Everybody Counts!

2011-2012 Committee Chairs: Amy , Laura , Betsy

Terrie

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Announcements

12/2/2007 -- The web site is being remodeled! Please bear with us as it will take a couple of weeks to make the complete transition. Please note that if you are using Internet Explorer Version 6 or earlier this website may not appear as it is intended.

Quick Links to Current Topics:

  • November 30, 2007, Rocket Review
  • September 11 PTO meeting minutes
  • 4th and 5th Grade SCIENCE FAIR INFO (Fair on Feb. 28)
  • Challenge Program information and deadlines
  • Message from the PTO President
  • Online lunch payment system
  • Rocket Rules
  • Smoky Row's New Paper Recycling Program
  • Smoky Row's Printer Cartridge & Cell Phone Recycling Program

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Understanding is the key to acceptance of those who seem different.

This year, Everybody Counts! will be November 7-11, 2011
SEE SCHEDULE BELOW!
Contact your teacher liaison or the Chairs listed above if you want to volunteer in your child's classroom!

Smoky Row is proud to participate in Everybody Counts, a nationwide educational program that is conducted in all Carmel Clay elementary schools. The program provides a unique opportunity for our children to develop awareness of peoples’ disabilities.

The emphasis is always on respect for a person dealing with a limitation. Each grade level learns about one disability via parent volunteers who are trained by the PTO, using a curriculum developed by a nurse from Cincinnati, Ohio, who is the mother of eleven children with a variety of disabilities.

Each classroom session lasts 90 minutes. First, the volunteers make a presentation and they then lead the students in a participative, action-oriented learning session. After participating in the program, the students usually remark that they have a much better understanding of the difficulties that others must face on a daily basis.

Not only does the program help us understand the challenges faced by those with certain disabilities, but also it reminds us that we are unique persons with special talents and gifts. All of us want to have fun, have friends, and contribute to society, no matter what are our limitations.

Each classroom needs three to four volunteers. Sign-ups occur during the “Meet the Teacher Night” at school. If you've missed that opportunity, contact your teacher liaison or one of the committee chairs listed above. All materials that are required for this program are provided to you by the Everybody Counts! Committee.

The topics covered at each grade level are listed below:

First Grade - Visual Impairments
Blindness is only one category of vision impairment discussed with the children. The children manipulate Braille cells, try to read through glasses that distort vision, go on a "trust walk" with a friend, play matching games while blind-folded and many other interesting activities.

Second Grade - Hearing Impairments
The activities are designed to teach how we hear - the structure, function and care of the ear, in addition to coping with hearing loss. The children enjoy sign language and lip reading activities, building an ear model and learning about various hearing aids.

Third Grade - Mental Impairment
The concept of developmental disabilities is introduced. Simulation activities allow the students to experience the frustrations of delayed learning and fine motor restrictions. They lead to discussions of feelings, teasing, and how to help. The word "retardation" is discussed and defined. The program focus is on ability.

Fourth Grade - Physical Impairments
Wheelchairs, walker, and many fine motor aids are used in challenging simulations. The students participate in an accessibility survey of their school. Information is provided about how these disabilities develop. Discussions include how challenges affect the child emotionally and physically.

Fifth Grade - Learning Disabilities
Various learning challenges are introduced. The activities are designed to allow the children to experience frustration. Each activity includes brainstorming alternative ways to learn or help someone who has trouble learning. The children also discuss famous people who have successfully coped with learning disabilities.