Innovation
sometimes evolves. Staff members in ATTAIN (Assistive Technology Training and
Information Network) and VOS (Vocational Outreach Services) have
provided jobs every summer for students. Many of the jobs have been repurposing
materials that were no longer being used by staff because of a change of
student populations, or a simple move from one classroom setting to another.
Each
Spring, staff collected unneeded items. Students sorted, cleaned, labeled and
reorganized them. By word of mouth, when it was back-to-school time, the
materials were made available to other staff members. This process has been
done in the warehouse at the District Service Center for more than ten years.
With
the big move from Hosterman to Sandburg looming, staff members Deb Barnes and
Bruce Mulder proposed a much expanded version. The Classroom Resource Center
(CRC) project was seen as viable and thought to potentially save the district
money over time.
Sheila
Lindell, Education Assistant, was hired to manage the CRC by having students
work with these materials all year. Sheila will keep the inventory current and
this information will be available on the CRC website. The site will even
include a list of items needed by programs.
Sheila
will track the cost savings for the district as a result of these repurposing.
Would
you like to see the CRC?
You
can contribute to the success of the CRC. Check around your room, program or
site for items that your team is no longer using. Contact Sheila, and she will
give you next steps.
