V OLUNTEERISM : E NRICHING THE LIVES OF STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY Amanda Fansler (Teacher), Beth Croley (Parent), Christine Pasquesi (SLP)

C LASSROOM : Community Parent community serving as “room moms” Helped planned community outings based upon family needs Parents opening their homes to do life skill activities (i.e. cooking, laundry) Parents would plan an exciting community trip a month (contacted local businesses and planned a fun “field trip” experience) Facilitated “play dates”

C LASSROOM Holiday Parties At school Planning a craft for the students Planning a cooking activity for students Birthday parties at the students’ home Planning a craft Planning a cooking activity Replicating a peers’ birthday party Practicing life skills at a different person’s home

C LASSROOM Giving back to the community At every holiday party, or once a month our class “Gave back” to the community Food bank (went and sorted, and created care packages at a holiday party) Orphans of the Storm Whitehall visit with Ellie Pumpkin Fest in Highwood Holiday drive Veterans care packages

P ARENT P ERSPECTIVE Similar to siblings classes Rewarding to have a relationship with those working with your child Forms a sense of community with other parents (room parent committee)

S CHOOL TEAM P ERSPECTIVE Team can best meet family goals for their child Helps build collaborative relationships with families Helps gain a parent perspective on the lives of our students Helps learn background information about each student

A NIMAL T HERAPY Delta Society Therapy Dog vs. Service dog Training Handler 2 day workshop Certification test Test with the dog Dog Field test (ensuring the dog can remain calm to various stimulus and environments) Vet letter of recommendation Clean bill of health Settings Schools, hospital, nursing home

A NIMAL T HERAPY Activities: Walking, brushing, feeding, giving water, playing ball, bubbles, laser light, tricks Goals: directing actions of others, requesting, commenting Benefits: increased self esteem, joint attention, sense of togetherness, opportunity to socialize, opportunity for unconditional love, learning an interest or skill set, compassion for others/helping or encouraging other participants

A NIMAL THERAPY IN YOUR ROOM Monthly? Based upon availability Please sign up in back and based upon numbers availability will be determined.