LAKEWOOD, Ohio — CHAMPS (Children Accessing Multiple Pathways to Success) in Lakewood City Schools is a specialized program designed for students with disabilities who need intensive, individualized support.
Recently, Information and Digital Literacy teacher Patricia Birch saw an opportunity to further engage those kids at Horace Mann Elementary School.
“Traditional library collections and furnishings often don’t meet the needs of students with significant disabilities,” said Birch, who also teaches at Hayes Elementary School.
“Books can tear too easily, furniture may not support sensory regulation and materials may not align with individualized learning goals.”
Students in the CHAMPS program benefit from structured routines, sensory tools and adapted materials that help them build communication, social, academic and life skills.
That’s why Birch applied for and won a $7,000 GDP Employees Foundation grant.
“By writing this grant, I was able to secure funding to fill those gaps, bringing in durable board and indestructible books, sensory furniture and adapted resources that make the library an inclusive space where CHAMPS students can thrive alongside their peers.”
So far the new resources have been overwhelmingly appreciated by students and their families making the library more accessible, engaging and inclusive for all learners.
“I wanted to ensure that every student could feel a sense of belonging in the library,” she said. “When every child can find joy and success in the library, we all grow stronger together.
“I named it Empowerment Through Inclusion because it communicates that true empowerment comes when every child, regardless of ability, has equal access to learning, exploration and a sense of belonging.”
Eagle Court of Honor: Troop 201 in Olmsted Falls is holding its Eagle Court of Honor at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at Olmsted Falls Middle School.
The event celebrates the accomplishments of Mitchell Strozewski, Jonathan Evans, Xander Smits, LJ Hastings, Jason Seward and Lucas Wickert.
Each scout will have a table to view their scouting journey with a cake reception to follow.
NOHS After Prom committee: The NOHS After Prom committee is hard at work planning a safe and fun event for the class of 2026.
The nonprofit is currently looking for generous businesses and fellow residents to consider sponsoring the event, a substance-free celebration giving students a safe and fun environment after prom.
Sponsorship levels range from $25 to $1,000 with the latter including a large banner at the event, social media shout-outs, a sign to display at business and school-wide recognition with a sign displayed at school.
Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. in Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township and West Park for the A Place in the Sun column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to ndiffrence@att.net.