For some kids, though, walking through Disneyland’s magic gates takes more planning – and a lot more effort. Special Education teachers at Mount Si High School are willing to undertake all that work to expose their students to some of Walt Disney’s legendary magic.
Tracy Neether and the special education teaching staff at Mount Si High School are hoping to expose their students to the Disneyland motto, Dreams really do come true, this spring – but say they need the help of the Snoqualmie Valley community to make this once in a lifetime opportunity a reality for some very special students.
Recently, special needs students from the Life Skills Class and the Transitional Learning Center (TLC) at Mount Si High School were given a thumbs up from the school district to send the class to Disneyland in April 2015, with the teaching staff and a few parents chaperoning the ‘magical’ experience.
[Mount Si’s TLC program prepares students for life after high school based on their individual educational needs by focusing on daily living skills, personal-social skills and occupational guidance and preparation. The Life Skills class blends instruction, problem solving, communication, social skills and pre-vocational activities and hands-on projects for students with significant disabilities that impact daily functioning and adaptive skills.]
Major Disneyland Student Fundraising Project
Starting this weekend, this special group of Mount Si students will undertake a major project to raise funds, plan and carry out the ‘trip of a lifetime.’
The various challenges that these young adults face makes travel difficult. In Fact, several have never been able to leave the local area and an airplane flight is an elusive dream working toward realization.
Neether says this trip is more than just simply going to Disneyland. She says it is an opportunity for her students to learn valuable life skills with one-on-one support. Students will learn how to plan a trip, earn money to pay for it, keep a budget, navigate the airports and more.
Organizers say the community’s help is essential to achieving these students’ goal of traveling to Disneyland; like so many of their peers, encountering a world full of fantasy and adventure.
Students are planning numerous fundraisers – a few of which are coming in the next two weekends.
First up is a booth at the Festival at Mt Si, August 8th – 10th, where students will be having a 50/50 Raffle; taking orders for scented candles; and selling Dominos Pizza Cards. The following weekend, August 15th – 17th, they will also have a booth during the Snoqualmie Railroad Days and that same weekend there will be a Yard Sale at 7931 Maple Ave SE (walking distance from the Fair).
Organizers invite community members to stop by and show support for a great cause – and ask students some questions about their upcoming Disneyland adventure. Direct donations can also be made to: SVSD c/o Mt Si Life Skills PO Box 400 Snoqualmie, WA 98065. [Tax ID# 91-6001642]
The group is also looking for sponsors and help from any local organizations that would like to get involved – and say thank you for support in making some very special students’ dreams come true.
For more information contact Penny Johnason at penny111960@gmail.com or Tracy Neether 425-831-6162 tneether@yahoo.com
