A quick hop. A careful balance. A deep breath. In the hallways of Foster Elementary Charter School, learning doesn’t pause when students leave the classroom. It continues along the Ninja Sensory Paths.
Kindergarten teacher Ashley Janssen used a grant from the Appleton Education Foundation to transform two busy hallways into inclusive, supportive spaces designed to boost focus and regulation. Multi-colored stepping stones, lily pads and koi fish for body-position hops and clearly marked foot-placement blocks invite students to jump, stretch, balance, and breathe. Precut and applied directly to the floor, the paths naturally meet students where they already walk each day.
The impact is immediate. Janssen said students of all ages are often seen taking a quick movement break on the way to and from the restroom and other spaces—releasing energy, resetting their minds, and returning to class calm, confident, and ready to thrive.
This story first appeared in AEF’s 2025 Report to the Community in March 2026. Review the complete 2025 Report to the Community.
