The LINKS Peer-to-Peer program is a win-win for both general education and special education students at Frankenmuth High School.
Dawn Dafoe, a veteran Special Education teacher with 18 years of experience, started the accredited LINKS program at Frankenmuth six years ago. Before that, she assisted in implementing a similar program at Freeland for seven years.
About 30 Frankenmuth High School general education students participate LINKS, which is both a class for elective credit class and an extracurricular program.
"The students gain so much more than what they would gain in just a classroom setting," said Dawn.
For example, they learn how to work with others who are different from them, learn acceptance, tolerance, problem-solving, patience, and how to be a good role model.
“This is a rewarding challenge – even for our honor students,” says Dawn. "In fact, some of their parents have told me this has been the best experience for their kids because they are learning real-life skills not taught from a book or on a device.”
The rewards are mutual.
Dawn’s students in her special education class receive friendship and fun.
The LINKS program focuses on socialization, communication, and independence by sponsoring social gatherings at school such as having snacks together, playing board games, and acting out charades.
Through the LINKS program general and special education classmates have attended sporting events, made trips to a water park, and to the bowling arcade.
"I’m appreciative for the students who sign up for the LINKS class and club,” Dawn said. “They are helping to bring many high school experiences to students with disabilities who might be able to have them otherwise because of the barriers they face.”
Ms. Dafoe is just one of the over 370 individuals at the Saginaw ISD who support students with special needs in our local school districts.