More than 400 students from the Extended School Year program take part in Special Olympics celebration at Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45

Rochester, New York – More than 400 students from the Rochester City School District’s Extended School Year (ESY) program gathered in a spirit of unity, celebration, and joy on Thursday, August 7, at Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45 for a Special Olympics event that left lasting impressions on everyone involved.

The event, organized in partnership with Special Olympics New York, brought students from all corners of the district together for a day filled with athletic activities, carnival games, and a colorful, student-led parade. But more than that, it was a day centered around inclusion, participation, and the recognition of students with exceptionalities.

The students in attendance are part of the ESY program — a summer extension of the school year specifically designed for PreK–12 students with 12-month Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The program helps students stay academically and socially engaged through the summer months.

Read also: Rochester makes major strides in housing quality while unveiling Rehabilitate the Dream to help families become homeowners

“This is a very important day for our students with exceptionalities,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools for the Rochester City School District. “This is an opportunity to have the focus shine on these students so they can understand how we, as adults, love and support them. Seeing our entire school community come together in support leaves me at a loss for words.”

A Personal Connection

For Dr. Rosser, the event held deep personal meaning. Speaking with emotion, he reflected on how impactful these kinds of celebrations can be for children with disabilities — a truth he knows firsthand.

“I had a brother who had an exceptionality; he had Down syndrome, and I remember him coming home after a Special Olympics event and being on cloud nine,” said Dr. Rosser. “He shared how he interacted with his peers and showed off his medal. He would live for days in that moment, so Special Olympics is not only special to our children, but also special to my heart.”

A Day for Every Student

From the opening parade to the final activity, the energy on campus was vibrant and heartfelt. Students took part in games and competitions designed to encourage teamwork, movement, and most importantly — fun. The festivities weren’t about winning or losing; they were about belonging, trying, and being celebrated for who you are.

Faculty, staff, and volunteers cheered from the sidelines, offered support, and even joined in on the fun. Many said the day reminded them why inclusive education matters so deeply.

The success of the celebration was a reflection of the district’s growing efforts to make sure every student is seen and supported. The event also aligned with a larger commitment by RCSD to build environments where students with exceptionalities are given the space to shine and the encouragement to thrive.

A Model for Inclusion

Events like this Special Olympics celebration are more than feel-good moments — they are critical pieces of inclusive education. By centering the voices and experiences of students with disabilities, the district shows what it means to truly stand behind its students.

Read also: Mayor Evans launches Cool Sweep to protect residents from extreme heat heading into the weekend and beyond

In a time when educational equity continues to be a nationwide conversation, Rochester is taking real steps toward making sure no student is left behind — not in academics, not in extracurriculars, and not in moments of joy like this one.

As the day ended, students left with smiles on their faces, medals around their necks, and memories that will no doubt stay with them long after summer ends. More than a celebration, it was a statement: every student matters, every student belongs, and every student deserves to be seen.