Agoura High team proves every player is an MVP





 

 

At public schools, students with disabilities are integrated into mainstream classrooms and activities. But for students with severe disabilities, becoming part of everyday campus life can be a challenge.

Agoura High School has found a way to connect all students— including those who have a wide range of physical and emotional issues—through its yearly MVP baseball games, a tradition in which students in the school’s special education programs get together with members of the junior varsity and varsity baseball teams for a day of fun on the field.

Last Friday’s MVP game demonstrated that school spirit and inclusion are a priority at Agoura High. The school band played, cheerleaders cheered, an announcer shared tidbits about each player, and the stands were filled with fans.

Under California law, stu- dents with severe disabilities can attend school until they are 21 years old so they can learn as much as possible and obtain skills to help them live independently.

At Agoura High, 23 students participate in the community-based instruction ( CBI) and post-secondary programs, which address the diverse requirements of students with special needs, including academics; leisure activities; pre-vocational, vocational and life skills; and independent living.

Some of the students in the program have serious disabilities while others have cognitive challenges. Many of the students in the programs require full-time aides by their sides for most of the day.

Special education instructional assistant Elka Golds was instrumental in launching the yearly baseball game.

“This is our fourth annual game, and it gets better each year,” Golds said.

The special needs program is staffed by professionals, including physical, principal, Agoura speech and occupational therapists; a psychologist; and specialists in feeding, vision and behavior.

Special education teacher Fariba Albert said most of the students participate in the community based program until they are 18 and then move into the post-secondary program so they can prepare for independent lives.

Michael Johnson, a postsecondary teacher, said the program prepares students for the real world. Students work in the community at places like T.J. Maxx, Sharkey’s Mexican Grill and SweetXO in Agoura Hills.

The CBI program and work experience provide them with life skills, including budgeting, getting to and from places, shopping at grocery stores and socializing.

School psychologist Shandi Pleitez said the baseball game is a great opportunity for all students to come together.

“It’s great to play with the baseball team and interact with them on a personal level,” Pleitez said.

Ranjani, a 17-year-old CBI student, said this was her first time playing baseball. She couldn’t contain her excitement for the game.

“I love the Dodgers,” Ranjani said. In addition to baseball, she enjoys her cooking class.

David Appleby, a pitcher and catcher on the JV team, explained how the MVP game works.

The junior varsity team plays in the outfield and helps the MVP players throw and field balls. Varsity team members pair up with individual players, encouraging them to swing at a pitch, helping them get to base and answering their questions.

“It’s awesome,” David said. “We get to give back to the community and help teach kids about baseball.”

Jacob Stock, an 11th-grade varsity baseball player, said he loves the MVP games.

“It’s just fun to get out and play,” he said. “I just think it’s great.”

Varsity coach Mike Cordero said he enjoys the MVP games as much as the students.

“It’s so much fun and a great opportunity for kids to get out there and feel special. All of the kids look forward to (the game).”

Cordero said the game allows all the players to get to know each other well enough to feel comfortable saying hello to each other at school.

Principal Larry Misel stood on the field watching the game.

“If this doesn’t warm your heart then nothing does,” he said. “This is what school is all about—helping each other. You learn with your head, but you feel with your heart.”


 

 

TEAM WORK—It’s batter up at the Feb. 8 Agoura High School MVP game for players of all abilities. Above, varsity player Dylan Bahr races Agoura High student Ranjani Reyes to third base during the competition in which players team up with the special needs students for an afternoon of fun on thefleld. Left, Albee Weiss helps Brandon Hosick lace up his glove prior to the start of competition. The MVP program is in its fourth year.

TEAM WORK—It’s batter up at the Feb. 8 Agoura High School MVP game for players of all abilities. Above, varsity player Dylan Bahr races Agoura High student Ranjani Reyes to third base during the competition in which players team up with the special needs students for an afternoon of fun on thefleld. Left, Albee Weiss helps Brandon Hosick lace up his glove prior to the start of competition. The MVP program is in its fourth year.

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