At Richard J. Lee Elementary, the FamiLEE spirit shines brightly in the Active Learning Class led by teacher Reagan Scott, alongside aides Josna Joseph, Menaka Vallarasu and Kirthika Banu Saravanakumar. During the week of Oct. 21, the students explored holidays from various cultures, aligning their lessons with the school’s Scope and Sequence to learn about the different holidays celebrated around the world.
After reading a book covering New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Diwali, and Christmas, the students dove into a craft activity to practice their fine motor skills, creating art inspired by their favorite holidays. With help from their teacher and aides, Conner Detten crafted Christmas-themed decorations, Ryan Shaw enjoyed celebrating Halloween and Aadya Warrier made art in honor of Diwali.
These third-grade students also enjoy inclusion time with their homeroom classes, where they participate in Lee Elementary’s beloved events, such as the Character Day parade and Trunk or Treat. Thanks to occupational therapy students from St. Augustine University, they were provided with costumes tailored to their personalities: Conner dressed as Toothless the Dragon, Aadya as Peppa Pig, and Ryan as Coraline. These unique costumes designed and tailored to each student bring an extra sparkle to their participation and make these events even more special.
Inclusion and interaction are at the heart of the learning experiences for the students in the Active Learning Class and their peers. These experiences enrich the learning environment for everyone and are part of what inspired Scott to become a special education teacher. Through shared activities and celebrations, these Lee students learn from each other and deepen their appreciation for the diversity that strengthens their school community.