Birches School Friends Meeting Friends

Friends Meeting Friends Club is a program that takes place at Birches Elementary School. This club is designed to provide opportunities for students with social challenges to interact with typical peers. Research shows that by developing social skills in an integrated setting increases student self esteem and academic performance. In additon to this, the focus of this club is to promote the development of social and communication skills with students who have special needs. Many of the students who participate in this club benefit from it because it creates an atmosphere that promotes dignity and understanding of all people. Many of the activities will provide opportunities for all as well as interactions that may allow natural friendships to develop. Further, this program allows students to develop friendships in and outside of school which can have a positive impact in the community as well.