Irving Middle School Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends at Irving Middle School is a club that meets every other week and is for kids with and without disabilities to come together to do fun activities and form positive friendships with one another. Our Circle of Friends activities are themed around the seasons. For example, last year we painted pumpkins, decorated cookies for Valentine's Day, made shamrock shakes, etc. Last year, the items for Circle of Friends were paid for through sponsor and parent donations. This upcoming school year we are in need of donations to buy similar items to continue our bi-weekly themed activities during our club meeting time. Our club has around 35-40 students in attendance each week we host it. Circle of Friends has been a wonderful club for students and staff involved to be a part of.

Below is a link to a video of students sharing testimonials about why they like to be apart of Circle of Friends:
https://youtu.be/s2X3Uw-J0q8

Below are some parent testimonials about their students being involved in Circle of Friends at Irving:

"Circle of friends has helped my student grow as a person and feel connected to her school. Her participating has taught her empathy.” - Irving parent

“My son has always struggled with making friends, now he talks all the time about his friends at school. Hoping they like his new haircut, or his new shoes. He calls them on Snapchat. We haven't experienced the bullying I felt would be inevitable. I think Circle of Friends has really helped him see that there are other kids just like him as well as "normal" kids who don't care that he's a little bit different." - Irving Parent

Circle of Friends has taught so many students valuable lessons about how to be a friend to all, learning how to be empathetic towards others, and has given purpose and a place for some students who may have a harder time finding that for themselves naturally. Circle of Friends has been an amazing place for students to form friendships and then take those friendships outside of our Circle of Friends meeting times– whether that be through birthday parties, going bowling together or just inviting each other to their houses to hangout. I am thankful Irving’s Circle of Friends club has helped make Irving a more inclusive school for kids of all abilities! We greatly appreciate your generosity and support!!

Requesting $2,000 plus cost reimbursement.

$300 for additional supplies - Paint brushes, plates, cups, prizes, etc.
$100 for monthly activities x 12 months a year = $1,200
$500 approximately for student t-shirts

Club Sponsor: Ashley Forbes