This summer Bellcate School kicked off a new course offering, Friendology: The Science of Friendship. This course is a 9 unit, 24 week program designed to teach students about friendship, how to make and maintain friendships. “It is mostly assumed that people just know how to do this,” explains Jesse Bell, Bellcate Director. “This is unfortunate because making and keeping friends is actually quite complex and it is really rewarding to break this process down and to see our students begin to understand the nuances and feel more competent and confident.” “I feel like I know how to make friends but I have always struggled with choosing the right friends for me,” explains Eric, Bellcate student. Throughout the 9 unit “invitational model” students will learn about understanding friendship, becoming friends, learning about invitations, the four levels of encouraging and discouraging friendship, knowing yourself as a friend, creating invitations, making choices, resolving differences, choosing positive friendship behavior and self care. “It is amazing to hear students start to process their thoughts about friendship while simultaneously asking for help to develop the skills they need to improve, strengthen or even dissolve existing friendships,” states co-facilitator, Saben Littlefield. With several weeks behind them, Bellcate students have responded to the new course with curiosity, engagement and genuine enthusiasm. “I really like learning about this stuff. Learning about the different types of friendship is so helpful in understanding the meaning of the friendships that I already have,” reflected Dakota, Bellcate student.
Featured Posts
Semester 2: Notes from the Operations Desk
Semester 2, during Covid, continues to challenge us at times but it has also brought opportunities for positive learning, growth and change. For example, during Covid we developed “Adventure Day.” Adventure Day is a full day of programming that is designed to access our natural and inspiring Vermont resources. Bellcate School has always been connected… Read more »
Bulldogs ’30 Nights of Fitness’
The Bellcate community is wrapping up its second version of “30 nights,” completing an intense workout series that brought laughs, tears of joy, hall of fame basketball players, a logger, the local news, a couple dentists, and a country music star. The fun began on Monday, January 4th. Aiden met Bellcate Athletic Director Jamie Moore… Read more »
WbcR Episode #22 – Hall of Fame
Here is our next installment of WbcR Episode #22 – “A Tribute to the 2020 Inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. This is our 1st Bellcate Remote broadcast and it will air on WBTV 99.3 FM on Saturday 5/16/20 at 8pm. Our DJ’s Matt, Marcus, Joe, and Dylan worked really hard on… Read more »
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Testimonials
Bruce, Grandfather
“Bellcate is life-changing for its kids. It has improved our family living by learning how to handle difficult situations from time to time. The Wolf Pack family support discussions and problem solving benefit all family members, staff, and all associated parties. At Bellcate, you receive unconditional backing and support from whenver needed 24/7. I am… Read more »
Anna and Chip, Parents
“Bellcate School is an amazing place. The school’s executive director and team are some of the most accomplished and talented educators and support staff we have ever met. They are committed to understanding the complex needs of each student. They will individualize an educational plan that incorporates a range of classes, social and extracurricular experiences… Read more »
Gail, Parent
”When you walk in the door at Bellcate it is usually a beehive of activity. There are classes going on, meals being made, artwork and schoolwork being hung in the hallways, maybe gardening going on out front. There are kids of various ages and all levels of ability/disability busy with their school tasks. It may… Read more »
Kara, Parent
“Bellcate School is a unique and special school that is completely dedicated to all of the student’s individual needs in a holistic approach. They improve their student’s lives academically, mentally, emotionally and physically in a community enriched environment. The wonderful staff have diverse backgrounds which enhances the variety of learning experiences the students acquire. The… Read more »
Kelly, Parent
“Bellcate School is a safe place for your child and your family. A place for all of you to learn and become stronger. They will never judge you and they will always support you. Every kid should be able to go to a school like Bellcate. Bellcate School has meant more to our son and… Read more »