Teacher Heartwarming Halloween Dance: In San Jose, special education teacher Rolly Vital at LeyVa Middle School is making Halloween a truly inclusive and joyous occasion for his eight students. What began as an idea last year has now blossomed into a heartwarming tradition – a Halloween dance exclusively for special needs students.
Vital, a passionate advocate for his students, saw the dance as an opportunity to showcase the unique talents and abilities of his students. He firmly believes that they can do anything their general education peers can if given a chance. Last year’s dance saw six classrooms from the Evergreen School District attending, creating an inclusive environment where all students felt a sense of belonging.
This year, the event is going bigger and better, with the district allowing Vital to organize a second Halloween dance for special education students. Parent donations fund the event, covering everything from decorations and food to a DJ and transportation. The response has been overwhelming, with 19 classes RSVPing to attend, including four from outside the district. The students, ranging from preschoolers to high schoolers, are eager to experience the joy of Halloween in a setting that’s just for them.
The dance, held during school hours on Halloween, brings a sense of normalcy and happiness to the lives of students with special needs, allowing them to enjoy this festive occasion just like any other student. Superintendent Antoine Hawkins expressed his excitement about the event, highlighting the importance of providing these students with opportunities for a phenomenal time.