BY LOGAN FULLER ’28
During the month of April, Jericho High School celebrated inclusivity through All Abilities Month. This month allowed the Jericho community to recognize and highlight the strengths of people of all abilities.
Jericho’s Director of Pupil Personnel Services Ms. Desiree Clemente said that All Abilities Month is crucial in building understanding and empathy. “[All Abilities Month] reminds everyone that people learn and experience things in different ways—and that those differences are something to value,” said Ms. Clemente.
During All Abilities Month, Jericho High School’s student-run Cool Beans Cafe offered special themed drink and treat combos on Friday afternoons. The proceeds of these sales went to the Nassau, Suffolk Autism Society of America. Jericho’s SEPTA chapter, a nonprofit organization focusing on awareness of special education, also helped expand Cool Beans’ fundraisers by bringing in T-shirt sales. In honor of All Abilities Month, Cool Beans expanded its operations beyond the High School, selling items in the district’s elementary schools, as well.
In addition to the Cool Beans’ specials, Jericho celebrated All Abilities Month through planned initiatives and spirit days. “We kicked things off with a family movie night showing ‘Tyson’s Run,’ which was a great way to bring the families together and start the month on a really positive note,” said Ms. Clemente.
The school also hosted themed Tuesday spirit days like “Light It Up Blue” for Autism Awareness day, during which students and staff wore blue to school; “Kindness Contagious” day, during which everyone wore pink; and “Celebrate Inclusion Day,” during which everyone wore yellow.
Jericho’s Unified Basketball Team also played games to mark the occasion. On Thursday, April 16, the team won its season opener against Locust Valley with a score of 35-28.
While All Abilities Month is celebrated during the month of April, Ms. Clemente reiterated that at Jericho, the community celebrates inclusivity on a daily basis.
“We celebrate all abilities every day by building a culture where everyone feels accepted and valued,” said Ms. Clemente, “On a daily basis the staff, and students in Jericho actively work to maintain a community where all students, and adults, feel welcomed, feel accepted, feel supported, and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. Our teachers work hard to support different learning needs, and students are encouraged to work together and support one another. It’s about recognizing, and celebrating, each student’s strengths and helping them grow.”
Ms. Brittany Del Vecchio, one of Jericho’s career and life skills teachers said that Jericho, inclusivity means creating programs where differences are respected.
“Inclusivity in Jericho looks like students learning, participating, and growing together. It means creating classrooms and programs where differences are respected, support is available, and everyone is given the chance to be involved,” said Ms. Del Vecchio.
While All Abilities Month ends with the start of May, the spirit of inclusivity continues to thrive within Jericho’s community. As Ms. Clemente said, “everywhere you turn, students of all abilities are participating, soaring, and finding joy in the things they do! The Jericho community makes sure every student feels seen and included.” This commitment to inclusion is a year-round priority at Jericho, ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed and belong.
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