Santa Accommodates Sensory-Sensitive Children

December 24, 2022
By: Bill Conger

Instead of Ho! Ho! Ho! it’s more like No! No! No! That’s the case for some parents who want their children to enjoy a visit with Santa Claus but are hampered by their sensory issues. Kids Express Therapy in Smithville, which offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy, hosted a sensory-sensitive Santa event Saturday (Dec. 10) at their offices at 612 South Congress Boulevard.

“A sensory-sensitive Santa event is geared toward children with special needs, who may have a difficult time attending similar events that other children enjoy,” says Kids Express Owner/Manager Alyssa Conger, SLP-CCC. “Things like loud noises, long lines, and excessive visual stimulation can trigger meltdowns in children who cannot process sensory information the same way we do. Our event is by appointment only, which eliminates long lines, and reduces over-stimulating noises and sights. We will also be providing devices for communication in the event that children have difficulty telling Santa what they want.”

“Many children are afraid of Santa at first, and that is not unusual, but for the kiddos with sensory issues, the entire process may be problematic before they even see the big guy in red,” Conger adds. “Bright lights in a shopping mall, the smell of foods in the food court, lines and crowds of people wearing brightly colored clothes and too much perfume; children crying or pressing into their personal space, etc. can be powerfully overwhelming to them.”

Chad and Brooke Mathis brought their children to see St. Nick. In the past greeting the jolly old elf has been a real struggle but not this time.

“Usually, we have to stand in line and usually there’s a big crowd,” says Brooke Mathis. “With Hudson having Autism he’s usually screaming and having a meltdown. But here he got to do one-on-one with him (Santa) and warm up to Santa. He enjoyed it. I think he felt more comfortable here.”

“We love our kids in the community who need extra support, and we love the families here,” Conger said. “We believe that Christmas magic is for everyone, and we want all children to have opportunities to enjoy these activities.”

December 23, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

TVA’s call earlier today (Friday) for rolling blackouts in 15-minute intervals has now been lifted but all local power companies are being asked to reduce load to help avoid the need for rolling blackouts.

In order to reduce the possibility that TVA will need to call for further measures, all power utilities including locally Smithville Electric System and Caney Fork Electric Cooperative are asking all customers to take some simple steps to voluntarily help reduce power consumption.

According to a facebook post by Caney Fork Electric Cooperative “the request by TVA to shut off power in 15-minute intervals has been lifted. Please still be mindful of your power usage. Please, we are asking you to turn off/unplug all unnecessary items and if at all possible, turn your heat settings to 68 degrees or lower. Thank you for your help in this matter”.

Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and high-energy-use appliances as much as possible.

December 22, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps has announced the 2022-23 Teachers of the Year at the building level of the five schools in the county.

This year’s honorees chosen by their peers are Special Education Pre-K teacher, Sydney Johnson at Smithville Elementary School; Positive Behavior Interventionist and Lead District Positive Behavior Support Interventionist, Meagan Humbert at Northside Elementary School; Rachel Desimone, 5th grade teacher and Instructional Coach at DeKalb West School; Sarah Jacobs, an 8th grade ELA teacher at DeKalb Middle School; and Lesa Hayes, a CTE Teaching as a Profession, Human Studies and Business teacher at DeKalb County High School.

Johnson has completed 8 years of teaching, Humbert 12 years, Desimone 16, Jacobs has completed 5 years, and Hayes is completing her 23rd year as an educator.

“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said Director Cripps.

According to Michelle Burklow, Supervisor of Instruction, “Competition for the district-wide John Isabell Teacher of the Year award continues through January and will be announced this spring. Additionally, a DeKalb County teacher will be chosen by a committee to compete at the regional level in March, and if selected the teacher will represent DeKalb County at the state level competition.”

Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre K-4, 5-8, 9-12.

Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the State Finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.

Dr. Kathy Bryant, Supervisor of Instruction, concludes, “The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers while encouraging others to join the teaching profession.”

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