Wellbeing & Inclusion Update

We’ve noticed that many students are bringing in fidget items to school. While we fully understand the research supporting fidget tools as valuable aids for helping students with listening, focus, and attention, we want to clarify that these are tools, not toys.

Many of our students work with Occupational Therapists or Psychologists who provide recommendations for the use of fidget tools to support their learning and wellbeing. These recommendations are discussed in Student Support Group meetings and are documented in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). To ensure fidget tools support learning without causing distraction, we kindly ask that if your child needs a fidget tool, this is discussed and approved with their teacher or an appropriate school professional. Many families have already done this and do not need to make further contact. This process helps us ensure that fidgets are used purposefully and appropriately during class time.

Appropriate fidget tools should:

• Be small enough to fit comfortably in your hand
• Be silent or make minimal noise
• Stay with your body (not thrown, dropped, stretched, or shared)
• Be used only by the student, without disrupting others

Some examples of effective fidget tools supported by evidence include sensory pebbles, worry/spinner rings and mesh marble fidgets—feel free to search online for these options.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us maintain a focused, respectful and inclusive learning environment.

For further reading on this topic, please click the link to the article: Fidgets and ADHD: A Focus Tool or a Toy?