Carder Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Carder PTA Inclusivity Project 

We believe that every child deserves access to diverse learning tools that cater to their unique needs. We are extremely excited to share our mission and vision for a more inclusive classroom at Carder Elementary. We invite you, for only 24 hours, to participate in FLX GIVES - where you can help us meet our students where they are in their journey. It is our goal to bridge the gap in traditional education by providing innovative and alternative classroom tools for our students with learning differences.

Who You are Impacting

Our teachers in the 8-1-2 classrooms are dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive. These classrooms have a higher number of students with urgent needs, requiring additional support and resources to help them stay engaged and regulated throughout the day. Additionally, teachers across the rest of the school are eager to enhance their learning environments by creating sensory break corners in their classrooms.

Why Alternative Learning Tools Matter

• Sensory Tools:  These small objects can make a significant difference in a student's ability to focus and engage with the material being taught. They have become an essential tool in modern classrooms, particularly for students who benefit from alternative learning aids. Sensory tools such as fidgets, sensory cushions, and noise-canceling headphones, can help students with sensory processing need focus and regulate their emotions, while staying calm and engaged. Additionally, they support students with attention difficulties, as it allows them to channel their restlessness in a non-disruptive way.
• Alternative Seating Options:  Today, the limited availability of flexible seating options in our classrooms poses a challenge. Traditional seating can be uncomfortable for many students, such as those with sensory processing needs and/or excessive energy. For students who require frequent sensory breaks, the availability of alternative seating can be transformative. By providing a variety of seating options, such as wobble chairs, stability balls, fidget chair bands or sensory cushions, we can create a more comfortable and supportive learning environment for all students.
• Flexible Curriculum Tools: Our teachers are dedicated to adapting their instruction to meet the diverse needs of our students.  Adaptations often happen in real time for non-verbal students or those with visual issues. Across the board, teachers are innovative; they are purchasing, printing, laminating, cutting and velcroing adapted materials to make hands-on, interactive support for our students. By providing them with the resources to create customized materials, we can ensure that every student has access to the support they need.

Who We Are

The Carder PTA. We are parents working as a team, along with the wonderful administrators, teachers and staff to ensure our children's educational experience is full of connections, meaningful experiences and support. All funds raised from FLX Gives will go directly into supporting our 8-1-2 classrooms and the alternative learning needs of ALL of our students.

Call to Action

Together, we can create a more engaging learning environment for all students and provide valuable resources for our educators. Please consider donating to our FLX GIVES campaign and helping us reach our goal of $2600. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Join us in making our Carder Community a welcoming and supportive place for ALL of our children.

Thank you for your generosity to our school community and your commitment our koalas!