DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A special field trip is making a difference for some special needs students.
The children got the chance to pick some cherries at Meleddy Cherry Farm near Maplewood in Door County.
13 students with disabilities took to the orchard for a mid-morning adventure.
April Rogalski, Ashwaubenon Special Children’s Program, tells FOX 11….
“We are the Ashwaubenon Special Children’s Program. Our summer school program operates out of Parkview Middle School. Today we have students, age five, all the way to age seventeen. We work with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, a large spectrum of autism, verbal and non-verbal. And also visually impaired students as well.”
The trip began with a shaky demonstration from a mechanical cherry harvester.
“Our whole focus and mission is to provide student opportunities in the community,” said Rogalski.
For about 45 minutes, the students and their aides combed the trees. They picked tart cherries and put them in the bucket.
“Our students today, they are ecstatic. They’re excited. If you couldn’t hear their voices, just their energy, being outside.”
Rogalski says the field trip is good therapy for the students, and that’s not all.
“In another sense too, we’re providing education to the community about disabilities. People with disabilities, and how to communicate with them, how to approach them. It’s a win-win. It’s learning both ways.”
Sue Selvick, Meleddy Cherry Farm, hosted the field trip.
“I feel really good. I’m a former teacher, and I love kids. It’s what I went into, and so I’m happy to see them here, and having a really good time, makes me feel good.”
And even though the tart cherries may have been a little sour, many students didn’t seem to mind.
“Not at all. Not at all. Everyone, if you watch, they’re all putting in their mouths and they’re enjoying it. And they just keep eating and eating. And that’s what we want them to do.”
Leaders of the Ashwaubenon Special Children’s Program say field trips are planned throughout the summer. Those outings include swimming, bowling, and a visit to the zoo.
