On Thursday, May 29, Western Wayne High School students in Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s Child Development I classes (1st and 8th periods) participated in an impactful, STEM-based lesson on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) made possible by the fully funded DonorsChoose project, “Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: a STEM-Based Learning Experience.” This classroom project was generously supported by the SONIC Foundation, General Motors, and a private donor from Florida, and brought hands-on, real-world learning directly to our students.
In preparation for the activity, Mrs. Gregorski led in-depth classroom discussions and lessons on SBS. Students reviewed current research, watched powerful video clips of real-life interviews with survivors and families affected by SBS, and explored the emotional, physical, and legal consequences of infant abuse. Using the Ward Science Shaken Baby Syndrome Model, Mrs. Gregorski demonstrated how infant shaking causes severe brain trauma—providing a dramatic visual experience that deepened students’ understanding of this important topic.
To enhance the lesson, School Resource Officer Wayne Thomas—who brings over 25 years of experience from the Pennsylvania State Police, including extensive time working in criminal investigations—visited both classes to speak with students. He shared real-world experiences involving child abuse cases and opened the floor for student-led Q&A. Officer Thomas engaged students in meaningful dialogue about the importance of infant safety, the consequences of neglect and abuse, and how future professionals in education, healthcare, and mental health can help protect children.
This lesson made a lasting impression on students preparing for careers in early childhood education, medicine, social work, and counseling.
“Seeing the Shaken Baby Syndrome model in person made it all feel so real. Mrs. Gregorski’s lessons already made us think deeply, but hearing actual stories and seeing how fragile babies are really opened my eyes,” Gabby Bryant, a sophomore in Child Development I, shared. “I’ll definitely remember this in my future classroom.”
Jasmine Rodriguez, junior, who plans to get into law enforcement after high school, added,”Having Officer Thomas come in and talk to us made a big impact. His real-life experiences helped us understand how serious SBS is, and why it’s something we, as future teachers and caregivers, need to talk about more. It was one of the most powerful lessons we’ve had.”
Picture One, from left: Olivia Gries, Gabby Bryant, Dakota Douglas, Jasmine Rodriguez, and Madison Forgione.
Picture Two: Officer Wayne Thomas giving a presentation on Shaken Baby Syndrome to Mrs. Jessica Gregorski’s class.
Picture Three, Students from Child Development I, pictured with Officer Wayne Thomas and the Shaken Baby Syndrome model, from left: Addriana Cangas, Jasmine Ramos, Nathalie Ramos, Giuliana Velazquez, Phoebe Schmitt, Madison Forgione, Maggie Kotchessa, Jasmine Rodriguez, Gabby Bryant, Officer Thomas, Ethan Paugh, and Mrs. Jessica Gregorski.
