This year, I was awarded a grant for a Cricut machine for my high school ESE classroom. The Cricut will provide my students with hands-on learning experiences in design and creativity. However, to fully utilize this tool, we also need a heat press. Many of the Cricut’s most impactful projects—such as T-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric items—require a press to apply vinyl and complete the product. Without it, students will not be able to fully experience the design-to-product process.

For ESE students, completing a project from start to finish is especially important. It provides a sense of pride, increases engagement, and strengthens vocational and life skills. Without a heat press, their learning experience will be limited.

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Heat Press to Expand Cricut Opportunities for ESE Students

School:
Palmetto Ridge High 
Subject:
Special Needs Students 
Teacher:
Stephanie Reays 
Students Impacted:
30 
Grade:
9-12 
Date:
August 28, 2025

0% Funded

 

 

Only $300.00 Needed

 

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Goal(s)

This year, I was awarded a grant for a Cricut machine for my high school ESE classroom. The Cricut will provide my students with hands-on learning experiences in design and creativity. However, to fully utilize this tool, we also need a heat press. Many of the Cricut’s most impactful projects—such as T-shirts, tote bags, and other fabric items—require a press to apply vinyl and complete the product. Without it, students will not be able to fully experience the design-to-product process.

For ESE students, completing a project from start to finish is especially important. It provides a sense of pride, increases engagement, and strengthens vocational and life skills. Without a heat press, their learning experience will be limited. 

 

Category

Electronics - Headphones, charging cables, computer mice, etc. 

 

Project Description

A classroom heat press will give my students the ability to transfer their Cricut designs onto fabric and other materials. This will provide them with the opportunity to create tangible, usable products while practicing essential skills such as sequencing, attention to detail, and fine motor coordination. 

 

Expected Outcomes

Hands-On Learning: Completing the entire process builds confidence, ownership, and pride in their work.

Life and Job Skills: Students will strengthen fine motor skills, follow multi-step directions, and gain experience in tasks similar to those used in vocational and small business settings.

Engagement and Social Growth: Working on group projects such as class shirts or school spirit items encourages collaboration, communication, and social interaction.

Inclusive Opportunities: The Cricut and heat press together create a supportive, differentiated learning environment where all students can succeed at their own pace. 

 

Purpose of Funding

The heat press, used alongside the Cricut, is a durable investment that will serve many groups of ESE students for years to come. Consumable supplies such as vinyl and fabric can be replenished as needed at relatively low cost, ensuring this program’s continued success. This tool is essential for maximizing the benefits of the Cricut machine and providing my ESE students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences. 

 

Items

# Item Cost
1 Cricut Heat Press $300.00
  Total: $300.00

0% Funded

 

 

Only $300.00 Needed

 

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Special Thanks to Our Presenting Partners

Suncoast Credit Union