NAMS students Angel, Jake, and Tucker play a game together. Students in Tracy Vainisi’s EXCEL class created and produced games to help students with academic and social skills.
What began as a unit of study centered on diversity last fall for Tracy Vainisi and her sixth grade EXCEL students, a wonderful partnership has formed. The partnership is between Vainisi’s students and the students in Mrs. Nancy Hudson’s life skills class at New Albany Middle School (NAMS).
Back in the fall, Vainisi and her students brainstormed the many populations that make up NAMS. After identifying the populations, the students determined which population might offer a mutually beneficial relationship. The gifted students decided on the Hudson’s students.
“We could help them socially and academically and in turn they could help us to gain an understanding of the special needs population in our school which would translate out into the community, in high school, in college, and in their future careers,” said Vainisi.
“I enjoy helping them with different activities and playing games with the students in Mrs. Hudson’s class,” said sixth grade gifted student Tucker Owens. “I like seeing their smiles while we work with them.”
“The students from Mrs. Vainisi’s class have been great with my students,” said Hudson. They have been leaders and great role models.” Hudson added that her students have really enjoyed spending time with students from the EXCEL class and it has given her students a sense of belonging.
Since the partnership formed, the sixth grade students have worked with students in Hudson’s class one time per week. The students have planted flowers in the NAMS garden. They have worked together on hands-on activities and arts and crafts. In addition, Vainisi’s students have created and played games designed to help them with both academic and life skills.
Currently the students are working together on a theater production of Aesop’s Fables Deluxe. The gifted students will assist with the set design as well as be on stage to perform with students from Hudson’s class.
NAMS students Jason, Joshua, and Kate work on a bridge building activity.
