Food and friends go together in Janet Roman's classroom at Westwoods Upper Elementary School in Farmington.

Two decades ago. Roman created a program to bring together students in special education and regular education classes together to socialize and do schoolwork.

"Students were afraid of students in the room and didn't know what was going on," Roman said. "The activities I create engage the general population in my classroom. It's actually part of their math program. Embedded in the activities are sequencing, measuring, following directions, reading."

Josh Roth, a fifth grader, became interested in the program when he met his classmate Cullen in the fall.

"He's a really great kid and we started to become friends so I was introduced to the “Friends” program," Roth said.

The students meet two mornings each week to create the "West Woods Wagon Treats" to raise money for local non-profits or to make breakfast.

The second part of the program happens during lunch when nearly half the students skip going to the cafeteria and volunteer on a rotating basis to eat their lunch in Janet Roman's room.

Principal Alicia Bowman said the program is an exemplary one that districts across Connecticut are looking to replicate.

"All students get to know them on a personal level, and it opens a conversation that we all have differences and it really creates a school community of acceptance," the former classroom teacher said.

Roman said and any sense of the fear she once saw simply melts away through this program.
"For me, every day is like a Hallmark card, the things that happen are wonderful,” she said.

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