This past Saturday, December 3, was the International Day of People with Disabilities. The United Nations created this international day of celebration to promote the well-being and welfare of people living with a disability. (You can read more about this holiday here.)
Did you know that 16% of FES students have been formally identified as having a disability? This number may surprise you, because sometime these differences are "hidden in plain sight."
In honor of International Day of People with Disabilities, the PTO's Abilities Awareness Committee has highlighted a few abilities awareness resources and efforts specifically within our community.
1. Read About It!
Did you know that the FES Library collection includes many books that the Librarians have identified as featuring children with varying abilities? Many of these wonderful stories also have "read-aloud" videos, which you can also watch at home with your children. Here are a few examples you may be interested to watch with your children:
For your reference, here is the full list of YouTube FES Library Book read-alouds.
Also, here is a list of other books that feature characters with different disabilities.
2. Create Inclusive & Accessible Events!
The PTO and Abilities Awareness Committee are committed to creating environments at PTO-sponsored events that consider the unique needs of all students and community members. For example, at theIce Cream Socialthis fall, a "sensory-friendly" table was offered for anyone needing a quieter environment for waiting in line. At the Harvest Fest in October, the Sensory Space in the greenhouse was a wonderful addition for children who needed a quieter and more focused festival experience.
3. Check Out Additional Resources!
Below are additional educational resources for continued learning about and appreciating the unique and various abilities around us:
If you are interested in joining the efforts of the PTO’s Abilities Awareness Committee, please email elementary@falmouthpto.org.
Lost & Found Deadline is Tomorrow!
The FES Lost & Foundwill be cleared out by the administration at the end of the day on Wednesday, 12/7. (Items will be donated to local charities.) If you see any items that belong to your children, please visit the school before end of school day Wednesday to retrieve any items!
We are also looking for volunteers to help on the Lost & Found Committee! Would you be interested in helping the team sort through abandoned items around the school, keep the closet tidy, update the website for parent viewing, help return items to owners, and display items at school events? Minimal time commitment! There is also computer work from home, allowing you to work on your own timeline.
This holiday season, might you take a quick moment to change your Amazon account to support FES? The AmazonSmile program is a free and easy way to support FES. The PTO receives a .5% donation on purchases, without any additional effort or donation directly from you.
With 900 families in the FES community, these donations add up over the course of a year!
AmazonSmileonly takes one minute to set up, and there are absolutely no drawbacks to you. (For example: product costs do not change; FES PTO does not see your purchases; FES PTO does not see how much money you personally generated.)
PTO Meeting Tuesday, December 13 from 7:00–8:30 pm
Our next meeting will take place via ZOOM! Join other parents on the second Tuesday of every month to learn about the many initiatives underway to benefit our FES students and community.
Can't make this one? Click here to view the full schedule and mark your calendar for future meetings!
Looking for more ways to support our FES Community?
SHOPwith AmazonSmile | ORDER LABELS from Mabel's Labels | SHOP at Staples | SCANBox Tops to support the FES Library | DONATEto the FES PTO | SHARE your ideas!
We can't do what we do without your support. Thank you!
