April 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Circle of Friends Program Update

Dr. Jonas introduced Mrs. Feather and Mrs. Hastings, who presented an update on the Circle of Friends program.

Mrs. Feather explained that the Circle of Friends program has been in place at Gothenburg Public Schools since the 2012-2013 school year. Initially, it was implemented at both the elementary and high school levels with grant funding from the Autism Action Partnership. However, in 2021, that funding ended statewide. Since then, the program has continued thanks to local fundraising efforts, primarily through working concession stands.

The program is designed to support students with autism by helping them build social skills through structured peer interaction. Each group typically includes one to two target students (those with autism) and five to six peer mentors. The model alternates weeks, with one week dedicated to peer training and the next week including both the peers and target students together. The goal is to foster social development in a supported and natural setting.

Mrs. Feather noted that teachers had previously expressed challenges in providing social skills support due to time constraints and expertise. The Circle of Friends model offered an effective solution. She currently leads a high school group, and Mrs. Hastings leads a junior high group. There is currently no elementary group, but they are exploring the possibility of restarting it next year.

Mrs. Hastings shared details about her current 7th grade group, which includes two target students (one male and one female), along with three male and three female peer mentors. They meet weekly on Thursdays during Swede Foundations time. Every two months, she meets separately with the peer mentors to check in on how things are going — including observations from PE, classrooms, or any concerns.

Rather than relying solely on direct instruction, Mrs. Hastings uses structured social time, such as games or conversation activities, to naturally practice and reinforce social skills. She noted that both the peer mentors and target students have enjoyed the program this year.

Mrs. Feather shared that over the years, groups have participated in a variety of outings. This year, the junior high group attended the 18Q Starfish Gala. Mrs. Hastings emphasized the impact of that experience, especially for one of the target students who immediately gravitated to his peer group in the unfamiliar setting. They hope to attend again next year with even more students.

Mrs. Hastings also shared that when she asked her group if they had any messages for the board, the students said they believe the program is just as beneficial for the peer mentors as it is for the target students. Many of the target students eagerly look forward to the meetings. At the junior high level, social interaction doesn’t always happen naturally, so structured opportunities are key. It’s not that students are unwilling to engage, but they may lack the maturity or confidence to initiate those interactions without adult support.

Mrs. Feather concluded by sharing a recent takeaway from the Nebraska State Autism Conference in Kearney. In one session, a panel of six females with autism, ranging from ages 13 to 23, all expressed how difficult it is to form social connections. The influence of social media was also a major concern. She emphasized how critical these types of programs are in helping students feel connected.

Mr. Wyatt commented on the importance of developing students' ability to engage socially, noting it as a vital life skill.

Recognition of Speech Team and Believers & Achievers Award

Mr. Mroczek shared that Taylor Burge was unable to attend the meeting but highlighted her recognition as an NSAA Believers & Achievers Award recipient. He then introduced the State Speech Champions: Jack Aden, Logan Feather, and Carson Reiman.

Jack and Logan were crowned State Champions in Duet Acting, and Carson earned a State Championship in Extemporaneous Speaking. Mr. Mroczek noted that all three are juniors, which builds excitement and high expectations for next year. The team overall placed 3rd in Class B, and he emphasized the importance of celebrating these outstanding students and their coach, Miss Clark.

Mrs. Brass mentioned that she had the opportunity to watch the students perform and asked how long they had practiced. Jack explained that preparation began in August when they started searching for a script. By September, they had selected one and spent the next few months editing it from its original two-hour length down to a 12-minute performance. Logan added that they began formal practices in December and were fortunate to choose a piece that played to both of their strengths—Jack excelling in comedy and Logan in more serious tones.

Carson shared that his winning extemp topic was What disease could pose the next national security risk in the United States? He argued for bird flu, citing both its impact on agriculture and how it has driven up egg prices, making it both widespread and personally relevant.

Mr. Fornoff asked Carson what the most challenging topic he had received was. Carson recalled a topic from his sophomore year: Is the ban on bump stocks unconstitutional? At the time, he mistakenly believed "bump stocks" referred to the stock market, only later realizing it pertained to firearms.

Dr. Jonas commented on the rarity of a team qualifying in every event at the state meet and asked Miss Clark about the secret to their success. Miss Clark credited the students and their shared passion. She highlighted the team’s strong sense of camaraderie, likening it to cross country, where individual efforts contribute to a team goal. The students supported and learned from each other, creating a positive and encouraging environment that made the experience both exciting and fun.

Mr. Fornoff asked if any community members had come in to view the curriculum materials. Mrs. Richeson responded that no one had requested to review them.

Mrs. Terrell then asked, with the shift from the previous vendor to the new math program, what the team believes is the biggest difference or added value. Mrs. Richeson explained that through several review meetings, the committee developed a rubric based on key priorities. The new program offers strong foundational math instruction, but it also includes elements that the previous program lacked.

Teachers were particularly interested in a program that introduced students to a variety of strategies—helping each student discover their preferred learning style—while still providing a consistent, proven strategy that can be used across grade levels.

Mrs. Floyd added that the team has spent a lot of time discussing the importance of automaticity in math, likening it to reading fluency. Rather than emphasizing rote memorization of math facts, which not all students are able to do effectively, the new program focuses on helping students truly understand the numbers and how they work. That conceptual understanding will be a key focus moving forward.

Mrs. Floyd also shared that all new staff will participate in the training to ensure everyone is aligned and working together to implement a strong, cohesive math program.

Mr. Wyatt expressed his excitement about the development of a comprehensive K-12 math policy.

1. Personnel Committee - Mr. Fornoff confirmed they have not met. 
2. Transportation and Facilities - Mr. Wyatt confirmed they have not met. 
3. Finance - Mrs. Jobman confirmed they have not met in person but provided an update. She stated things are on track as expected and advised this is the first year to get the property tax credit as part of our balance receipts and that it was 1.5 million that came in. She also confirmed that the expenditures are on track. 
4. Committee on American Civics - Mrs. Terrell confirmed they approved the math purchase this evening. 
5. Policy Review - Mrs. Terrell hasn't seen anything pass yet regarding policy.