Friendship Club lives up to its name

The Friendship Club at Bellefonte Area Middle School has a mission to help special education students in teacher Jeff Rager’s class throughout the year. It includes participating in activities and events in and out of school – most recently going to see the Disney movie Encanto and catching lunch together.

Friendship Club is a branch of the Chain Reaction Club under direction of teacher and faculty adviser Samantha Raabe, and includes 14 students in grades 6-8.

According to its student officers, the Chain Reaction Club’s goal is to “create an environment for individual inspiration and to promote a safer, more connected community.” They also aim to spread and encourage kindness, and give students an opportunity to express ideas, strengths and weaknesses, and participate in community service projects – all done with the vision of a harassment-free school where students feel safe in an environment that also fosters learning.

Teacher and Friendship Club (FC) adviser Jeff Rager said those who want to join the club must complete a questionnaire that will help match a Friendship Club student to a student in his class. This school year, two FC students are paired with one special education student.

Rager added that FC students also come to his classroom every Thursday and Friday during ninth period to help with daily activities that promote social interaction and develop friendships.

They’re also planning a trip to go bowling next month at Bellefonte Lanes.