This year at Day Creek, the administration has invited students to do something completely different. With several classes of moderate to severely disabled ACCESS students, our principal has created an opportunity for students to reach out to the ACCESS program in an unique way.

Every day for a 12-week period during lunch, elective or P.E., this new Connection Crew will interact with the special needs students through the campus’s ACCESS program. Making the Connection Crew program successful will require student volunteers to have a positive attitude and a compassionate heart.

“The Connection Crew is a great way for our general education students to meet our ACCESS program kids,” said Mr. Peek, one of their teachers.

Students with disabilities seldom interact with typical students on campus, but ACCESS will provide that chance.

“The ACCESS kids would love to meet new friends. The social interaction that they get by meeting new people, and new peers is one of the best benefits that the Connection program can offer,” said Mr. Peek.

As students participate in the Connection program, they will develop a variety of skills through interacting with kids who are different from them, including social involvement and a measure of patience.

“Some kids are really good at communicating; others aren’t. But just having a friend, having them help…they will have somebody to talk to [and] work with,” said Mr. Peek.

Any student who thinks that contributing means walking in and standing around may be in for a surprise.

“Many kids need help with social interaction, playing games, and even life skills that we take for granted,” said Mr. Hensley.

The Connection Crew is a great way for students to connect with the ACCESS students and benefit everyone involved.