These kids are having summer fun — at school.
Sheepshead Bay’s PS K811 held its second annual Summer Block Party Extravaganza, an extension of the school’s annual carnival, on Aug. 6.
More than 200 special-needs students, ages 12 to 21, partied on Haring Street with hundreds of family members, neighbors, and school staff. Partygoers enjoyed water slides, a bouncy house, food, and games.
The festive atmosphere helped engage students and draw them out of the shells, said the principal.
“The students, you can see the light in them when they’re enjoying the music, playing the games, and interacting with the adults,” said Antoinette Rose, the school’s principal. “They participated and it was really joyful.”
School representatives praised local community members and businesses for donating money and materials. A local radio station even contributed a deejay so that partygoers could dance the day away.
“We want to celebrate our students’ abilities rather than their disabilities,” Rose said. “Many of them don’t get these opportunities, but we want to give it to them.”
The school’s carnival, now in its eighth year, used to be held in the schoolyard, but was moved to the street because of construction last year. The block party was such a success that Rose decided to make it a yearly tradition.
“It’s about bringing the families and the community together to give these kids a good time,” said Rose.
