1. 2015-2016 FALCON FRIENDS

2. OUR STUDENTS Range from ages 15 (9 th grade) to 21 Various disabilities Special services: OT- PT- Speech Communication devices

3. JUST LIKE YOU Student have normal high school wants/needs  Cell phones  Friendships  Relationships  Computer access

8. EXPLANATION Falcon Friends is a program that sends regular education students to encore classes with life skills students during their study hall period. The regular education student will assist the special education student as needed in the class assigned. The Falcon Friends will be together all year and attend Special Olympics at the conclusion of the school year.

9. BENEFITS Friendships Increased social interactions Greater access to general education curriculum Higher expectations Increase acceptance

10. YOUR JOB Accompany student to assigned class Assist with tasks assigned Engage the student in the task Help student interact with peers and classroom environment Participate in class as well

11. FALCON FRIEND FOCUS= INDEPENDENCE Want your Falcon Friend to be as independent as possible Enabling vs Helping Para educator will assist at first

12. TIPS SMILE and be friendly. Focus on abilities, not disabilities. Assist by explaining what to do, rather than what not to do. Make instructions simple and clear. Ask your Falcon Friend, what they need help with.

13. TIPS Look directly at your Falcon Friend even if an adult is accompanying them Talk normally- No kiddy voice Use people first person Get to know your Falcon Friend Treat your Falcon Friend as the capable competent peers they are.

14. IMPORTANT INFO All invited to attend Special Olympics Invited to attend an event 1 x a month Must attend 4 events total. 2 events by Christmas!!! All info posted on window outside room 119 Extras- Needs may change as school year progresses No Credit given for participating

15. IMPORTANT INFO CONTINUED Attendance- check in with study hall proctor then go to class assigned Bring back overall permission slips ASAP Unhappy with placement- see me by Oct 10th One strike and done Officer voting- If you are interested in being an officer please see us!

16. ROOM 114 & 119 Mrs. Schott & Ms. Destefano Any paraeducator or teacher of the class All of these people are available to help you!

17. The time you spend with your Falcon Friend will be the best part of their day!!! …and hopefully yours

18. You start Monday 10-5 Upcoming Events: Homecoming Bonfire- signups outside room 119 November trip to Weaver’s Orchard- Slips outside room 119