Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

33 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com in the Walk for Autism and continue to spread kindness daily. Parents have been thrilled not only with what their students are learning academically through Project O.N.E.E. but the values that are being instilled in their children as well.” “Seeing how special education students can interact, communicate and socialize with their peers is an extremely rewarding experience,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, a special education teacher at Carolina Park. “The buddies are sincere, loving and passionate students who are impacting their peers in significant ways. Our buddies are helping with academic, functional and daily living skills while helping our students love school.” From helping the special education class with fine motor skills to socialization, Mrs. Shealy’s third-graders have truly surpassed expectations – perhaps laying the groundwork for future careers as speech pathologists or physical therapists. “Simple skills such as making eye contact, holding a conversation or knowing how to greet someone appropriately are skills most people take for granted, while our special education students must have models and practice to learn these skills,” said about acceptance and compassion. “Our favorite line in “Wonder” is, “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind,” said Shealy. “My students learned that kindness is a choice. We choose to be kind. It became an honest effort to be as kind as we could to every person we encountered as we do not know what goes on in other’s lives.” Project O.N.E.E. has already been praised by parents, faculty and community members who see the magnitude and impact it has had on all parties involved. Transformation can be seen on both sides, even prompting some students to take their efforts beyond the walls of the classroom. “We have received nothing but positive feedback,” said Shealy. “I have had students take the initiative to volunteer at outside events, participate