"Having ADHD is like having a powerful race car for a brain, but with bicycle brakes." -Dr.Ned Hallowell
Each day the students at our school enter the building ready to engage in a rigorous academic program designed to prepare them for high school, college, and the world beyond.
All of our students are held to the highest expectations, and learning specialists work to design supports so that all students can participate in grade level classes and content. A small population of the students is simultaneously working to understand their individual attention and impulse control challenges. They use strategies such as movement breaks, fidget toys, time to exercise, and sensory seat cushions to help them maintain focus during class. It can be torturous for students whose minds and bodies are constantly in motion to be in a situation where sitting and listening for long periods of time is required. The students in this group are bright and capable students and we work daily to incorporate tools which will enable them to demonstrate their strengths.
My Project
Students will have the Desk Cycle bikes in their homeroom classes so that they can be used during instruction. Sitting still during class is a major challenge for several of our 5th-8th grade students. Sometimes students zone out, fidget with items on their desk, or blurt things out. Being able to engage in stimulating movement will help students maintain focus and feel calmer. One of the great things about our school is that accommodations and support tools are used by many students and viewed as a just another part of the school day. It is within such an inclusive environment that students can experiment with different strategies to find out what works for them.
Donations will help ensure that all students at our school can engage meaningfully in their classes while having their sensory and attention needs met.
It will help students to take ownership over their needs and to feel positive about themselves, when so often struggling to pay attention or regulate impulses can lead to low self-image. Students who have "race car brains" should feel positive about their ability to contribute to the class.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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