Fall After-School Girls Circle Groups Forming

By VIPS - Falmouth Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS), in collaboration with Falmouth Human Services and the Falmouth Public Schools, is pleased to announce that registration is underway for after-school Girls Circle sessions to begin the week of October 8^th for 4^th and 5^th grade girls.

The Girls Circle program uses a strengths-based, skill-building approach that creates a safe space for girls to address risky behaviors, build on protective factors, and improve relationships in a format that interests and engages girls. Led by trained co-facilitators, the age-appropriate, theme-based curricula and activities are designed to help girls hold on to their voices and stay true to themselves, enhance judgment and critical-thinking skills for wise and healthy choices, counter trends towards self-doubt, and improve self-esteem. During Circles, participants will take turns talking and listening to one another about their concerns and interests. The girls can express themselves further through creative or focused activities. Oftentimes, themes are introduced which relate to the girls’ lives, such as being a girl, trusting ourselves, friendships, body image, goals, competition, and decision-making.

All facilitators are VIPS volunteers and have been certified as Girls Circle facilitators through a training workshop by the Girls Circle Association. These Circles will be held at each of the elementary schools and Morse Pond for eight weeks as follows:

4^th grade Circles

East Falmouth Elementary—Tuesdays, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. beginning October 9^th. The theme will be “Friendship.” Co-facilitators for the Circle are Cheryl Atherton and Jeannie Dombrowski.

Teaticket Elementary—Wednesdays, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. beginning October 10^th. The theme will be “Friendship.” Co-facilitators for the Circle are Suzie Hauptmann and Katie Dombrowski.

North Falmouth Elementary—Wednesdays, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. beginning October 10^th. The theme will be “Friendship.” Co-facilitators for the Circle are Claire Valle and Janet Simons Folger.

Mullen-Hall Elementary—Wednesdays, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. beginning October 10^th. The theme will be “Friendship.” Co-facilitators for the Circle are Jill Nehro and Elvira Ferrer.

5^th grade Circle:

Morse Pond School—Thursdays, from 3:00-4:15 p.m., beginning October 11^th. The theme will be “Being a Girl/Friendship.” Co-facilitators for the Circle are Sharon Sodekson and Beth Homand.

For more information or to register for any of the Circles, contact VIPS at (508) 548-1621. Circles for 6^th and 7^th grade girls are also being organized and will be announced soon.

VIPS, c/o Falmouth High School, 874 Gifford St., Falmouth, MA 02540  www.falmouthvips.org