In Clayton Education Association (Gloucester County), a team of educators from Clayton Middle/High School was awarded a $9,975 grant from the NJEA Hipp Foundation, including Carol Wright, Sharon Blutinger, Andrea Bullock, Darby Malvey, Patty Reuter, Nicole Rogers, Michelle Krieger, and Amanda Hall. This program was developed to offer students classified with Multiple Disabilities (MD) and regular education students the opportunity to learn to sew by hand and with a machine as well as learn to machine embroider and use a scanner to create personal projects. Students also learn to crochet and knit. Some of the machines being used have Wi-Fi technology so students can see how these art forms have changed over time. MD students are instructed during the day while regular education students meet on a bi-monthly basis.
Students create personal projects during instruction and meet experienced presenters and volunteers who share their knowledge and skills with students. Community service projects include Christmas stockings for soldiers who are stationed overseas, pillow cases for sick children in the hospital, and lap quilts for local seniors and veterans. When the projects are completed, students deliver them.
Students who develop skills also put their talents to use by leading workshops for peers in the school’s Makerspace, creating items in support of school teams or clubs, or participating in ongoing events.
Local business and community partners help replace consumables. The machines and technology tools purchased through the grant allow this program to continue after the initial grant year.
For further information, contact:
Carol Wright
856-881-8701, ext. 2301