Circle of Friends
Make a Friend . . . . Make a Difference
Do you want to be part of a group of students who strive to make a difference in the
lives of others? Circle of Friends is a group of students, who support students with
disabilities in the classroom, school environment, and community.
We are a group of students who help each other navigate the crazy social structure
of school! We are the ones with a friendly smile in the hall and a cheerful "Hello." It's
an easy thing to do because, in the end, we discover how much we all have in
common!
Circle of Friends is the natural caring of people who join forces for the purpose of
supporting others. We realize that we are all equal; we strive for the acceptance of
all people regardless of our abilities. We believe we can affect positive growth,
change and support for students with or without special needs within the school
setting, and that all students have a right to friendship and belonging.
We do not intend to create occasional events which bring people together briefly,
but to create natural opportunities for students with special needs to develop a
network of friends and support in their own school and community.
Membership:
Students that wish to join must have the following:

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70% or better in all classes
No referrals (green or yellow sheets)
Completed application and advisors approval
Written permission from parents/guardians
Participation:
Students are required to:
 Attend all of school events during school hours with friend (assemblies, meetings,
special events)
 Attend planning meetings
 Check e-mail at least once a week
 Spend at least one class period/lunch hour every two weeks (twice a month) with your
friend.
 When attending an event during school hours the student must have written permission
to miss class. It needs to be handed in to the advisor at least 48 hours before the event.
Here are others ways for members to participate in the club:
 Visit the students in class when there is extra time at the end of the members’ class.
(Need a Circle of Friends Pass)
 Sit with the student during lunch.
 Take a student to your class when there is a special event taking place. (Make sure to
talk to both the regular education teacher and the special education teacher
beforehand).
 Call the student at home
 With parent permission, visit the student on the weekends or after school.
 Sign up to be a mentor or volunteer during a study hall.
Sample Forms
October 22, 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In the next few weeks we will be starting a club called Circle of Friends. The club focuses on helping
students of all abilities initiate and maintain relationships. This opportunity will be provided during the
school day. The school will sponsor monthly events to help provide situations for students to gain
friendships. We will try to hold all events on 1PM dismissals. It is our hope that these friendships will
naturally develop so children are included in everyday school and neighborhood activities. Contact
(phone calls, outings with parent permission) outside the school environment is encouraged.
We may also take pictures of our events that may be used within the classroom or publicly. Starting this
year our group will have a Facebook page in which we will post pictures and event reminders. Your
signature at the bottom of this form gives the school permission to use your child’s picture publicly,
including posting pictures on Facebook.
We need your signature to indicate your permission for your child to participate. If you have any
questions please to not hesitate to contact me by phone, 339-3393 x4020 or e-mail,
jequinnell@phillips.k12.wi.us
Jennifer Quinnell
Circle of Friends Advisor
____ I have read the enclosed Circle of Friends membership guidelines. I understand at anytime I do not
meet the requirements I may be dismissed from the club.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Students Signature
____ I give my permission for my child’s photo to be taken and possibly used publicly.
___________________________________________________________________________________Pa
rents Signature
Circle of Friends Permission Form
Student’s Name:
Circle of Friends Event:
Date and Time of Event:
Class
Teacher
Assignment
Signature
Teachers: By signing this form you are allowing the following student to miss class on the day of this
event. The student is responsible for any work missed. If the student does not make up the work please
let the Circle of Friends advisor know.
Circle of Friends Reflection Sheet
Name:
Date:
Event:
1. What are some things that went well at the event today?
2. What are some interactions that you enjoyed?
3. What are some interactions that could have gone better?
4. Do you have any questions and/or concerns?
5. Do you have suggestions for the next activity?
Circle of Friends Application
Name:
Grade:
Parents Names:
Home Phone:
1. Why would you like to join Circle of Friends?
2. Circle of Friends will take up some of your time at school; how to you plan on balancing your
commitment to this club and your school work?
3. How would you include your friend in events happening around the school?
4. Describe what you would do if you overheard someone talking negatively about a friend?
5. What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
Check the boxes below:
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Filling out this application DOES NOT guarantee a position in Circle of Friends. Membership is
based on the needs of the group and is selected by the Circle of Friends Advisor.
I have read the student requirements and responsibilities. I understand by not following the
requirements and responsibilities will result in my dismal from the group.
___________________________________________________________________________________St
udent Signature
Date
___________________________________________________________________________________Pa
rent/Guardian Signature
Date