High school hosts special Valentine’s Day dance

Special education students join in for annual event

Riverside High School turned up the volume and opened up the dance floor for a Valentine’s Day dance which placed its spotlight on their special education students.

Organized by Riverside’s special education unit, the Feb. 14 dance which seeks to celebrate the uniqueness inherent in everybody, now enjoys over 10 years of tradition at the school.

The high school’s gymnasium doubled as a dance hall and saw hundreds of jubilant students and staff interacting, dancing, enjoying refreshments, and sharing plenty of laughs.

The fun was not limited exclusively to the Painesville Township school. Invitations to attend were sent to the special education units of schools and similar vocational programs throughout Lake County, including Broadmoor, Chardon, Harvey, LaMuth Middle School, Mentor, Mentor Cares, North, Perry, Project Search, and South.

The Riverside students were involved in all aspect of producing the event, from serving as dance partners, helping with crafts, manning photo booths, and

“Most importantly, our students with autism and other disabilities are able to have a typical high school dance experience and have a great day with their friends from other districts.” — Riverside Multiple Disabilities Intervention Specialist Emily Abbott

adding to the general positive atmosphere.

Students with autism were afforded considerations that would be overlooked at typical dance events, including noise-cancelling headphones which allowed the festivities to remain enjoyable without risk of it becoming overwhelming.

Multiple staff members were on hand, not only serving as chaperones, but to head off any potential sensory overload that students might experience. Attentive Riverside staff were able to take affected students aside and offer quiet one-on-one time along the bleachers until they’re ready to jump back onto the dance floor for the next song.

Students within Riverside’s special education unit also helped prepare by rolling silverware, organizing informational packets, writing thank-you letters, and making the decorations.

The students attending the event ranged from ages 14 to 22 and were treated to a bevy of refreshments and snacks provided by local businesses and sponsors such as Innovative Blends Entertainment, Steve Abbott State Farm, Bada Bing Pizza, Gartman Bakery, and many others.

Riverside Multiple Disabilities Intervention Specialist Emily Abbott said that the “dance is a wonderful opportunity for staff to network and interact with each other.

“Most importantly, our students with autism and other disabilities are able to have a typical high school dance experience and have a great day with their friends from other districts.”

ADAM DODD — THE NEWS-HERALD Riverside High School students enjoy their Valentine’s Day dance.

ADAM DODD — THE NEWS-HERALD Special education students at Riverside High School were able to enjoy a festive dance and party that catered to their needs.