When it comes to planning activities that get students moving and socializing, staff at Maywood Academy are full of ideas. Speech Therapist Kristin Degan and Physical Therapist Jamie Ascher work as a team to plan events that support students’ developmental skills. 

With the help of School Social Worker Christine Scherbyn, Degan and Asher took students on a journey through a time machine with an 80s-themed dance party on Aug. 6.

The party was one of many extended school year activities that brought the entire school building together. During the extended school year students from Capital Region BOCES public school programs meet for classes at Maywood. Activities like the recent 80s dance party are an opportune time for students across the Special Education division to build connections. 

Students were encouraged to dress in their best 80s attire, including neon clothes, net gloves, teased hair, track suits, stone washed jeans, parachute pants or their favorite band t-shirt. The gym was full of party-goers across grade levels as they boogied to the beat of 80s tunes, with Degan curating the playlist. She credits Scherbyn with inspiring the idea for the 80s theme. 

“Our social worker had all these decorations left from a birthday party, and she’s like ‘why don’t we do 80s’,” said Degan. “It’s fun for the kids, it’s fun for the staff and everyone is really into it. The dance is an all-school event that brings everyone together.”