Children’s Education Center Students Decorate Gingerbread Houses with Parents
The joy and spirit of wintertime came to life, this December, with hands-on activities that students and parents could enjoy together.
The BCCS Children Education Center’s two-day gingerbread house decorating event is an annual tradition welcoming parents to join their children in the fun and learning of a typical school day.
A Parent’s Perspective
One such parent was Cristina Filippone, who created gingerbread houses with her son Anthony, his teacher Jennifer Mattera and one-to-one aid, Angelica Dittman. Anthony’s excitement was palpable, laughing and smiling as he snuck skittles and gumdrops from the decoration table.
“He loves it here,” said Cristina as she tucked away a decorated gingerbread house wrapped in cellophane to take home. “The first one he ate, the second one he ate. Then, I helped him make this third one, that way he can take it home. He clearly enjoyed it.”
Cristina was smiling and laughing alongside Anthony, enjoying this holiday project she got to complete with her son for the first time. Cristina appreciates how BCCS’ supportive setting has helped Anthony flourish into a happier, more creative, and communicative young man.
“At his old school, he would have a different teacher every year and a different summer-school teacher. He really needs to have the consistency of the same teacher, which is what he’s had here,” said Cristina.
When Anthony enrolled at BCCS he joined Miss Jennifer’s class and has been with her ever since. Now eight years later, Anthony uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to communicate at school and home and has the support of a tight-knit community that effectively addresses his needs to help him thrive. This gives Cristina peace of mind and opportunities to make timeless memories with her son.