Brewster School District administrators, teachers, facilities staff, and students gathered on Tuesday, for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new sensory bus behind J.F.K. Elementary School.
The bus is a retired school bus that has been transformed into a sensory-cozy environment with blue rugs, soft lights, bean bags, magnetic blocks, a LEGO board, shape sorting, and a laundry line of clothes for an interactive word game. It is the first of its kind in Putnam County.
At the front of the bus is a sunflower with the words: “For Megan” in honor of a beloved JFK special education teacher Megan Gersch who passed away last summer after a five-year battle with breast cancer.
“The design and vision of the bus was a team effort,” explained Occupational Therapist Lisa Goeddel. “The idea is that the bus will be used as another space for special needs students to get treatment or as a calming space to recharge. It’s designed to be inclusive for all students and provide a space where students can find comfort and support.”
The actual ribbon cut at the ceremony was a rainbow ribbon, meant to represent the variety of students who will use the bus.
“The sensory bus is a perfect example of how we go above and beyond to accommodate our students and provide them with experiences that will help them socially and emotionally,” said Principal John Conroy. “It shows how we are fiscally responsible and caring of our environment. We have recycled an old bus that would have been taken out of commission. It provides us with more space where none exists. It has become a sense of pride for our buildings and grounds staff who retro-fitted the bus. Once the project began, they came up with suggestions of their own, providing an authentic enriching experience for our community.”
“We are beyond excited to formally open their sensory bus today,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Gosh. “This project has literally been years in the making, starting with the desire to improve spaces and opportunities for students. Lisa Goeddel, who came up with the idea, said, “I have this idea. One person’s brilliant idea and a dedicated team including the transportation department, buildings and grounds, facilities and JFK teachers and staff has led to this incredible outcome.”
Students from Kate Gagliardo’s class burst onto the bus with loud cheers–it was a playground inside. Jonathan Dias, Isaac Somarriba, and Peyton Peifer took turns on the swivel chair, Jefferson Figueroa jumped on the wiggle cushion, and Aloriana Bertin played in the sensory sand bucket.
What did the kids think of the bus? “It's a 10 out of 10!” said Anthony Argueta Martinez.
