In early December, Swans Creek Elementary School transformed its auxiliary gym into a winter wonderland for the annual Special Education Holiday Night. This event, held for the past four years, offers parents an opportunity to holiday shop or simply take some time for themselves. 

“I think the biggest thing is when you have kids of all different ages, as a parent, sometimes you just need some time off. It also gives the kids time to hang out with their friends, so that’s awesome,” said Swans Creek parent, Steven Whittle. 

The three-hour holiday night was nothing short of enchanting. Embracing the winter wonderland theme, staff members set up a variety of sensory stations where students sculpted snow, painted snowflakes and snowmen, concocted whimsical slime, and assembled charming snow globes. Students also decorated homemade cookies, lounged by a toy fireplace, colored, and took fun photos with holiday props. 

The event takes collaboration from both the special education department and other faculty members. Gina Bowman and Lauren Fleming teach special education at Swans Creek, and have organized this event since its inception.

"It's such a special night where we all come together. We truly love our students and want them to feel that love through events like this," said Fleming. “It brings us so much joy to see the kids return and enjoy themselves." 

“The parents are very appreciative. The kids look forward to the event every year, and I believe parents do too,” said Bowman. “The kids are always so excited to be here. I have kids asking me all year long when it’s going to be. They love it!” 

"Our special education team of teachers and TAs always strive to ensure that the activities we plan meet the needs of all our students. Whether it's sensory-friendly activities, coloring, crafts, visual tasks, or movement-based activities with things like mats or crash pads, we consider the needs of every student because we want them all to have a magical evening that they'll remember forever,” said Swans Creek Principal Amanda Whitney.