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Heritage Middle School

All Treats and No Tricks at the Annual Special Education Trick-or-Treat Frenzy

The spook-tacular trick-or-treat tradition started many years ago at the Casey Administration Building. It is something that both students and staff look forward to each year.  

This year about 150 students in Special Education, Life Skills, and FOCUS participated in the event. Although their bags started bone-dry, each student left with a plentiful amount of treats and goodies from each department.  

This year decoration themes ranged from Construction Zone, Under the Sea, Mad Scientists, Glow Party, Candy Shop, Super Mario, Star Wars, and many more! 

Oftentimes, Special Education students are not able to participate in traditional trick-or-treating events on Halloween. Jennifer Pierce, Director of Special Education, believes that events like this are incredibly impactful and very important for students to participate in.  

“Many times, our most vulnerable students are not able to participate in traditional Trick-or-Treating, due to their disability. We provide a flexible and sensory friendly environment that allows them, their parents, and siblings the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat just like any other child might do during this time of year,” said Pierce.  

It’s hard to pinpoint the best part of the day, because the joy that each student brings in with them is priceless, but if Pierce could pick her favorite moment, it's the moment when the students first see the elaborate decorations.  

“My favorite part of the Trick-or Treat frenzy is watching their little faces light up when they enter the building and see all of the decorations,” said Pierce. “I also love hearing from parents. They are so grateful that we have provided a safe space for them to bring their children.” 

The goal of the event is to treat Special Education students, but the administration staff feel just as treated getting to interact with each student.  

“The Casey staff goes above and beyond to make this an exciting adventure for our students; however, we most certainly get more out of it than the children do. To be able to serve families in such a small way is a blessing to us,” said Pierce.  

To see photos from the Trick-or-Treat Frenzy click below. 

 

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