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Burk Elementary is a Title 1 school in Gilbert, Arizona, preschool through 6th grade, enrollment 415 students. See its web page here: https://burk.gilbertschools.net/ Schools qualify for Title I funding based on the percentage of students from low-income families. 78% of Burk students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Burk is dedicated to educating the whole child and helping every student achieve their learning potential, recognizing a high need for resources that support emotional and physical safety.
The proposed Sensory Room is a proactive environment designed to help students with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, autism, trauma or other difficulties with emotional regulation learn to develop essential self-regulation and problem-solving skills, improve focus and return to the classroom ready to learn. Rather than a place for 'removal,' this space will be used for intentional sensory breaks and calming strategies utilizing tools such as tactile stations, rhythmic movement equipment, and visual-spatial boundaries both as a proactive support and an intervention tool aligned with the school's commitment to inclusive practices and whole-child development. Research-based strategies, including controlled sensory stimulation, explicit instruction in emotional regulation and student-chosen regulation strategies will help reduce behavioral disruptions, increase time on task and support student independence.
Under the guidance of trained staff, students will learn to manage over-stimulation and lead their own social and emotional development. The sensory room will be the size of a regular classroom located within the main school building for convenient access by students and staff; it will serve up to six to eight students across multiple grade levels simultaneously throughout the day with primary focus on individuals and small groups, thereby providing students with the agency to regulate their emotions, protecting instructional time and ensuring that classrooms remain a place where all learners can take intellectual risks and thrive.
The room will be divided into sections by velcro attachments to the floor. The vision is to have different areas for different needs, such as one area with softer lighting for bean bags to just lay and relax, other areas with lighting for group activities or tactile exercises, or whatever else may be needed as the program evolves. All labor for this project will be provided by volunteers from the Burk staff, local Scouts and the Gilbert Rotary Club. Purchases will be made and Work performed over the summer so the Sensory Room becomes available by the start of classes on July 28, 2026. School District approved photos could not be loaded onto this site, but can be seen here: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=burk+elementary+gilbert+az&form=HDRSC3&first=1
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