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Goal

I am submitting this grant proposal requesting $5,000 in funding for the creation of a multi-sensory room. This dedicated space will serve our students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (EBD), providing them with a safe and therapeutic environment for self-regulation.

As the population of students with sensory processing challenges grows, so does the need for specialized supports within our schools. A sensory room will enable our students to better manage sensory overload, reduce anxiety, and improve their ability to focus and engage in the classroom. This initiative directly aligns with our district's commitment to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.

We are confident that this project will have a significant and lasting impact on the academic and emotional success of our students. We appreciate your consideration and eagerly await the opportunity to partner with your organization in this vital endeavor. 

 

Category

School-Wide, Grade-Level, Or Class Events/Programs - Parent Nights, Honor Roll Celebrations, EOY Events, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

As we are currently serving approximately 900 students in grades 5–8. A significant portion of our student body includes individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (EBD). Many of these students struggle with sensory processing challenges that can lead to difficulties with self-regulation, focus, and participation in the standard classroom environment.

This proposal requests $5,000 to purchase equipment and materials for a multi-sensory room. This space will provide a controlled, low-stimulus environment where students can decompress, regulate their emotions, and develop critical coping skills. By investing in a sensory room, our school will significantly enhance the educational experience and emotional well-being of our most vulnerable students, helping them succeed in school and beyond.

The initial grant of $2,000 will be used to purchase and install all major equipment and furnishings. The school and district are committed to maintaining the longevity of the sensory room through the following measures:

Replacement Items: The special education department will allocate a small portion of its annual budget for replacing minor items like fidgets and batteries as needed.

Staffing: Existing special education teachers and support staff will manage the room, ensuring no additional personnel costs are required.

Fundraising: The FMS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) will be engaged in fundraising to support future enhancements and larger equipment replacements.

Maintenance: A routine maintenance schedule will be established with our custodial and maintenance team to ensure all equipment, particularly the swing, remains safe and functional. 

 

Benefits to my students

For many students with ASD and EBD, the typical school environment—with its bright lights, crowded hallways, and loud noises—can be overwhelming and trigger sensory overload. When students are overstimulated, they may experience increased anxiety, meltdowns, or withdrawal, which hinders their ability to learn and interact with their peers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of ASD continues to rise. While we strive to create an inclusive environment for these students, we currently lack a designated space equipped with the specialized tools needed for sensory regulation. The absence of such a resource disproportionately affects these students, leading to increased behavioral incidents, decreased academic engagement, and a higher demand on staff to de-escalate crisis situations.

A multi-sensory room is a widely recognized, evidence-based intervention that provides a safe haven for students to find calm and refocus. By creating this resource, we will not only reduce disruptive behaviors but also empower our students to develop greater independence and self-awareness.

Goal: To establish a therapeutic and calming multi-sensory room for students with ASD and EBD at Freeport Middle School.

Objectives:
Within three months of receiving the grant, purchase and install all sensory equipment.
Provide a variety of sensory tools that offer both calming and stimulating inputs (e.g., visual, tactile, and vestibular).
Offer a designated, supervised space for students to visit when they feel overwhelmed, to help them self-regulate.
Document usage and gather student and staff feedback to evaluate the room's effectiveness.

Activities:
Space Preparation: A dedicated, existing classroom will be prepped by FMS custodial and maintenance staff. The space will be painted a calming color, and blackout curtains will be installed to control natural light.
Equipment Procurement: Use the grant funds to purchase the items listed in the budget. This includes specialized swings, tunnels, seating, lighting, and wall activities.

Installation and Setup: School staff, led by the special education department, will assemble and arrange the equipment. A contractor will be hired to safely install the ceiling-mounted swing structure.

Training: Staff will be trained on the proper use of the sensory room and its equipment, with a focus on guided relaxation and therapeutic interventions.

Implementation: The sensory room will be integrated into students' individual behavior plans, allowing them to use the space as a proactive coping strategy.

IV. Evaluation Plan
The success of the multi-sensory room will be evaluated through both quantitative and qualitative methods over the course of the first year.

Quantitative:
Referral Data: Track the number of student referrals for behavioral incidents related to emotional regulation. We project a 20% decrease in relevant referrals in the first year.

Sensory Room Usage Log: Maintain a log of student visits, including the date, duration, and stated purpose of the visit.

Qualitative:
Staff and Student Surveys: Gather feedback from special education staff, students, and classroom teachers regarding the room's impact on student behavior, focus, and overall well-being.

Case Studies: Document specific student success stories and outcomes to illustrate the room's qualitative impact. 

 

Budget Narrative

The initial grant of $2,000 will be used to purchase and install all major equipment and furnishings. The school and district are committed to maintaining the longevity of the sensory room through the following measures:

Replacement Items: The special education department will allocate a small portion of its annual budget for replacing minor items like fidgets and batteries as needed.

Staffing: Existing special education teachers and support staff will manage the room, ensuring no additional personnel costs are required.

Fundraising: The FMS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) will be engaged in fundraising to support future enhancements and larger equipment replacements.

Maintenance: A routine maintenance schedule will be established with our custodial and maintenance team to ensure all equipment, particularly the swing, remains safe and functional. 

 

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