Standing Up for Kids at Melissa Jones

At Melissa Jones School, Jeff Wallowitz’s grant, Standing Up For Kids, takes a thoughtful and practical approach to student engagement in grades 2–4.

In kindergarten and first grade, purposeful movement is woven throughout the day. As students move into the upper elementary grades, however, they are often expected to sit for longer stretches of time. While teachers incorporate movement breaks whenever possible, some students need more consistent physical engagement to stay focused and ready to learn. Traditionally, that has meant stepping out into the hallway for a walk — helpful, but at the cost of missed instruction.

This grant provides an “and” solution instead of an “or” solution. Each classroom in grades 2–4 will receive a standing desk equipped with a quiet foot fidget bar. The desks will not be assigned to any one student. Instead, they will be introduced as a shared classroom tool — available to any student who recognizes that movement helps them stay engaged during independent work or direct instruction.

By keeping students in the classroom while meeting their movement needs, the project strengthens access to instruction and supports multiple Portrait of a Graduate competencies. Students learn to self-advocate, recognize their learning needs, and adapt strategies that help them succeed. Teachers model empathy by creating inclusive spaces where every learner belongs.

At its core, this grant reflects a simple but powerful message: you belong here. When students are given tools that honor how they learn and engage, they remain connected to their peers, their teachers, and the learning process itself. GFFE is proud to support Mr. Wallowitz's project to bring these standing desks to the classrooms.