My parent letter for circle of friends

[Guest guest]

Okay, here it is. I found it. This is what I sent to the parents of MY

CHOICE.............

Dear ,

From the beginning, it has been a goal of ours to have our son, , a seventh

grade student with Down Syndrome, be included as much as possible with his age

appropriate peers in school, as well as in the community. For the most part,

this has occurred over the years at Muhlenberg and has been able to be

educated alongside your children and his classmates accepted him, without

hesitation.

As our children mature and enter their teens, we all are familiar with how the

importance of acceptance among peers becomes first and foremost in their lives.

Most of them, at this age, form groups of friends and tend to hang together.

also needs and could benefit from this acceptance among his peers.

It was brought to our attention last school year, that many times was left

sitting alone at lunch. This was difficult to understand, at first, because we

knew there were kids who always sat with him at the elementary center. We

learned that at the middle school the students can choose where they want to

sit; therefore, no longer had the opportunity to sit among his classmates

in assigned seating, as was the case at the elementary center. Although this is

a simple adjustment for most children, it is something needs to be shown

and taught.

What we are suggesting is that three or four students together take turns

sitting with twice a week at lunch, rotating so that your child

participates possibly once every two months. They would play an active role in

helping achieve his individual educational goals pertaining to

socialization skills and facilitating friendships. A teacher’s assistant, from

the life-skills classroom, would guide and be close at hand to direct and help

the students involved in helping . It will not only benefit , but also

give your child a sense of satisfaction, knowing that they are helping a fellow

classmate achieve his goals.

We’ve chosen a list of classmates who have befriended over the years at

Muhlenberg. This seemed like a logical place to start, since many of you are

friends and acquaintances of ours. It is because of your children and your

positive influence that we know including at Muhlenberg is the best thing

to do.

Our hope is that the list of names grows to include those students who have not

become familiar with and that eventually no list will be needed at all.

Can we please count on you to encourage your child to participate in

facilitating ’s social needs as well as his sense of belonging?

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

THanks for sharing this letter, I " m definitely holding on to it for the near

future! How is teaching going? You've been quiet on the list...I " m sure

you are very busy!!

Mom to (9, DS) and Grace (6)

[Guest guest]

Hi Jackie:

CAn you email your parent letter for circle of friends?

I would love to see it.

thank you

Stefanie

Texas