Hi all--I just wanted to post an idea that we are working on for the Spring because I think that if everyone considers something like this it would be terrific. For 2 years I've been racking my brain on what to do for our special needs children. They are a wonderful group of kids that unfortunately don't get the full benefit of our offerings to the student population because of the difficulty associated with their attendence. Of course they are always welcomed, but in reality, wheelchairs at filled dances, loud music, bumpy fields and wide open spaces are sometimes not that conducive to either the child or the families enjoyment. I was watching a show recently where a family of a special needs child sponsored a tball game for other kids with special needs and the team was called the Dreamcatchers. I thought, why not have a "Dreamcatchers Day" where we focus on this small population and do a mini carnival type atmosphere, with t-ball, 4th and 5th grade children sponsors to assist, maybe a magician and just make sure that we give those families an event to attend that lets them feel the love as it were. We are putting together a committee now for the spring and I'm very happy with the energy already generated for the event. I'm not talking something huge...but something that allows the parents to socialize in the same type of spirit filled environment that so many of us get to enjoy during carnivals, or dances, or movie nights.
I wanted to pass this idea along in case any of you are thinking of something along those lines for your school. Our PTO's job is to focus on every child; every day; and our Dreamcatchers Day allows us to make sure that all of our kids get a chance to be part of the joy. Anyway--if you can catch a hold of this dream...I know it'll be appreciated.
