Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Westford Academy student presents Gold Award project: a children’s book on learning disabilities
Summary
Westford Academy senior Mikaela Casey presented her Girl Scout Gold Award project — a homework guide and a children’s book, 'Lily’s Learning Adventure,' to help classmates and families understand learning disabilities. She has shared materials with elementary schools and new-teacher orientation.
Mikaela Casey, a Westford Academy senior and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, visited the school committee to present a three-part project aimed at helping younger students, families and teachers understand learning disabilities.
Casey described the project components: a student-perspective homework guide posted on the Westford Public Schools website, interviews with parents, students and teachers that informed a list of homework strategies, and a children’s picture book titled Lily’s Learning Adventure that models classroom supports (graphic organizers, pull-out instruction, and other accommodations). She said she has read the book to classes at Day and Stony Brook elementary schools and provided copies to Abbott and to a former teacher.
Committee members praised Casey’s work and noted the value of student voice in professional development and family engagement. One member said the guide and book gave parents and teachers practical strategies and “put a human face” on learning differences. Casey said she plans to continue writing and will attend UMass Lowell next year.
The committee welcomed the presentation as a positive start to the evening before budget and policy business.
