Life skills class receives sensory equipment donation
By Teri Moss
Fredericktown Student Arthur Butler uses the new bubble mirrors that encourage self-awareness and visual tracking.
The Fredericktown R-1 Life Skills classroom recently received a generous donation of sensory equipment from First State Community Bank. “This equipment will help create a more calming, engaging, and supportive learning environment for students with special needs,” said Lacey Moss, Life Skills Teacher.
Taylor Royer, Market Operations Manager with First State Community Bank in Fredericktown, said the bank has proudly supported the community for the past 10 years through the FSCB Impact Initiative. This is a commitment to reinvest locally, supporting development and championing civic efforts.
“We partnered with the Life Skills Class for our 2025 project after seeing Lacey Moss share her mission on Facebook,” said Royer. “When we asked how we could best support her students, she identified a need for sensory equipment that would make a meaningful difference in the classroom.”
The donation included a bubble tube, which provides soothing visual stimulation and helps students regulate emotions; bubble mirrors that encourage self-awareness and visual tracking; soft, colorful lighting that creates a peaceful atmosphere and reduces anxiety. Sensory-friendly furniture now offers students comfortable, flexible seating options that support focus and appropriate movement throughout the day. The addition of a sensory board gives students hands-on opportunities to explore textures, develop fine motor skills, and build independence through interactive play.
“Because financial literacy is a key part of the Impact Initiative,” said Royer, “we worked with the Life Skills students to host a bake sale featuring goods they make in class. This gave us the chance to teach real-world money skills while raising additional funds for the project. We are proud to share that we were able to purchase every sensory item on the list given to us by Moss of items needed for the classroom.”
“These thoughtful contributions will have a lasting impact on the daily experiences of the Fredericktown Life Skills students,” said Moss, “helping them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.”
Fredericktown Students in Lacey Moss’ Life Skills class holding “thank you” notes for the donation. (Back row, left to right) Liam Pietroff, Arthur Butler, Kizzy Fithugh. (Middle) John Kennedy, Lillie Simmons and Richard Miller. (Front) Stephanie Firebaugh and Trevor Dettling.
