Hollister School District students had the exciting opportunity to take part in the Gifted Games last Friday, April 24, at Gilroy High School.
The District has been involving students in the Gifted Games for many years. It is a collaboration among area districts, including San Benito High School, Aromas-San Juan Unified and the Gilroy Unified School District.
Hollister School District sent 208 students to the event who are in self-contained mild-moderate or extensive student needs classrooms. The students were accompanied by more than 100 school staff (Special Education Teachers and Special Education Paraprofessionals).
Director of Special Education Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez underscored it is an opportunity for the students to interact socially with those from other schools and to participate in sports activities.
Gutierrez said the activities are Olympic-style events tailored to their skill levels such as javelin, running, throwing, basketball and football. He said with Gifted Games, everyone is a winner.
“Students were excited. Parents were really excited about being there,” Gutierrez said. “They were happy. It’s a pretty nice event for them to socialize.”
He said sometimes it is very difficult to find these sorts of activities in our region for students with disabilities.
Gutierrez also offered kudos to the transportation coordinator, Noela Lara, for working out the travel logistics. He noted Rancho Santana School had a general education classroom go along to offer support for participants as well.
“It’s nice there’s collaboration among multiple districts to build something that’s supportive of our students with disabilities,” he said.
