Past projects 3
The Giving Tree That Sparks Joy & Intellectual Stimulation
Funded Dec 1, 2020P396K is grateful for the contributions to this project. Due to the pandemic, learning was transitioned to a blended model as well as fully remote model. During this time, it has been increasingly challenging to engage students with a variety of diverse abilities. The hands-on and engaging educational toys, books and puzzles your support provided have allowed students the ability to engage in learning in meaningful ways that have helped them to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals.
Not only did the gifts bring cheer to our students, but they also helped them in various domains including improving cognitive functioning, developing social emotional skills and improve in their physical abilities (gross motor and fine motor skills). Games such as Twister not only provided enjoyment to the students but also helped them to improve on their physical therapy goals such as improving balance and coordination. Each game was specifically selected to help the students achieve their learning goals. For example, Connect Four is a game that helped students improve their fine motor abilities as well as increase their ability to follow single step and multi-step directions as indicated on their IEP.
Thank you for your generous support during this challenging time. Our students are engaged and achieving their goals due to the impact this funding has afforded.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McCaulsky
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 2 other donors.Adaptive Seating for Children with Diverse Needs
Funded Dec 30, 2020Thank you for your support to the students at P396K! The adaptive seating received through the funding has made a huge impact on our students who face significant barriers to learning. Our students have a variety of diagnoses including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, emotional disturbances, and other cognitive and intellectual delays. These conditions result in numerous difficulties, such as maintaining an upright sitting position, reaching and manipulating tools and materials and sustaining attention throughout an entire class period. Now that our students have the appropriate seating adaptations, they can actively participate in classroom activities and benefit from alternative sitting and positioning options.
The beanbags and cushions received are arranged in the classroom and therapy room to provide a quiet space for our students who require time away from their peers and instructional time. Wedges provide a comfortable, upright sitting position for students with abnormal muscle tone and impaired sitting balance. For our non-ambulatory students who spend most of their time in strollers, the adaptive wooden chairs offer a more functional sitting position for classroom participation.
With our school schedules constantly changing due to the current pandemic, we have had students shifting from remote learning to in-person learning. Students are assured that they have a functional seat to learn in on the days they are scheduled to be in the building. The equipment is improving the comfort and independence of our students and helping them learn to their fullest potential.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McCaulsky
Aladdin: Creating A Whole New World for Diverse Learners
Funded Mar 9, 2020During the 2019-2020 school year, P396K received the Disney Musical's in School grant for the second consecutive year which provided professional development, coaching, tools and resources to help our arts department produce Disney's Aladdin Kids with 30 elementary school students who are identified as having severe to profound disabilities. The Donor's Choose funding we received helped tremendously to provide materials for costumes and set designs. Students had the opportunity to engage in performing arts as well as visual arts. A design team of staff and students was formed that worked on creating a gallery of artwork so that as audience members entered the school they could view the visual artwork prior to entering the theater for the show. Students also helped to create the designs for various set pieces.
Due to COVID 19, our work together came to a pause as we worked swiftly to transition to remote learning. With a lot of hard work, our arts department was able to continue the production remotely! Art supplies were sent home with families including markers, colored pencils, crayons, paints, construction paper, drawing paper, scissors, and glue. Additionally, all performers were sent home with a script. Our arts teachers created rehearsal videos which allowed students to practice a song and scene each week as well as engage in a visual arts activity (i.e. designing costumes from materials in their home, using craft materials that were sent home to design accessories for different characters). Zoom instruction was also provided for individual students to help them work on their specific roles.
Ultimately, we were able to produce a "Highlights of Aladdin Kids." Students filmed themselves at home performing a song or dance of their choice from the show. Visual art students submitted pictures of costume pieces they created or put together using items from their home, paintings they made related to the show and props such as microphones they made using foil paper and construction paper. The submitted photos and videos were compiled into a film that was shared with the school community.
The costume materials that we received from the grant are safely stored at the school and will be utilized when we are able to return in person. Additionally, Musical Theater International has extended the copyrights to the show so that we can produce the full length in-person production when the time permits.
One of the best parts of this process was that we were able to send home some of the art materials we received for students to create with. For example, one little girl, Joy was eager to participate in the production, but she was timid to dance and sing. When given a bag of art materials to use at home, she showed a true talent in creating paper crafts. Twice a week she submitted costume designs (vests, necklaces, bracelets), props (microphones designed from paper materials) and sketches of each scene in the musical. Joy was able to express her love of the arts by engaging in the production in the way she felt best.
It is because of the support we received from Donor's Choose that allowed students like Joy to reach her fullest potential and feel like a star while learning remotely. Thank you for making this a possibility.”
With gratitude,
Ms. McCaulsky
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney Musicals in Schools and 8 other donors.