Valentine’s Day came to Day Creek’s ACCESS (Accessibility in the Classroom to Create Equity for Student Success) special education program this year, with a little extra love and creativity. This celebration, known as Galentines, is typically intended for girls who ask their gals to be their Valentines. In keeping with that tradition, ACCESS students may have missed experiencing the spirit of the day. When the Connection Crew saw the opportunity, they decided to share the Galentine’s spirit with all of Day Creek’s ACCESS kids.
“It’s important to have a Galentine because you give each other meaningful gifts, especially since you are close friends and not regular Valentines, where it’s a relationship,” said Joslyn W, a member of the Connection Crew
As reported by the Howl in August, the Connections Crew is new to Day Creek’s campus. It aims to provide kids with opportunities to impact “special needs students through the campus’s ACCESS program” which requires its “student volunteers to have a positive attitude and a compassionate heart.”
“The Connection Crew has been impactful with our students for ACCESS with friendships. They’re very kind, and very involved. They have formed some really good connections,” said Ms. Santiago, an aide for ACCESS students.
Wyatt, a Connection Crew member, was eager for Galentines as he believed it could become a fun and meaningful tradition. He saw the chance for ACCESS students to “feel included and be a part of something.”
Involvement in activities like this reflects one type of the inclusive activities that the Connection Crew works to organize for the ACCESS program.
“We want to make sure that all the ACCESS kids feel included because we want them to feel special too. We can still call it ‘Galentines’ and have the girls of Connection Crew give the gifts. They can all have the opportunity to feel like they belong at Day Creek because we’re here as a community,” said Mrs. Vander Laan, Day Creek’s principal.
While the initial Galentine’s idea seemed ideal, Assistant Principal Ms. Fernandez (also the Connection Crew coordinator), knew the Connection Crew could include all ACCESS students.
“I love the idea. I think anything that spreads joy and love on campus is much needed. It would be a great way for them to show how much we care,” said Ms. Fernandez.
When the ACCESS students received their gifts, their faces reflected an obvious excitement, and their aides were in awe of the kindness of the gesture.
“Watching [them] receive gifts was absolutely amazing. We loved seeing their faces when they were passing everything out. My kiddo Esa was in disbelief. He loved it, and I think this should be done more often,” said Ms. Vanessa.
“It’s a win-win both ways. It’s helping them out, making you feel like a better person, and you have a fun time making friends along the way. It’s a really great experience,” said Wyatt M.
