Category: Programs

Children Programs, Programs

WeDo2 Lego Spring Class Builds Robotics Knowledge at FCSN

In the spring of 2023, Team Alphabots, a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, hosted a series of 8 weekly Lego robotics classes to introduce FCSN students to engineering and programming skill sets. With the mission of spreading awareness of STEM fields to young and underprivileged students in the Bay Area, Alphabots’ nonprofit organization, Alphabots4All, reached out to FCSN hoping to assist special needs students in developing an interest in robotics. In Alphabots4All’s lessons, students use the Lego WeDo2 sets, software, and instructional manuals to build projects and learn to code.  Continue reading WeDo2 Lego Spring Class Builds Robotics Knowledge at FCSN

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Children Programs, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs

Biology For Curious Kids

Originally starting as our passion for biological sciences, Biology for Curious Kids has since blossomed into a virtual enrichment program to help kids with special needs learn about biology and its applications to the real world. Through cartoons and thoughtful explanations, the class focuses on engaging students and aiding them in discovering the ever-changing world. We try to make this class as interactive as possible by having the students compete in kahoots, answer questions, or just talk about their day.  Continue reading Biology For Curious Kids

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Children Programs

Breaking Down the Wonders of the Human Body: A Neurodiverse-Inclusive Approach to Biology Education

The complexity of the human body makes it both a fascinating and a challenging subject to comprehend, particularly for special needs individuals. The terminology and concepts used to describe human anatomy can also be overwhelming and frustrating, making it difficult for special needs individuals to grasp the subject and limiting their access to educational resources in the medical field. To bridge this gap, Med-ucate, a student-run nonprofit program, provides free healthcare education by employing interactive teaching styles to help students of all learning abilities understand subjects such as anatomy and physiology.  Continue reading Breaking Down the Wonders of the Human Body: A Neurodiverse-Inclusive Approach to Biology Education

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Children Programs, Performing Arts, Remote/Virtual Programs

Unlocking the Power of Music and Dance: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for Special Needs Individuals

Special needs individuals thrive in an education environment tailored to their individual needs. Verbal communication may be a challenge for them, but music can provide an effective means of expression, allowing them to communicate through sound and visual images. To ensure the success of the Virtual Music and Hip-Hop program, we created interactive, tailored courses in different subjects to introduce special needs individuals to the wide array of stimuli that can spark their curiosity. Continue reading Unlocking the Power of Music and Dance: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment for Special Needs Individuals

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Children Programs, FCSN Stories, Sports, Volunteers

Sairisheeth’s Journey in Creating FCSN Tennis Camp

“When I first found out about FCSN, I wanted to bring something I was passionate about to this special community,” FCSN Tennis Program Founder Sairisheeth Venkat said. Sairisheeth learned about FCSN when he was searching for volunteer opportunities online and was fascinated by the close-knit community and numerous opportunities offered by the organization to help special needs individuals.  Continue reading Sairisheeth’s Journey in Creating FCSN Tennis Camp

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Children Programs, Community, News/Events, Programs

Best Memories with Best Buddies

On January 12, MSJ Best Buddies collaborated with FCSN to host a friendship bracelet making session. The event welcomed all students on campus, and served as an opportunity for the rest of the student body to interact with peers in special needs programs. Students were satisfied with the event, where lively music played in the background as the officers worked with participants and buddies to create the bracelets.  Continue reading Best Memories with Best Buddies

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FCSN Stories, Individuals, Parents, Programs, Remote/Virtual Programs, Spotlight, Volunteers

SN Tutoring Program Spotlight: Alison Ding and Ms. Liu

SN Tutoring Program Spotlight #1
Parent Ms. Liu recently thanked Tutor Alison Ding for her sharp insight, patience, and open-mindedness while teaching. “Alison is not only willing to help special needs kids with extra patience, but she also takes the effort to adjust her way to meet the kid’s level of ability. Not all professionals in the special education field can do that, but Alison does. She quickly builds the bond with her student and keeps open communication with the parents so that both of us can work together as a team. In summary, she is a great tutor!” Continue reading SN Tutoring Program Spotlight: Alison Ding and Ms. Liu

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Children Programs, Programs

2022 Fall Science Workshops at FCSN

During the summer of 2022, Science for the Bay hosted 30-45 minute science workshops at FCSN. Starting from October 8, 2022, Science for the Bay has extended workshops at FCSN for a 10-week long fall session to meet the popular demand from FCSN coordinators and volunteers. In these workshops, students learned about science through hands-on experiments such as “The Floating Water Experiment,” “Invisible Ink with Lemon Juice,” and the latest “Dancing Candy Cane Experiment.” Continue reading 2022 Fall Science Workshops at FCSN

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Adult Programs, FCSN Stories, Parents

FCSN Plays an Integral Part of My Son’s Life

In March 2020, Bay Area counties instituted Shelter-in-Place orders due to the arrival of the COVID pandemic, and FCSN was forced to suspend in-person programs. This surely created enormous problems for the staff and volunteers who have been keeping this wonderful organization afloat under what are even in the best of times, challenging circumstances. But it also created a crisis for our son Jon and all of the clients and their families who have been relying on FCSN services. Continue reading FCSN Plays an Integral Part of My Son’s Life

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