It was a spook-tacular Halloween season for students attending Capital Region BOCES Special Education programs. From pumpkin decorating collaborations to sensory walks and trick-or-treating, staff at the programs organized a variety of sensory-rich activities that build confidence and school camaraderie. 

Students at Airline Drive Academy gathered in their school gym for a Halloween parade, pumpkin contest showcase, free-play and Monster Mash. Students in the Skills for Employment, Life and Functional Independence (SELFI) Program also celebrated and together delivered cupcakes throughout the BOCES 900 administrative building.

Special Education Teacher Sarah Read’s class at Maywood held their annual Haunted House Sensory Walk. The event welcomes classrooms across grade levels for student-led spooky sensory stations. Students also visited different classrooms for trick-or-treating, crafts and additional motor skills and sensory development activities. 

At Capital Region BOCES, Halloween is more than just a day for students to dress up as their favorite characters: it’s a day to showcase their talents and interests, and reinforce the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and respect for people with diverse needs.