2022 Spring Grants in Action!

During our 2022 spring grant selection period, we gave out 3 separate grants to improve sensory spaces in multiple schools in the district! Skye Nollkamper, who is an Occupational Therapist in the district, sent us some photos and testimonials about how these grants have positively impacted learning for our students. We love being able to see our grants at work and greatly appreciate her taking the time to send these to us!

“The grant we received from DDEF helped immensely in creating a welcoming, warm and relaxing break space for our district's adult Community Transition Program.  Students and staff use this space daily as a place to relax, socialize, eat and re-energize.  Thank you again for the grant-it has been so amazing! “

“We want to thank you again so much for the grant for the classroom sensory materials including mats.   The teacher, Quick, who wrote the grant, ended up moving to a position at the middle school but allowed Menlo to keep and distribute the materials among the Structured Learning Classrooms (SLC) and elsewhere in the school.   One mat is currently being used as a break space in each classroom.  The trampoline is being used in one of the SLC classrooms.  The swing has replaced the tired and worn out swing in the sensory room.  The rocker chair is being used in the SLC classroom.  The quiet corner mat is also being used.  Thank you so much for helping to make it possible for students to regulate their bodies while at school.”

“Thank you so much for the grant to help make the Wellness Gym at the high school wheelchair accessible.  It has been so wonderful for all students to be able to access the space for workouts, breaks and sensory regulation routines.  The new bike seat has made it possible for students to continue to use the exercise bike as a regulation tool.  The ball rack has allowed us to keep the room tidy and make it easy to get materials for students.  The lights and boombox has made the space a more relaxing environment.   These materials are used daily and so appreciated.”