March was an incredible month, leading up to our spring break! With multiple field trips and multiple parties throughout the month, we are ready for some rest and relaxation. As a reminder, school will be closed starting Friday, March 29th, through Friday April 5th for Spring Break.
We started off March with a trip to the Bergen PAC in Englewood for a special live performance of Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” This interactive show was put on solely for students.
Later that week, to celebrate “Pi” Day (March 14th), students tried a variety of pies, wore their pajamas to school, and watched Kung Fu Panda, and enjoyed popcorn. The highlight of the day was during lunch, when students watched a few of our staff members compete in a pie eating contest, with gumballs.
To finish off our busy week, our occupational therapy team held our St. Patrick’s Day party, complete with a photo booth, temporary tattoos, crafts, and homemade shamrock shakes!
Our second field trip of the month brought us to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure park! Students could choose to jump on trampolines, p[lay various games, or enjoy a ball pit and obstacle course before having pizza for lunch.
Student-Staff Member Interview
In addition to highlighting a staff member of the month, we would like to highlight a student that will interview the staff member. This month, Lenneyah Dickens, one of our graduating students, and a previous winner of the Ruth Diebner CBI award, interviewed our Occupational Therapist, Ms. Karen Fink. Lenneyah frequently helps Ms. Karen with different activities she plans throughout the year, including our various Holiday parties. Below are the details of their conversation.
LD: How long have you worked at the Bergen Center?
KF: I’ve been working at the Bergen Center for 18 years
LD: What does your day-to-day look like as an Occupational Therapist?
KF: I see students in the sensory room to help them with their sensory needs. I help them learn to write. I help them learn to open and close snaps/buttons/ zippers and tie shoes.
LD: How else do you help students with everyday tasks?
KF: I help students develop sensory diets, and help strengthen their fine motor skills and visual motor skills with different activities.
LD: What is your favorite part of your job?
KF: I like to spend time with students, as well as planning field trips and parties.
LD: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the school year?
KF: I’m most excited about the Spring Social in May.
LD: One more question for fun, what is your favorite food?
KF: Acai Bowls