February 14 – The Mexico School District is the recipient of a grant to purchase a bilingual (English and Spanish) communication board for the Eugene Field Elementary playground. This double-sided board will feature visual symbols to support students who are nonverbal, have limited verbal skills, or are learning English.

The MFA grant was written by Melissa Deimeke, Director of Special Services for the district, and Whitney Lewis, a speech language pathologist with The Speech Lab, LLC.

"A communication board on the playground will help to ensure students with special needs can participate in social activities and games with their peers," shared Deimeke. "It allows students to make choices, comment, ask for help, protest, express shared joy, and engage in conversations, promoting their social development and inclusion within our school."

Deimeke and Lewis also believe the communication board will educate and raise awareness among non-disabled students about different forms of communication and the importance of inclusion and acceptance. The communication board will help students express their thoughts, needs, and emotions, fostering social interaction and inclusion. It will also promote understanding and empathy among all students, creating a more welcoming school environment.

By providing accessible ways to communicate, the district aims to ensure that all students can fully participate in playground activities.

Pictured:

Julie Lower, Assistant Superintendent Mexico Schools

Whitney Lewis, SLP, The Speech Lab

Fred Trowbridge, MFA Oil Manager

Melissa Deimeke, Special Services Director Mexico Public Schools

Dr. Troy Lentz, Superintendent Mexico Schools