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Northtowne April Extras
Yes, we just came back from Spring Break and had an April newsletter. But, there are already updates and extras! Spring is a busy season!
Volunteers Needed!
Northtowne Food Drive
April is Occupational Therapy Month
At Northtowne, we are lucky to have two occupational therapists! Are you wondering what an occupational therapist is or why a school would have an occupational therapist? This is a little information describing the role of our school-based occupational therapists:
Occupational therapists (OT) in the school system are focused on supporting a child’s overall ability to participate as successfully and fully as possible in the school environment. OT’s focus often includes: fine motor functioning, sensory processing, visual motor and visual perceptual skills, self-care skills/activities of daily living, social skills, cognitive skills and executive functioning, and more!
OT in schools follows a different model than what you may have seen in clinics or hospitals. OTs in schools are part of the special education team that includes: special education teachers, general education teachers, instructional assistants, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, and other professionals as well as students’ parents and caregivers. Occupational therapy’s expertise includes activity and environmental analysis and modification with a goal of reducing the barriers to participation in education.
Here are some examples of how school OTs can help:
- Promote visual motor coordination for tasks like coloring, drawing and legible handwriting
- Facilitate access and efficient use of technology devices needed in the classroom
- Consider sensory supports or other accommodations to promote alertness, attention, or self-regulation
- Encourage independent management of personal materials (backpack, coat, shoes/boots, clothing fasteners)
Thank you Ms Megan (pre-k OT) and Ms Nikki (school aged OT) for everything you do for our identified students.
Author Visit
A book author visit is an exciting event at a school. Northtowne is thrilled to be welcoming children's book author Kelly Starling Lyons on May 3. Students in every grade will go to an assembly during the school day. Ms Startling Lyons is a Black author who has made it her mission to center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all kids the stories they hold inside. Check out more information about Ms Starling Lyons, including the many books she has written, at https://kellystarlinglyons.com/
Spirit Wear Sale Until Friday, April 19
Did you miss the earlier chance to get your Northtowne spirit wear? Good news! Our online spirit wear shop is open again!
Spirit wear, or clothing that shows the school you support/are affiliated with, is popular in US culture. Northtowne Elementary has coordinated with a company that is providing us with a spirit wear online storefront. A portion of the sales will come back to Northtowne as a fundraiser.
Orders can be placed through Friday, April 19th. When ordering remember to select "DHE Customs" pickup before completing the order. Selecting the "DHE Customs" pickup option will save you the shipping costs. Your items will be sent to Northtowne Elementary and we will sort and send home your order with your student.
Please note this sale is entirely online. Do not send money to school with your student as we will not be able to make the order for you. The online site accepts payments by credit card, debit card, and the Mastercard/Visa branded gift cards (you can purchase these at grocery stores).
One Columbus Culture Day
Rise Up CBUS! is partnering with the New American Program for One Columbus Culture Day. This FREE event offers internal food, music, and live performances along with valuable community resources!
When: Thursday, April 25, 2024
4:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Feddersen Community Center, 3911 Dresden St, Columbus OH 43224