This is a story that highlights the power of partnership, hands‑on learning, and the “heart” to do something meaningful.
Sara is a kindergarten student at Avondale PS in Toronto. She uses a walker and has mobility needs.
Alana Sardi Levine is the Vice‑Principal of Avondale PS. Her daughter, a Grade 9 student at Sir William Lyon Mackenzie CI in Toronto, enrolled in a Design Technology course this year and what began as a simple course selection has grown into a genuine passion. She has become an enthusiastic wood shop student, often leaving home by 7:30 a.m. to work on bonus projects. The practical, real‑life learning experiences in Ms. Mansouri’s class have been transformative and speak to the strong, supportive learning environment she cultivates.
A few weeks ago, an Occupational Therapist working with kindergarten student Sara at Avondale PS recommended an elevated stool (upper body stabilizer) to help with her posture and comfort.
Alana had an idea - an opportunity for meaningful collaboration. Would senior Design Technology students at Mackenzie CI take on a purposeful accessibility project and make Sara a stool?
They did.
This has since grown into a thoughtful cross‑school partnership. Mackenzie CI students applied their technical skills to create an item that will directly help another student and support accessibility in another TDSB school. This is students helping students and learning that extends beyond the classroom, with two schools working together in a positive and authentic way.
The stool is now at Avondale PS. Sara’s parents were genuinely delighted about this opportunity and the care that went into creating something so personalized for their child.
Ms. Mansouri has always had high expectations of her students… and the shop continues to attract learners who rise to the challenge and beyond. Who knows what their next creation will be?
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Sara Franks (SK student – Avondale PS)
Student Adam Ritter, Shop Teacher Natasha Mansouri, and Student Evan Sklar – WL Mackenzie CI