“Aloha!” As students step off the school bus, they are greeted by teachers wearing bright Hawaiian shirts and each given a colorful flower lei to put on. It’s Luau Day, celebrating the end of Extended School Year (ESY)—a three-hour a day, six-week special education program.
“I love seeing the joy on children’s faces as they arrive each day,” said special education teacher Meghan Lynch, who oversees ESY. Academics are interspersed with games like corn hole, Jumbo Connect4 and bubbles. The vibe is friendly and fun, and progress happens.
“We’re thrilled to see the students engaging so enthusiastically in their summer learning,” said Christine Doherty, assistant director of special services, who coordinated the program.
John Jay High School’s library served as the program’s fieldhouse, where the entire group of students and educators came together.
“Not only did students and teachers look forward to special celebrations, including Pajama Day, Stuffed Animal Day, Mismatched Clothes Day and Crazy Hat Day, we all enjoyed being together each day,” said Lynch.
Midway through Luau Day, after morning classes, the students came back together for snack and another surprise: a group freeze dance to Hawaiian music.
"Aloha!” the teachers and students said to each other at noon, when the program ended. “See you in September!”
