EDINA, Minn.-- Patty Kroulik works hard to make sure her students are a part of the action at Cornelia Elementary in Edina.
It's easy for students with various learning and cognitive disabilities to get comfortable together. Not so easy to feel a part of their larger peer group in the school. That's why Kroulik looks for opportunities for her students to work with mainstream students.
One project centers around a partnership with other fifth graders in the school- creating crafts that are sold to raise money for charity.
When Kroulik noticed a special friendship between one of her students and a 5th grader from another classroom, she saw an opportunity. "I knew that Karlee and Silas had a pretty good friendship, and I knew that Silas was a really good runner," Kroulik explained.
"Karlee has been in my class every year," said Silas Bowman. "I've helped her out with some of her work and stuff, and Ms. K wanted to get her active, and stuff, and get some other kids in her class active, so we decided to do a running club."
Karlee Hestad is an engaging, bubbly 5th grader who clearly relishes an opportunity to tease her friend. "I'm gonna catch you!" she says as she runs after Silas in the exercise room. When the weather is nice, the group heads to the playground. If not, they play indoors.
""They get really excited," Kroulik said, "'Hey, we get to play with Silas for a little bit.' At the same time, they're getting those early morning jitters out so they can come back to the classroom and be a little more focused."
Kroulik said she could have simply started an activity on her own, but it wouldn't be nearly as fun as it is with Silas involved. "It means so much more when it's a peer that's directing the activities."
For Silas, it's a chance to grow his leadership skills, and his friendship with Karlee. He recognizes Karlee and her classmates aren't the only ones who benefit. "I think I feel lot better to be able to help kids be active," he said.
