Special education students have fun-filled Field Day

Story and photos by Doug Spoon, Editor

Hundreds of special education students and more than 100 volunteers took part today in the first Field Day for students in Menifee Union School District.

The event, held at Hans Christensen Middle School, was conducted in a Special Olympics format, challenging students to kick a soccer ball into a goal; throw a tennis ball for distance; shoot balls through a hoop; hit a ball off a tee; and take part in running races of various distances, according to ability.

Dr. Jennifer Root, superintendent of MUSD, said the event was the result of the efforts of parents who wanted to support their special education students in physical activities. Once publicized in advance, Field Day drew lot of support from the community.

“It started as an event of our parents who wanted to do this,” Root said. “We had lots of community support and donations from the community for the shirts, the water, everything you see today.”

In addition to more than 250 students from 22 classes at 14 schools, all five members of the MUSD Board of Education attended, as well as Mayor Bill Zimmerman and Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines.

“This is the best thing in Menifee today,” said Jackie Johansen, board president. “I’m so excited to see the kids perform. For months we’ve been getting updates on their progress. It’s been amazing, so wonderful to see the happy things going on.”

Also instrumental in putting on the event was Julie Hong, executive director of special education for MUSD; and members of the Special Education Parents Advisory Committee, headed by Cate Dana.