DAWN LISA PETERS
Special Education Teacher
Mark Hopkins Elementary School
Artist: Alice Twilla – Hip Hop
Thank you for another outstanding year of “I Can Do That” for my students at Mark Hopkins. Alice Twilla continues to be the “best” arts teacher to our students as they learn the craft of dance. One student who stands out in particular is Zeke Mane (name changed) a 4th grader in my SDC/LD classroom. Zeke participated in I Can Do That at his previous school, but was said to be shy, reluctant, and on several occasions upset. This year Zeke, not only willingly participated each week at practice times, but eagerly danced in front of peers, participating in a solo dance during our community performances. Both his mother and Ms. Twilla commented and complemented him on his efforts this year to step out and perform, which he did exceptionally well. Because he received numerous complements and high fives from his peers and staff, he opened up and began encouraging and helping others learn the choreography. We are so proud of Zeke, and again can’t thank you enough for a program that helps special needs and general education students come together for a common purpose.
With Gratitude…
The goals written for Mark Hopkins “I Can Do That” were met with 100% success.
With Gratitude…
The goals written for Mark Hopkins “I Can Do That” were met with 100% success.
GURBINDER MANN
Special Education Teacher
Ethel Phillips Elementary School
Artist: Vince Horiuchi – Breakdance
Thanks for providing students Very Special Arts experience, this program brings wonders for students. Every student who participates in this program benefits from it, especially special education students who don't get opportunities that Very Special Arts provide like developing their social skills, learning to collaborate with one another, making good and positive decisions, excepting others perspectives. Besides social skills they also learn communication skills, how to behave in smaller and bigger groups, encouraging others to do their best. Above all they learn to be creative, come up with the ideas, discover their talent and improve on it, and they realize themselves how talented they are. They also get physical exercise, while having fun, that is important for them. All most all the students have met their goal that were decide for them 75% or more. I am proud of my students for improving so much because of this marvelous program. I will also email you some pictures of students.
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JULIE DILORETO
4th Grade Teacher
John Cabrillo Elementary School
Artist: Eric Baldwin – Theatre Arts
MONA GABRIEL
2nd Grade Teacher
James Marshall Elementary School
Artist: Olivia Kelly – Hip Hop
We were 100% successful on all three goals. I have 3 students that especially benefited from VSA. One was very self-conscious about herself and she became the entire group leader and was the first to move to the music. Another student that is struggling in my regular education class was able to perform a solo and his whole family came out to watch. The third student is a full inclusion student who was able to perform as an equal with the rest of the class and had his own solo part. Thanks for allowing us the chance to benefit from participating in Very Special Arts.
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