Aiken, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Uyen Griffis, a special education teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary in Aiken, SC, has received a PEP Innovation Grant for her A+ for Green Choices project. The initiative focuses on teaching students, especially those with special needs, about positive behaviors and responsible decision-making. By integrating sensory-rich materials and reward systems, the project has shown a decrease in disruptive behaviors and an increase in student confidence and cooperation.
Aiken, South Carolina – Uyen Griffis Receives PEP Innovation Grant for A+ for Green Choices Project at Hammond Hill Elementary
Uyen Griffis, a special education teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary, has been awarded a PEP Innovation Grant to support her project titled A+ for Green Choices. This project aims to teach students, particularly those with special needs, about positive behaviors and responsible decision-making.
Griffis, who has 27 years of experience in Aiken County Public Schools, specializes in special education for children and adults aged 3-21. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of South Florida.
The A+ for Green Choices project helps early learners develop self-awareness and reinforces positive behaviors through structured activities that teach about “green choices” (positive behaviors) and “red choices” (undesirable behaviors). As part of the program, a reward system is integrated to promote positive behaviors among students.
This initiative fosters a nurturing classroom culture that supports emotional growth and celebrates positive behavior. The grant funding provided resources for sensory-rich materials, designed for diverse learning styles, to enhance hands-on engagement. These materials aim to support emotional regulation, self-confidence, and social interaction among students.
Since the implementation of the A+ for Green Choices program, there has been a noted decrease in disruptive behaviors among students, alongside growth in their confidence and cooperation with peers. Uyen Griffis has emphasized that the program has enabled her students to manage their emotions better and engage positively with their classmates.
The PEP Classroom Innovation Grants are awarded biannually to support public school teachers in Aiken County. Public Education Partners (PEP) is the only nonprofit organization focused exclusively on supporting the public school system in Aiken County. Community members interested in learning more, applying for grants, or supporting PEP programs can visit their website or engage via social media.
Background and Context
The A+ for Green Choices project underscores the critical need for tailored educational strategies that cater specifically to students with varying abilities. By integrating sensory-rich materials and structured activities, the program enhances learning experiences and outcomes, while simultaneously fostering emotional and social growth. The significant experience of Uyen Griffis in special education positions her well to implement such effective and innovative programs in the classroom.
FAQ Section
What is the A+ for Green Choices project?
The project focuses on teaching students, particularly those with special needs, about positive behaviors through structured activities.
Who is Uyen Griffis?
Uyen Griffis is a special education teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary with 27 years of experience in Aiken County Public Schools.
What are the goals of the A+ for Green Choices project?
The project aims to help early learners develop self-awareness and responsible decision-making skills, while also encouraging positive behaviors.
What type of support does the grant provide?
The grant provides funding for sensory-rich materials designed for diverse learning styles, enhancing hands-on engagement among students.
Key Features of the A+ for Green Choices Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Focus | Teaching positive behavior and responsible decision-making to students with special needs. |
| Experience | Uyen Griffis has 27 years of experience in special education. |
| Materials Provided | Sensory-rich materials for diverse learning styles. |
| Behavior Reinforcement | Incorporation of a reward system to promote positive behaviors. |
| Outcome Enhancement | Improved emotional regulation, self-confidence, and social interaction. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Startups Join South Carolina Research Authority
Aiken County Classroom Innovation Grants Open for Educators
Aiken County Schools Approve Significant Budget Increase
Aiken Honors Educators at Stars of Public Education Event
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: PEP Grant Helps Students Learn About Good Behaviors
- Wikipedia: Special Education
- WJBF: Meta Teams Up with Aiken Chamber of Commerce
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Behavioral Science
- WFXG: Meta’s $800 Million Data Center Expected to Transform Aiken County Economy
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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