Education Grant WinnerMelinda Jasso

Melinda Jasso serves students in South Side ISD with a deep commitment to inclusion, belonging, and student well being. In her work across multiple classrooms, she has seen how students with sensory, emotional, and attentional needs—those navigating ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, and emotional regulation challenges—often struggle to feel grounded and successful in traditional learning environments. Melinda’s focus is simple but powerful: creating classrooms where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of finding their focus.

That vision led to the F.O.C.U.S. Initiative—Fostering Optimal Classroom Understanding & Support, a Firstmark Foundation funded effort designed to build sensory friendly, inclusive learning spaces. With grant support, Melinda helped equip six classrooms with tools such as noise reducing headphones, weighted lap pads, fidgets, visual supports, and calming areas that help students self regulate and stay engaged. The initiative also invested in professional development, giving teachers and staff practical strategies to better support neurodiverse learners and respond to students’ emotional needs with confidence and care.

The impact reaches 45–60 students directly, while strengthening entire classroom communities. As distractions decrease and emotional regulation improves, students are better able to participate, complete assignments, and feel a sense of belonging. Just as importantly, educators feel more prepared to meet diverse needs. Through the F.O.C.U.S. Initiative, Melinda is helping transform classrooms into spaces where focus, empathy, and learning can truly coexist.