His older brother plays basketball and since he loves his music and enjoys attending sporting events why not find a way to include him. He jumped at a chance to help out the team. He talked to the athletic director for the district to see if there was anything he could do to help. He said yes and was excited. He assists in making sure all the towels are clean and ready for the game, the gym floor is swept, filling up every single basketball ball, and even washing the practice jerseys. What started out as learning some self help skills has turned into friendships for him. He knows all the players by name and each player acknowledges what he brings to the team. It has been exciting to watch how he lights up every time you say what are you doing for the team today? He was asked what is your favorite part of working for the team? He said………”Attending the games, watching them play and of course the music.”
Players and coaches have also enjoyed him being on the team. A coach says the following: He is very responsible in checking with me to see if we have anything that needs washed for the boys basketball team and he has been sweeping the gym floor before practices to help us out. I think it's a pretty neat connection for him to help the team out as he has an older brother that is on the team. I've seen him getting pretty pumped up at games watching the team play, playing air guitar with the band/music, telling guys ``Good luck tonight" in the hallway during the day.
A week before Christmas break the team and their coaches surprised him with a special gift to Dairy Queen. In SCIP, he cannot stop talking about the team and looks forward to being with his friends aka basketball players long after the basketball season is over. He is a junior at Shelton Public Schools. He encourages anyone to come out to cheer on the basketball team and see all the great things happening at Shelton Public Schools.
