Communication boards better equip WACO Elementary students

CRAWFORDSVILLE — Waco Elementary now has core communication boards on both playgrounds for students thanks to the combined efforts of a former high school shop class and multiple staff members.

According to WACO Elementary Principal Emily Settles, a commonly used tool for individuals with verbal communication challenges includes boards such as the ones now installed at both the front and back playgrounds of WACO Elementary.

“We felt that if we use these things in the building, we should only be sure students have access to them on the playground as well,” Settles said. “…Students who are unable to use verbal language to communicate their wants and needs will now have a consistent way to do this in and outside of our building.”

The first board came to the school thanks to the work of a WACO High School shop class approximately three years ago, and Chayse Roth, who works the school grounds, put together the frame for the back playground over the summer.

The Area Education Agency that works with WACO Community School District then enlarged and printed the signs which Roth and school custodian Theresa See installed.

Settles says that WACO CSD funded this project because, “WACO is always willing to fund projects that benefit kids!”

According to Settles, students with verbal communication needs, their peers, and staff already use the communication board daily.

Last year, WACO Elementary’s kindergarten students learned how to use this board with an AEA speech pathologist last year and the knowledge has continued into this school year.

“I am very proud of our special education team for the hard work they put into helping WACO students find their voices,” Settles said. “Mandi Cutler, Brenna Shaffer, Tammy Davis, and Kelsey Twinam [Special Education staff] are all extremely dedicated to giving their students what they need to reach their potential.”

“To lack the ability to easily communicate what you want or need in life would be a challenge,” she said. “We are extremely proud of the students who use these tools. They are some of the most intelligent kids we have, and we want to be sure they have anything and everything we can give them to succeed here at school, and more importantly- later in life!”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com