The Black and White

by August Pittman

The students involved are part of an invaluable program in which students taking general education classes have a place of support to help keep them on track academically.

This Friendsgiving was coordinated by members of the Special Education Department: Mr. Landy, Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Cravin, and Ms. Greaves. The adults coordinated the food, and each brought in a component such as drinks or dessert.

Friendsgiving was a tremendous success. The students loved the opportunity to be able to share time with one another, saying “we just ate and sat together and talked” and “There was no  stress or worry in the class.” The food and fun took their mind off anything that was stressing them.

As for the teachers, Greaves stressed that “it’s important that students feel that they can be nurtured and cared about in different ways”. She pointed out that this adds to whatever holiday celebrations they already have, stating, “Many may have had a bountiful dinner on Thanksgiving, however this does not always mean that all were happy,” citing “they can be stressed about the holiday, the change in routine with the break from school and other personal stressors”. Friendsgiving alleviated this, as teachers created a supportive environment and reinforced to students “they are important”. 

Landy also shared about the Friendsgiving, saying “it’s a…gathering, we’re all together” and that “we all had a great time”.