Spring fling at Rye Lake Lower Campus a learning opportunity, seasonal celebration

Spring has Sprung event began last year and returned even bigger than before

Bunny ears were atop nearly every head, and many of them were lit in bright, blinking LEDs, just one clue to the vibe of the spring fling held on the Rye Lake Lower Campus March 22.

Students in the TSP-I and AIIM programs decorated their own cupcakes, had their faces painted in elaborate animal designs, built gliders and flung rings onto bunny ears propped up on a wash basket at the center of the Decagon Building.

The “Spring has Sprung” event was an instructional opportunity disguised as a celebration of the change of seasons. As students interacted and engaged with their teachers and one another, there was an underpinning of academic substance they might have missed for all the pastel-tinged revelry.

 “The purpose is to celebrate spring,” Principal Julia Dolan said, “but it also gives us the opportunity to build social skills while practicing how to maintain conversations, stay on topic, request, respond to ‘WH’ questions, use descriptive language, and take turns.”

The event began last year but grew in scope this year as teachers and speech therapists collaborated on the planning.

Besides the indoor, academics-focused component for students in both programs, there was a lively egg hunt on the campus lawn. A perfect spring day with just a hint of chill in the air made for perfect egg-collecting conditions. In seeming moments, the scattering of colorful eggs dotting the grounds was cleaned up by eager hunters reaching their 12-egg limit in impressive time.

“I truly enjoyed seeing these children engaging so positively with one another in a fun and creative setting,” said Dr. Alexandria Connally, Assistant Director of Special Services. “The efforts our educators put into this was impressive, and I know our students benefited socially and academically.”