Preschool - Newton Schools Foundation

Inclusive Play for EveryBODY

Inclusive Play for EveryBODY new

Our project goal is to purchase specialized equipment to facilitate physical therapy and APE treatments of students with complex impairments. At NECP we are fortunate to have a physical therapy and APE gym but our equipment could be enhanced with products that allow increased access for more multiply involved students. Our student population has changed over the last few years and students have more complex needs. We do not have the specialized equipment to allow them to be fully included in all aspects of play. For example, children cannot play ball with their friends if they cannot grip the ball and/or see the ball coming.

Applicant: Ellen Alperin, Cory Floyd, and Angela Murgia

Schools: NECP

Date Approved: June 2023

Amount: $2,033.83

Take a Break Spaces

Take a Break Spaces new

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This will provide students with a developmentally appropriate space within their classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy and productive way. “Take a Break” spaces are a tier one support which provides students with a developmentally appropriate space within their classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy and productive way. Learning self-regulation strategies at the preschool level provides students with foundational social-emotional skills they will be able to build upon throughout their academic career. These designated areas will help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students.

Applicant: Chelsea LeBlanc

Schools: NECP

Date Approved: June 2023

Amount: $5,818

PD for Mental Health Staff

PD for Mental Health Staff new

The mental health and social and emotional well being of our students remains a district priority, however, mental health staff get no opportunities for professional learning in district. Unlike our other colleagues who receive ongoing and relevant professional learning, mental health staff are forced to pay for their own professional learning outside of the district. Since COVID, and the mental health crisis that has followed, school mental health needs are as intense and dynamic as ever.

Applicant: Jesse Krotick

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: June 2023

Amount: $10,000

Music for All

Music is a critical part of the preschool curriculum and classroom experience. Music is used as a teaching tool throughout the day and across all curriculum areas. Students with disabilities often require adaptive materials, such as switch accessible instruments, in order to access musical activities and the general education curriculum. NSF will fund music materials so all can participate.

Applicant: Melissa Rice, Chelsea LeBlanc, Ashley Raven and Michelle Simon

Schools: Newton Early Childhood Program

Date Approved: May 3, 2021

Amount: $4260