All Students Always: HHS Senior’s Sensory Kit Project Promotes Inclusion

 

This year, one Huntley High School student turned compassion into action by contributing to a more welcoming and supportive environment for students with sensory needs.

Driven by a passion for inclusion and supporting students with disabilities, senior Marco Natale spearheaded an initiative to create sensory kits for district and school events. The kits are designed to help students with sensory needs by providing a variety of calming tools and resources, such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, stress balls, pop-it toys, and other sensory supports.

The idea grew from Natale’s desire to ensure all students feel comfortable, included and able to fully participate in school activities. Recognizing that busy, loud and/or crowded events can sometimes overwhelm those with sensory sensitivities, he worked with district administration to develop the sensory kits and bring his idea to fruition. 

“Every student deserves to feel safe, supported and included,” said Natale. “I wanted to create something that could make a real difference for students who struggle in certain environments and help them enjoy school events just like their peers.”

Natale initiated a meeting last spring with Superintendent Jessica Lombard, which then led to a meeting with Dr. Dede Gill, Assistant Superintendent for Special Services. District administration praised Natale for his initiative and commitment to making a positive impact on others.

“This project reflects the kind of thoughtful leadership and compassion we hope to inspire in all of our students,” said Gill. “Marco’s efforts will help ensure more students feel comfortable, supported and included in our school community.” 

“After meeting with Marco, I was incredibly impressed by the multiple goals and ideas he had already developed to help create more inclusive opportunities for others,” said Ina Hall, Family Engagement Liaison for Huntley 158. “We both agreed that it was important to take action right away. Advocacy creates the greatest impact when ideas are put into motion. Within just one week, the sensory kits were created.” 

The new sensory kits, paid for through the IDEA grant for students with disabilities, made their debut this year at several events headed up by Hall, including the district’s transition resource fair and at a sensory-friendly haircut event at a local salon. Next year, kits will be available at many district events, including the Huntley Education Foundation’s Hootenanny 5K community run/walk in September. 

Natale will participate in the district’s LIGHT transition program next year and will continue his advocacy work for students with disabilities through Rockin’ the Spectrum, where he is a volunteer ambassador. Rockin’ the Spectrum is a nonprofit organization in McHenry County that supports children, teens, adults, and families impacted by autism and developmental disabilities. The organization focuses on inclusion, sensory-friendly programming, respite care, advocacy, and community support. 

Natale will also continue to collaborate with the school district. He hopes to add more sensory kits for Huntley 158 students and pursue another passion project - bringing the buddies program to the classroom. The buddies program pairs students in general education classes with students with special needs. Currently, the buddies program is an extracurricular club at Huntley High School.   

As he prepares for his next chapter, Natale leaves behind a lasting contribution that will continue supporting students for years to come – a reminder that even small acts of empathy can have a powerful impact.

“Marco’s leadership, empathy and dedication has helped turn this idea into a meaningful resource that will benefit students across the district for years to come,” said Superintendent Jessica Lombard.

“School districts are built on the concept of inclusion,” said Natale. “My goal was to promote inclusion and help fulfill the district’s mission of ‘all students always.’”