Parents want to give elementary classroom a makeover

A toy that costs $10 in a "regular" classroom could cost up to $300 for the children in Penny Mayer's class.

That's because the 11 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the Hope D. Wall Elementary School class in Aurora don't communicate verbally, so toys have to be specially adapted for the students who have sensory problems.

It's one of the financial roadblocks the class faces, and why a group of parents is trying to raise $2,500 to "makeover" the West Aurora School District classroom.

"If we have a really fun learning environment, it'll be an easier learning environment for the kids," said Kerri Branson of North Aurora, the mother of twins in the class.

She said the goal was to make a room that students and teachers would love to be in, and possibly expand the project to other rooms in the future.

More toys and CDs would keep the children connected to class and doing things while other students are getting help, she said.

Products and materials for disabled students cost so much that Branson said she doesn't expect the district to be able to pay for it all.

Mayer, a long-term substitute at the district, said she's stretched her budget as far as she can and doesn't have all the supplies saved up that other teachers have.

"I've been going around on Cloud 9," she said. "We're going to be the envy of the school."

With donations, volunteers and one weekend, the group hopes to update the classroom, adding shelving, a mural, CDs, toys and other items for the students.

Mayer said the children would benefit from all the new items, as well as the effort put into it.

"They may not be able to express it verbally, but you can see it in their faces," she said. "They're going to understand that people, the community has helped them."

How to help:

The following items are needed, along with volunteers, Nov. 2-4:

Children's and environmental music CDs

Small grasping toys

Batteries

Children's books

Rope lighting

Scented lotion

Books on tape and CD

Easily activated electronic toys

Light, sound and switch toys

Clear small storage bins with lids

Anyone interested in helping should e-mail Kerri Branson at kerriedbyfaith@aol.com.