Saint Andrew students take an inspiring field trip

RIVERTON — Students from Saint Andrew School recently toured the Kauri Sue Hamilton School. The neighboring school, also located in Riverton, offers a school-age program to 155 students ages 5 to 22. Kauri Sue Hamilton School students have severe multiple disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, rare genetic disorders, deafness, blindness, and the medically fragile. In addition, many of their students also have aggressive and disruptive behaviors.

Members of Saint Andrew’s third and sixth grade classes spent time working on texture books in buddy groups to take on their visit. Their visit to Kauri Sue started with a welcome from Principle Rita Bouillon, who explained the function of their school and the students it serves.

Following the introduction, the St. Andrew students were given a tour of the facility, which includes a PE room, pool, classrooms, and clinic.

"I have never seen a school like that before," said 3rd grader Riley Mulcahy. "It has so many neat ways to teach the disabled."

In addition to the tour, Saint Andrew students were able to read and present their texture books to the disabled students in various classrooms. One student from every class at Kauri Sue Hamilton School was able to take a texture book home to share with their families.

However, students from Saint Andrew took a whole lot more home with them. "The look on the girl’s face gave me joy in my whole body," said 3rd-grader Dominick Glen. "It is really special that the kids there have a place to learn and be comfortable."

Many of the students decided they wanted to return to Kauri Sue Hamilton School and volunteer in the summer.

Photo and story courtesy of Saint Andrew School