Teacher: Courtney Brunelle

School: Briggsdale School

Website: https://www.briggsdaleschool.org/

Address: 515 Leslie Street. Briggsdale, CO. 80611

Grade Level: SPED - Elementary and SSN

Region: Northeast

Project Title: SPED Development Project

Category: Supporting Special Populations (English Language Learners, Special Needs Students, Gifted Education)

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Briggsdale School is a K-12 institution with a student body in the 70s. This is the first year Briggsdale is educating students with severe needs (SSN), a group that focuses on teaching adaptive behaviors, life skills, and career readiness. My goal is to provide the basics for this new SSN program, such as a refrigerator for teaching cooking and food sorting skills, groceries for teaching household chores, and sanitary supplies like toothbrushes and toothpaste. Additionally, I would like to acquire curriculum and resources like LessonPix and Everyday Speech to help students communicate nonverbally, develop social skills, and prepare for career readiness. If possible, I would also love to take students to participate in local Special Olympics events for social interaction, physical activity, and self-esteem building.

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Impact:
This project will help our severe needs students develop essential life skills, gain independence, and prepare for life outside of public education. The curriculum resources will support social and communication skills, while hands-on learning with household tasks will boost their confidence. The Special Olympics trips will provide a rare opportunity for students to interact in public, foster relationships, and improve their self-esteem.

Use of Funds:
- Small Refrigerator: $100
- Speech and Social/Emotional Online Resources (annual memberships): $100 each
- Groceries and Sanitary Supplies: $300
- Special Olympics Field Trip Expenses (transportation, supplies): $300