Last Friday, the Campus School of Boston College held its 11th annual semi-formal in the Murray Room of Yawkey Athletics Center. The event was an end-of-the-year celebration for the Campus School students. In the past, the dance was held in the Campus School multipurpose room, but a bigger room was needed to accommodate the event this year..
The BC Campus School, founded in 1970, seeks to provide special education to young people with severe disabilities. According to the Campus School Mission Statement, the program is "committed to providing quality education to learners ages 3-21 with multiple challenges including complex health care needs."
The holistic- and student-centered school serves the students in a school-based setting. There are currently 45 students enrolled in the Campus School, which allows for more personal attention between the students and teachers. The students receive a variety of therapies including special education, physical therapy, communication therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, transition skills, vision services, and health care. The teachers focus on providing active and significant student participation, striving to tend to the students' special needs.
The theme of the dance was "a night under the stars" and featured a disc jockey and professional photographer as well as appetizers and drinks. The Special Events Committee, a branch of the Campus School Volunteers, organized the event. To attend the dance, the students must be at least 16 years old.
"It's like a rite of passage for the students," said Amy Piepiora, co-president of the Campus School Volunteers and LSOE '08. Teachers, parents, and Campus School Volunteers attended the dance to commemorate the school year. During the event, a PowerPoint presentation played that featured pictures of the students from throughout the school year.
To begin the dance, each student was escorted in by a teacher or volunteer. The students each selected a song to be played as they proceeded into the dance.
2008 Woodie Awards
