Start your week off with the NYISE e-newsletter!

The New York Institute for Special Education's mission is to provide quality educational programs and support to students and families in a safe, caring environment, to awaken and inspire student curiosity, lifelong learning, and fulfillment .

A complete list of embedded links found within this email is located at the bottom of this page .

Greetings!

Summer is almost here, and our students are excited to explore the outdoors , get their hand's dirty planting in our greenhouse, and be inspired by the graduates who came before them, including the award-winning musician, performer, and educator Dr. Valerie Capers .

Our class of 1953 Valedictorian, we're thrilled to share that Dr. Capers has returned to NYISE to serve on our Board of Directors. We welcome her with open arms and thank her for coming back to join us.

As the school year comes to an end, we also want to thank you for your support this year.

With your help, we're improving the lives of our students and celebrating their potential because of their unique learning needs rather than in spite of them.

Till next time, we wish you and yours all the best.

Many thanks,

Dr. Bernadette Kappen, PhD

Executive Director

PS: Looking for a gift for a graduate in your life? Click here to make a tribute gift in support of Camp Wanaqua , NYISE's free summer camp for NYC children ages 5-15 who are blind or visually impaired.

Give the Gift of Summer Camp

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

SCHERMERHORN

What is it like to explore the world with the help of a guide dog leading the way?

A group of our blind and visually impaired students answered this question firsthand during a recent visit to Guiding Eyes for the Blind .

An inspiring and enjoyable experience for all involved, we're very grateful our students had this opportunity to meet these talented and friendly companions. If you know of someone who would benefit from the help of a guide dog, click here to visit the Guiding Eyes for the Blind website.

To learn more about our Schermerhorn Educational Program, click here.

A group of NYISE students sitting on a bench and standing together with four guide dogs. Grass and trees located in the background.

VAN CLEVE

A group of our Van Cleve students were delighted to visit the Museum of Natural History and experience two incredible special exhibits:

T. rex: The Ultimate Predator

and

Unseen Ocean .

Engaging students through hands-on learning experiences that allow them to explore the past, present, and future of the natural world, these trips bring science out of the classroom and into the real world, complete with a little magic from a few butterfly friends (pictured).

Click here to learn more about the Van Cleve Educational Program and here for more pictures.

READINESS

Our youngest students were delighted to move side-by-side with dancer Ana Dimas, owner of Bronxville Ballet and founder of the nonprofit Bronxville Ballet NOT FOR SALE .

In her desire to give back to the community, Ana volunteered to conduct two ballet classes a week for Readiness students this year and introduced them to ballet basics, including leaps, twirls, and plies.

Additionally, her nonprofit gave each participating student a custom-made ballet-inspired dress (pictured) to take home and wear when practicing their newly acquired dance moves.

Click here to learn about the Readiness Educational Program and here for more photos.

Four smiling Readiness students dressed in pink leotards and tutus practice ballet.

NYISE IN THE NEWS

To learn more about how Van Cleve teacher Tony Apuzzi (pictured here on the left) inspires students, check out his recent interview featured on News12 Westchester .

Students got up close to fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles during our annual Big Wheels on Campus event featured here on News12 The Bronx .

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

ATHLETICS

As our 2018/2019 Athletics season concludes, we remain grateful for the support of individuals like you who helped make this year's sports teams and competitions possible.

One of our final athletic events this season was the annual Eastern Athletics Association for the Blind Track & Field Tournament that brought dozens of athletes to our campus to compete in multiple events including running, throwing, and jumping (standing jump, triple jump and running long jump).

While all competitors receive an award for their participation, we're proud to share that when scores from all events were tallied our boys and girls track teams secured first place!

CAMP WANAQUA

Camp Wanaqua is the only free summer day camp for blind and visually impaired children ages 5-15 in the New York metropolitan area and will kick off this summer on July 8.

Providing an enriching, nurturing, and supportive environment where campers can have fun, Camp Wanaqua strengthens self-esteem, resilience, and independence by providing opportunities for campers to go on day trips throughout NYC, try new sports, play outdoors, and explore new interests at their own pace.

Know of a child who would benefit from attending Camp Wanaqua this summer? Click here to access our Camp Wanaqua 2019 application and medical forms .

Give the Gift of Summer Camp

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPORTS AWARDS ASSEMBLY

Each spring we're delighted to celebrate the athletic achievements of our students during our annual Sports Awards Assembly .

To receive an award, students need to have participated in at least one of our individual or team sports that include Goalball, Basketball, Swimming, Bowling, Wrestling, Cheerleading, and Track and Field. To see photos of this year's teams, click here .

A highlight of this year ceremony was a visit by retired 6'8 NBA forward John Wallace (pictured) , who shared inspirational words and congratulated students on their athletic achievements. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and congratulations to all of our athletes!