(Conducted by Fairfax County Public Schools'
Department of Special Services, Office of Special Education)
Some examples of the activities in
various schools recognizing the importance of inclusive schools and
National Inclusive Schools Week 2004 included:
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Parent Coffees celebrating inclusive education and providing
materials and resources for parents. The Parent Resource Center (PRC)
representative attended several coffees promoting the PRC.
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Shared “thoughts for the day” during morning announcements. Many
schools have actually made this a daily activity.
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Postings of ideas and professional articles in the teacher’s lounge
to promote understanding and professional development.
-
Inclusion of inclusive education “tid-bits” in monthly newsletters
for parents and teachers.
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Providing edible treats to teachers, thanking them for all they do
to support inclusive education in our schools. For example, “Kudos
to you for including every student” and plates of assorted Oreo
cookies in the teachers lounge with the statement – Enjoy the
diversity! Thanks for all you do to help all children learn and
achieve.
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Creation of library displays in school libraries highlighting
children’s literature with an inclusive/ diversity them.
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Placemats in the teacher’s lounge and school cafeteria with
thoughtful quotes.
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Multi-colored ribbons for teachers to wear showing support for
inclusive education.
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Student poster contests illustrating themes from inclusive schools
week.
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Guest speakers who shared information/personal experiences about
disabilities.
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Videos/video clips with diversity/inclusive theme.
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Student created sculptures for the cafeteria around the
inclusive/diversity education/ theme.
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Invite The Arc to present its puppet show, Kids on the Block.
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Make a bookmark from art submissions by students receiving special
services, laminate it and give to all the school’s teachers and
support staff. Enclose in a card thanking them for contributing to
the inclusion of all our children in you school’s community.
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Arrange a breakfast for the special education bus drivers.
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Hold an inservice by the school nurse regarding some of the
students with special needs.
