Medway’s McGovern Elementary Receives Grants to Install Sensory Pathways 

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MEDWAY — McGovern Elementary Principal Amy McDonald and School Psychologist Stacey Ward are pleased to share that McGovern Elementary received two grants from local organizations to fund the installation of sensory pathways at the school.

McGovern Elementary received a $3,000 grant from the Medway Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (MEPTO) and a $1,250 grant from the Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) to fund the installation of sensory pathways in the school’s hallways. 

“Educators have seen a rise in anxiety in elementary students,” said Ward. “Due to this spike in anxiety, we found a need to provide access throughout the day to fun and engaging activities for our student’s sensory needs. We are extremely grateful for the grants that are allowing us to offer these pathways to our students.”

Sensory pathways are colorful and creatively designed adhesive decals placed throughout halls to get students to jump, hop and interact with them in a meaningful way during the school day. Paths include lily pads, frogs and other outdoor elements that will allow students to follow footprints, play hopscotch, bear crawl and more. 

The grants will fund approximately 15 paths that will be placed throughout McGovern’s hallways. Each path will be spaced out in an appropriate manner that won’t overwhelm the halls or the students.

These pathways are a new approach to purposeful sensory breaks at schools. In the past, McGovern has allowed students to walk around the building or interact with paper sheets displayed on the walls. The introduction of these sensory pathways will allow for a more visually stimulating display that will decrease behaviors that hinder cognitive learning.

The school’s physical therapists and occupational therapists will direct faculty, staff and students on how to properly treat the pathways as a tool and not as a toy.

The paths will be installed during February vacation from Feb. 17 through the 21.

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