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The parents and SEPTA saw an urgent need for a specialized summer program that could support the needs of special education students in the community. With the support of the district, SEPTA introduced Rising Stars Summer Fun, a six-week summer program for children with special needs who find the typical day camp setting a challenge. It was held three times a week over the summer after the campers’ Extended School Year services.
The Katonah-Lewisboro school district provided space and musical instruments for the pilot over the summer.
Parent Susan Rooney was thrilled with the program.
"Rising Stars Summer Fun was a wonderful experience for my daughter,” she said. “It was the perfect program to extend ESY, with a true camp feeling. (My daughter) loved seeing her friends in addition to making new friendships. The staff was wonderful and their enthusiasm completed the experience."
SEPTA has organized after-school programs throughout the school year, thanks to after-school activity coordinators and the district’s Office of Special Services.
“The Katonah-Lewisboro Special Education PTA was able to work with several KLSD staff, along with professionals in the community, to offer fun components to Rising Stars Summer Fun such as cooking, sports and music,” SEPTA Co-president Dina DiGiacomo said. “Working with the district was essential for the success of the program.”
"Rising Stars Summer Fun was a tremendous success,” added program director Michele Jensen. “The children participated with such enthusiasm and enjoyment. Thank you to the students, parents, staff and SEPTA for making this program possible."
Connie Hayes, director of the Office of Special Services, said, “KL SEPTA continues to surpass its support for the children in the community each year. Rising Stars Summer Fun was able to provide a fun summer in a compassionate and structured environment.”
For more information on the Katonah-Lewisboro SEPTA, visit www.klsepta.org.
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