OHS Special Education students create art display about endangered animals

OHS Special Education students create art display about endangered animals

(MURFREESBORO) Fifteen special education students at Oakland High School recently created an art display to culminate their lesson on endangered species.

As part of the lesson, the students first watched several videos on extinct species and endangered animals and marine life. Then they discussed how we can help protect these vulnerable populations. Students also looked at many examples of ocean conservation through art by other high school students from the “Science Without Boarders” website.

The display artists included 15 special education students with varying strengths and abilities making up two Special Education Core Art classes. Art instruction was given by Dr. Perry Louden and assisted by Stan Joslin, Phillips Seals, and Dr. Florence Omachonu.  The display theme, “Disappearing Act” was selected by Crissy Dunn. 

What viewers see in the display is of variety of endangered animals colored with the students’ preferred medium — crayons, markers, watercolors, or colored pencils. Most

Read More

Read More →

Students for Special Olympics enjoy friendly competitions

Students for Special Olympics enjoy friendly competitions

FAIRFIELD — Claps and cheers for runners echoed across the football field Friday for the third annual 2023 High School Track and Field Special Olympics.

This elementary-school event welcomed students from Special Education classes to a morning of friendly competition at Rodriguez High School football field.

The day started with a pageant of students walking onto the field, followed by the national anthem and a couple of speakers.

Students for Special Olympics enjoy friendly competitions

Sheila McCabe

Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, spoke to the attendees about inspiration.

“We hear all the time about stress. It is a challenging time but it is all about the positive attitude that moves you forward through those challenges,” she said. “Today is a day to celebrate these amazing students.”

“This is just for students from Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District,” said Matt Miller, adapted physical education specialist, in a phone interview.

The event pairs special-education students with general-educational partners

Read More

Read More →

Smiles (and sun) shine at Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs Families

Smiles (and sun) shine at Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs Families

Heavy rain hit Habersham County Saturday morning, but it didn’t keep the sun – and smiles – from shining at the Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs Families.

Dozens of people turned out for the inaugural event held at Hillside Baptist Church in Cornelia.

“We had a good turnout with the weather having been so yucky this morning,” says event co-organizer Rhonda Stamey.

Around 30 people participated, including special needs children and adults, their siblings, parents, and caregivers.

Smiles (and sun) shine at Easter Egg Hunt for Special Needs Families
It was a mad rush from the starting line as kids and adults sought to fill up their baskets and bags at the family-friendly event.
Jeremiah King hunts for some of the more than 400 candy-filled eggs placed outside Hillside Baptist Church on April 1, 2023.

Habersham Central High Special Education Teacher Stephanie Frankum Lewis volunteered to help at the event along with three Special Olympics student volunteers. Others volunteered their time

Read More

Read More →

SIU’s .8M special ed project aims to help keep students with disabilities in Illinois schools

SIU’s $5.8M special ed project aims to help keep students with disabilities in Illinois schools

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A Southern Illinois University Carbondale team has launched a 2-year project to help educators around the state find effective ways to help students with disabilities and behavioral concerns stay in school rather than face disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion, thanks to a $5.841 million Special Education Behavior Assessment Training (BAT) Project contract with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

“It’s all about the success of students, especially students who need help and an education the most,” said Deborah Bruns, SIU special education program coordinator and professor and a project co-PI. “We want to raise awareness and provide the resources and assistance to help special education professionals do their work as effectively as possible. We also want to help teachers, school administrators and others who work with special education children address any disproportionate administration of behavioral punishment through building stronger classrooms and sound, effective administrative

Read More

Read More →

MPS special needs students’ prom at Washington High School ‘so fun’

MPS special needs students’ prom at Washington High School ‘so fun’

At Milwaukee’s Washington High School on Friday night, the true prom experience was available to everyone.

A dance was dedicated to MPS students with special needs and disabilities – making a night that could be difficult a lot of fun.

“It’s just a way for our kids to shine and not have to worry about kids judging them,” said Heidi Cumbajin, Washington High School transition coordinator/special education teacher.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

When students with special needs can feel left in the dark, at prom, they traded red tape for a red carpet.

“They’re kind of excluded from the prom and things,” said Cumbajin. “Here at Washington we call it ‘The

Read More

Read More →