Edcouch-Elsa ISD Unveils Innovative Sensory Labs to Spark Student Engagement and Growth
Edcouch-Elsa, Texas – April 19, 2024 – Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District proudly announces a groundbreaking move to enhance learning experiences for students with special needs. Sensory Labs have been created at Jorge R. Gutierrez Early Childhood Center, Santiago Garcia Elementary, Ruben C. Rodriguez Elementary, Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary, and John F. Kennedy Elementary. The Sensory Labs signify a leap forward in educational support and inclusivity. Additional sensory labs will be coming to PFC David Ybarra Middle School, Carlos F. Truan Jr. High School, and Edcouch-Elsa High School.
“At Edcouch-Elsa ISD, we're committed to pioneering new avenues for student success and this is one of them," exclaimed Dr. Jesse Fidelio Garza, the district's Public Relations and Parental Outreach Administrator. "Our goal in developing these areas was to provide Sensory-Based input that would benefit students with a wide range of special needs to improve outcomes in their educational settings.” Cristina Benavides, Occupational Therapist shared.
Sensory processing plays a critical role in self-regulation and in how children function, interact, and learn at school. Students who have difficulty processing sensory information can have trouble completing school activities that require them to sit still, attend to instruction, engage socially with peers, and play or work cooperatively with others, due to their over/under responsive sensory system. A sensory space is a designated area within a school which can support a student’s sensory preferences and needs. It is a space which aims to provide students with the individualized sensory input they need to self-regulate, so they are able to successfully participate in their educational environment. Providing students with the opportunity to utilize the sensory room can promote increased awareness of their sensory system and may help improve their behavior, overall self-regulation and learning.
Ileana Rivera, Occupational Therapist shared, “ We are proud of the support from EEISD in recognizing that all students possess unique individual learning abilities that may be impacted by sensory processing needs.” As the Sensory Labs come to life, Edcouch-Elsa ISD reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. With these unique district wide initiatives, EEISD continues to pave the way for a brighter future for all its students.
We would like to acknowledge the collaborative team effort brought the Sensory Labs to Edcouch-Elsa ISD schools:
Ileana Rivera, OTR
Barbara Villalpando, OTR
Cristina Benavides, OTR
Jay Flores, Adapted PE Coach
Peter Leal, Adapted PE Coach Asst
Amanda Martinez, ARD Facilitator
Ruby Whittinghill, Diagnostician
Sarah Sital, Special Ed Secretary
Aaron Tanguma, Construction Teacher
“These Sensory Labs were made possible through the support of our school board and are a testament to the shared belief that we want all our students at EEISD to have many opportunities to experience success,” stated Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Alda T. Benavides.