On Nov. 21 Schreiber’s Letter Club attended the Nassau County Special Olympics Summit at Jericho High School.  Several schools from across Long Island were also in attendance, including Manhasset, Jericho, Massapequa, and Plainview with over 275 students and 16 total districts participating.  

This event promotes inclusion, leadership, and teamwork through the Special Olympics’ Unified Sports, whose goal is to change the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics Leadership Program provides the opportunity to make student athletes leaders, helping them to become more inclusive individuals.  “I think the special event was a way for students to collaborate in many different ways with many students. The Special Olympics was a way for all students to work together to give to the community and to learn helpful skills,” said sophomore Jacob Koppelman.

Students at the event spent time participating in team building activities and learning leadership skills around creating inclusive school environments.

“The event was really a great experience.  From the bus ride where we did karaoke, to ice-breakers, to the workshops where we learned how other schools promote inclusion, it was very meaningful.  Everyone had a lot of fun, and also gained insights that we can bring back to our own community,” said junior Evie Loewy, president of the Letter Club.

Schreiber’s Letter Club hosts many events throughout the school year supporting all athletes in the district in order to create a better community.  Their slogan, “Athletes for a Better Community,” indicates their commitment to the school and all student athletes.  At the summit, students from the Letter Club partnered with students in Schreiber’s  INVEST class (Individuals in Need of Vocational Educational and Social Transition).  Students who are a part of INVEST interacted with students from other schools. Port Washington’s Challenger Team, made up from students in the INVEST class, participates in sports across Long Island such as soccer, and basketball.  The Letter Club helps them out by assisting the students during games fostering a positive experience.

“It is beneficial, as it gives students who don’t usually have the opportunity to participate in specific activities.  It is also amazing how students from Schreiber are provided the opportunity to help out and attend the event through the Letter Club,” said sophomore Gabe Nash.

For students that helped out with the Letter Club, this provided them new methods of gathering people together and gave them the opportunity to experience the act of inclusivity.  

The Letter Club also hosts many events in the school, including Spike It Up, and the Pickleball Tournament. This event was especially important because programs like the Special Olympics really highlight inclusivity. 

“For Letter Club students, this experience provided new strategies and valuable perspectives on how to bring people together.  It helped us learn new ways to make sure every student feels included and appreciated,” said Loewy.

The Letter Club also works with an organization called Best Buddies providing many opportunities for the club.  It is an international organization committed to creating friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development, which was one of the main goals of the event.

“Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and to create an environment that benefits the entire community.  We learned so much from the students and staff we met and are excited to bring back many of those ideas in Port Washington,” said Loewy.