Grade: 9th Grade

Teacher Names: Kara Lindquist (Special Education Department Head & Transition Pathways Teacher) & Wendy Flaherty (Physical Education Teacher for Adaptive PE course)

Description and purpose of grant

Objective:
We are seeking funding to purchase adaptive physical education equipment and fitness activities tailored to our students' alternate curricula in core academic classes. This initiative aims to ensure that all learners have equitable access to physical education at a level suited to their individual needs.

Alignment with District Core Values:

1. Engagement:
   Providing adaptive equipment and activities will enhance student engagement by making physical education more accessible and enjoyable for all learners. Customized equipment will allow students to actively participate and stay motivated, thus increasing their overall engagement in physical education.

2. Great Teaching:
   By equipping our program with the necessary tools, teachers can implement more effective and inclusive teaching strategies. Adaptive equipment supports differentiated instruction and enables educators to address the diverse needs of students, fostering an environment where great teaching thrives.

3. Relationships:
   Our adaptive PE course section fosters connections between special education learners and general education peer partners. Accessible and appropriate equipment will strengthen these relationships by allowing all students to work and play together on a more equal footing, enhancing social interaction and mutual support.

4. Redefining Success:
   Success in physical education isn’t solely measured by traditional metrics but by personal and academic growth. Adaptive equipment will help redefine success for our students by focusing on individual progress and participation, rather than just competitive achievement.

Impact:

• Enhanced Participation: Students with varying abilities will have the opportunity to fully engage in physical activities, leading to improved physical health and well-being.
• Personal Growth: Accessible equipment will support students in setting and achieving personal fitness goals, contributing to their overall self-esteem and confidence.
• Academic Integration: Fitness activities linked to core academic curricula will reinforce classroom learning and help students apply their academic skills in a physical context.

By investing in adaptive physical education equipment, we are not only supporting the physical development of our students but also fostering a more inclusive and engaging educational environment.

Implementation process: The adaptive physical education equipment purchased through this grant will be integrated into our existing adaptive PE units. This initiative will directly benefit 6 students with moderate to severe disabilities and 12 general education peer partners this current school year. Each year we have a range from 6-12 students with disabilties and 12-20 general education peer partners. The class meets every other day for 90 minutes, ensuring regular and sustained use of the new equipment. Additionally, the equipment will support students' participation in Special Olympic events, such as bowling and bocce, and will continue to serve future students in the coming years. Adaptive PE units will be adjusted to incorporate the new equipment and activities. Lesson plans will be revised to ensure that the equipment is used effectively and aligns with both physical education goals and the students’ individual needs. The equipment will be available for all incoming 9th graders who require adaptive physical education, ensuring that future students benefit from this investment. We will evaluate the impact of the equipment on student participation, engagement, and progress. This will involve measures, such as student feedback, teacher observations, and academic growth.

Items you plan to purchase with grant money:

Vendor: Gopher Sport

• Rainbow UltraPin Plus Bowling Sets ($649)
  • Each set of 10 pins comes with a score pad so students can manually keep their scores. They also include a bowling pin template for quick and accurate pin placement when setting up a game.
• VersaGrip Bowling Ball ($49.95) 
  • Unique, universal grip that allows students of any age or ability to use this rubber bowling ball. A thumb hole and wide slot for fingers makes it easy to grab the ball and roll! A textured thumb hole provides a great grip, while extra texture and cushioning inside the finger slot produces even more grip and comfort.
• Rainbow X-Force Bowling Balls ($779.40)
  • Low-bounce balls that are safe for use on all floors are built to absord and dissipate the force of impact when thrown or rolled. These low-bounce balls are ideal for low-intensity play.
• SST Scooter Boards ($129.90)
  • The seating area is specifically designed to create more leg room and less board interference for students. Two encased handles prevent pinched fingers and also provide riders with a secure grip so they stay safer.
• Rainbow ElevAir Parachutes ($259.00) 
  • Parachute that assists with the development of coordination and memory skills. 
• BucketBall Set ($119.90) 
  • Set up a bucket tossing game that's customized to the skills and abilities of those playing it. Three types of balls—ranging from small and soft to large and extra bouncy—that add a fun challenge and accommodate players of various skill levels.
• Active Academics Alpha-Spot Activity Set ($389.00) 
  • Spelling and sequencing challenges to add to movement activities and games.
• ACTION! Rainbow AllAround Goal Set ($1,399.00) 
  • These games will get players up and moving throughout the entire class. Game themes include attempting to score without being tagged, ducking and dodging balls thrown during the ultimate goal elimination game, scoring points in target practice, and working together in a team relay.
• Bocce Sets ($379.80)
  • The Medio Set includes resin balls that are lighter and softer for beginners. The game is excellent for improving hand-eye coordination.
• ACTION! ToppleTubes Sets ($229.00)
  • Unique 2-color tubes are small in size, but BIG on versatility and durability! They can be used for relays, fitness routines, agility courses, and more!
• Mr. Muscles Puzzle ($94.95)
  • Students engage their own muscles as they work together to complete Mr. Muscles!
• Skeleton Puzzle ($109.00)
  • Life-size puzzle gives students a hands-on approach to learning the skeletal system.
• GamePlay Team TripleToss Set ($349.00)
  • Games put a focus on a number of critical skills including teamwork, communication, coordination, and math skills. 
• CalmEDice Set ($49.95)
  • Roll the emotion dice to recognize and regulate feelings!
• Rainbow SpotMojis Spots ($59.95)
  • Colorful vinyl spots with emotive faces add fun and organization to any activity!
• FeelingFast Emotions Relay Set ($149.00)
  • Students need to quickly act out and recognize emotions to earn more cards than the other team!
• ACTION! Ultimania Goals ($189.00)
  • Portable hoop goals to increase the scoring opportunities
• PuzzlePath Set ($269.00)
  • Teams work together to solve the puzzle and create a path to the finish line!
• InReach Biggie Sport Balls - Volleyball and Soccer Ball ($129.90)
  • Supersized, soft, and lightweight sports balls for all the fun and no fear!
• Rainbow EnormaSport Egg and Spoon Set ($79.95)
  • It takes balance and coordination to get from start to finish without dropping the egg!
• GamePlay BiggieBags Set ($249.00)
  • A beanbag toss game that's BIG on size, teamwork, and movement!

*Shipping estimate: ~$865

In the event my grant is not fully funded, this is minimum amount I would need to get started on this project: We would be incredibly grateful for any amount awarded to us to kickstart this important project. Thank you for considering our proposal. We are excited about the opportunity to enhance our program and make a positive impact on our students' lives, and we look forward to your support in making this vision a reality.