LPS fund a need for Circle of Friends
Club sponsor: Ashley Forbes
School: Irving Middle School
Asking for $2,000
Price break down: $500 approx for student t-shirts
$100 for monthly activities x 12 months a year = $1,200
$300 for additional supplies- Paint brushes, plates, cups, prizes, etc.
Circle of Friends 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, Bob Ross painting party, decorated cookies for valentines 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 biweekly themed activities during our club meeting time. Our club has around 45-50 students in attendance each week we host it. Another aspect of our club is teaching our school community about various disabilities and how to support students who may have them. Example: In April for Autism awareness month- some of our 8th grade students from Circle of Friends gathered for a brief meeting about what Autism is an how to support our friends at Irving on the spectrum! We also went over slides about various other disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Physical Disabilities, deaf/ blindness, etc.
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
“The opportunities and the relationships are a highlight for my daughter… the support, safety and friendships are a real gift to the students. Middle school is such an important time of life to provide exactly what you are offering and creating, through Circle of Friends. “ - Irving Parent
I think 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! If you are considering donating we greatly appreciate your generosity and support!! I am requesting for assistance with the cost of running Circle of Friends at Irving Middle School. Requesting $2,000 plus cost reimbursement.