Harrow School Hosts Inaugural Neurodiverse Night
October 24, 2024
Harrow School proudly hosted its first-ever Neurodiverse Night recently. The October 22 event welcomed families and students for an evening focused on managing their feelings and self-regulation strategies.
The event showcased the school's comprehensive approach to supporting students with diverse learning needs. The staff decorated the school halls with informative posters about zones of regulation, movement paths, breathing exercises, fidgets, and books about mindfulness, learning disabilities, and emotions were also available.
"Neurodiverse Night represents our commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed," said Mr. Batista, the Principal of Harrow School.
"Last year, the students learned about neurodiversity under the guidance of Sherri Rice, a psychologist from the Winnipeg School Division's Clinical Support Services team. This year, we wanted to also share with parents that it is completely normal for some brains to work faster and for others to take more time to learn."
Students proudly demonstrated the tools and techniques they use daily to navigate their emotional journeys.
The school's approach includes several key initiatives that support students in their learning:
* Nutritional Support: Regular morning and afternoon snacks
* Wellness Activities: Mindfulness sessions and outdoor learning experiences
* Specialized Spaces: Dedicated sensory room and hallway sensory paths
* Emotional Learning: Zones of Regulation implementation and classroom calming corners
Innovative Programs:
* Therapy dog interactions
* Harrow Swim Program
* See Spot Read initiative
* Student mentorship opportunities
The students' favourite chair is an egg-shaped chair in the adapted seating classroom. It also has an adjustable hood that students can pull down to read in peace.
"We have a variety of options we call adapted seating within the building, specifically designed to meet the needs of different students. For many, especially those with ADHD, sitting still can be a significant challenge," said Marianna Mandaliti, Learning Support Teacher at Harrow School.
"By incorporating seating options like rocking chairs, floor rockers and wobbly stools, we allow students to move their bodies while they learn. This movement accommodates their needs and promotes better concentration and focus in the classroom. It's about allowing students to engage actively with their learning."
Professional Clinical Support professionals attended the evening event, offering expertise and guidance to families seeking additional resources. These specialists provided valuable insights into supporting students with anxiety, depression, and self-regulation challenges.
Kathi Von Guntun, a School Social Worker, says, "It was wonderful to see families interact with their children, do hands-on activities, learn about the brain, and understand how different children learn. Our school community is incredibly diverse, with diverse needs and unique gifts among our students. Sharing this knowledge with parents is necessary because it builds a deeper connection and understanding between families and the school. At school, we teach children about their brains and how they learn and interact with the world. We wanted to give parents the same opportunity to learn that as well."
Building Understanding Neurodiversity celebration stands at the heart of Harrow School's inclusive approach. The event encouraged students to explore and appreciate different ways of thinking and processing information, fostering a community built on empathy and mutual understanding.
This inaugural event marks an essential step in Harrow School's ongoing commitment to supporting students' emotional well-being and celebrating the unique strengths of every learner.
Freskim Bejsa, Father of a Grade 1 Student, Prijar, said, "I love this school activity because it brings us together and helps kids with different learning needs. It also reminds us to use resources we have at home to support our children's learning."
The strong turnout and positive family engagement at the Neurodiverse Night reinforced the importance of creating spaces where all students feel valued and supported and filled us with pride and optimism for the future.
This event shows how well the Harrow School community works together and does everything to support student well-being in the future.
Staff and Teachers at Harrow School were up on their feet for over 12 hours to share the learning success at the school. Take a look at some of the incredible moments from the event:
