Antonio pulled an orange pumpkin sticker out of the sensory bin with a smile. Ben showed off the temporary tattoo of a lion on his hand. Mateo carefully put eyes and nose stickers on his pumpkin. Eamon moved to the seasonal music as sparking bubbles fell around him.
The activities in Meadow Pond’s 3-5 Special Class celebration—created in collaboration with the class parent—were engaging and structured ways for students to celebrate the season and what they were learning. Teacher Ryan Feeney highlighted the power of parent involvement. “We all have the same goal—to support the students socially and emotionally.”
Extra guests made it extra festive.
Each student had a parent at the party. Plus, teachers that support the students’ learning popped in to enjoy the celebration—aides Joey McCarthy and Lydia Behernds, speech-language pathologist Sofia Santos and adapted physical education teacher Theresa Assumma.
Feeney beamed as she looked at her class in action. So did the parents and educators. “The students make us proud each and every day,” said Feeney.