In effort to further foster an inclusive environment at Calhoun High School, teachers from the special education department have created two new clubs.

Teachers Josh Drescher, Melanie Picchioni and Alyssa Sieber have been organizing club events under the advisement of department co-chairpersons Theresa Catalina and Melissa Rohr.

During the Buddy and Recreation Clubs, participants are paired with “buddies,” students from various clubs or teams volunteering their time. Students visit stations with activities such as trivia, arts and crafts, and games.

“Our buddies will run the stations and facilitate the kids rotating to each activity,” explained Picchioni.

These new groups have many collaborative events on the horizon, the first being a Halloween movie theater event.

On Halloween, the Buddy Club simulated a real movie theater experience for students in self-contained programs.

“Students from the district’s Prep for the Future class sold tickets to underclassmen,” explained Sieber. “Then, students worked on reading a movie theater schedule, purchasing tickets, and making change. Other students act as ushers. Our buddies were also there to help support and enjoy the experience.”

They also began an Instagram account under the handle @CalhounConnections to promote the current opportunities for inclusion in the building and district.

“We are working to partner with various teams, clubs and general education classes to immerse our students in all areas of Calhoun,” added Picchioni. “Our collaborative goal is to have our students form many new peer connections while participating in all the amazing opportunities that Calhoun has to offer,” added Sieber.

Later in the school year, the district will invite self-contained students, as well as club buddies, to attend Neurodiversity Night with the New York Islanders on April 1.

“This night aims to promote and highlight Neurodiversity and inclusion, and we are so excited to be part of it,” added Picchioni.

• Click here to view the Calhoun Clubs Make Student Connections 2024 slideshow.