SOU TH FAYE T TE TOW N SHI P SC HOOL D IS T RIC T NE WS
South Fayette
South Fayette’s
Summer Extended
School Year (ESY)
Program Promotes
Inclusion K-12
The South Fayette Township School District continues to
offer opportunities for students to academically and socially
develop not only throughout the school year, but during
the summer months as well. During the fourth year of the
District’s Extended School Year (ESY) program, 19 students in
grades 2 through 11 were selected to serve as “ESY Buddies.”
These students were selected by building counselors with
the criteria of “being genuine, good-hearted students.”
The buddies participated in an orientation acclimating
them to various disabilities that are present in the school
setting, skills necessary when working with students with
disabilities, and the importance of confidentiality. Each
week, the buddies co-facilitated social skill interaction
groups with School Psychologist, Dr. Conchetta Bell. The
focus of the social interaction groups centered on teamwork
and collaboration. Upon reflection of their participation in
the ESY Buddy program, sixth grader Jake Betz commented,
“It gave me an appreciation to help.” Additionally, eighth
grader Aaron Skerbetz said, “It demonstrates dignity and
respect for others by showing how we can spread friendship
and include others.”
Thank you to the following students for their dedication
to promoting inclusion as well as dignity and respect
throughout the District this summer: Brynn Mey, Drew
Welhorsky, Gabriella Kolczynski, Nate Willy, Caden
Griffin, Addison Lauer, Ben Cavenaugh, Joshika Balan,
Cooper Bruce, Bryn Iagnemma, Jake Betz, Ethan Bihler,
Adele Bihler, Anna Gagliardino, Ryan Vent, Emily Vezzi,
Laurelin Todd, Emily Benton, and Aaron Skerbetz.
South Fayette | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 53