More than 130 special needs students, their parents and teachers were entertained, fed and celebrated during the district’s annual “Christmas For All” luncheon and dance at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles club in downtown Middletown.
Irene Kumar brings her special needs son each Christmas season and said the festivities are a highlight in her boy’s life and hers.
"For me as a parent this is a time he can feel like the other kids and he can enjoy how we all come together. I look forward to this every year and I told them where I work that I take two days off each year – the Middletown Schools Special Olympics in May and this party," said Kumar.
“This is awesome and when you see the kids’ faces. My son, even though he doesn’t show it, he’ll say ‘Christmas party!’ when I start talking about it. We all look forward to it,” she said.
The two-hour program features music and dancing, free food and gifts, many handed off by a jolly adult in a convincing Santa outfit.
Middletown Schools Superintendent Sam Ison makes it a point to attend both of the district’s major events for special needs students - the Special Olympics takes place in the track and field facility at the high school - and he marveled at the raucous energy of the students caught up in the holiday spirit.
“This is a very special for them and also a very special day for the parents and all of us in the district as well because as you can see teachers, district officials and central office employees are all here too,” said Ison.
“It’s a special day because it’s their (students’) day and it’s for them and they are so excited about it. We need this day. You can feel the heart-warming feeling in here,” he said gazing around the crowded banquet room.
Cathy McCausland, an intervention specialist at Middletown Middle School, said “we do it for the kids because it is their favorite event of the year.”
She credited a list of more than 25 local donating organizations including Middletown Police and Fire departments, First Financial Bank, Miami University Middletown and the Middletown Community Foundation for making it happen.
“None of this could ever come together if it wasn’t for all the sponsors and volunteers, donations, food and donations of gifts,” said McCausland.
“The students talk about it all year long,” she said.
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