Cumberland County Schools present their Very Special Arts Festival Thursday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center. The theme is “Going for the Gold: United by the Arts.”  

“This is an exciting event for our students with disabilities and it consists of adaptative and engaging activities such as archery, ribbon dancing, obstacle courses, Olympic-inspired crafts and more,” said John A. McMillan, exceptional children’s director for Cumberland County Schools. 

“This event is a great time for our students, our community and our parents to celebrate students with disabilities with a bunch of love.”

The annual event got its start in 1983 and Gilbert Baez has been the notable host each year. 

“Each year we have a ton of parents that come out as well as community sponsors, teachers, volunteers, families and community partners,” said McMillan. “Last year’s event had about 200 parents that attended and they walked around with their child to explore the various activities.” 

The fun-filled itinerary entails Cumberland County students arriving to the Agri-Expo Center and reporting to their designated area. A mixmaster DJ will kick off the event with feel-good music and riveting fun. The kids will come on stage to participate in some activities and performances for the audience. Then they will rotate through the various activities that are located on each side of the center. There will be an area where students can sit, fellowship and enjoy their lunch with their classmates.              

Students with disabilities have a variety of challenges that affect their learning and participation in the school environment and those challenges can be academic, social or behavioral. 

“As much as we can, per The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we want to include them with their nondisabled peers and ensure that they have access to the general education curriculum,” said McMillan. “We want to make sure that they are inclusive to everything socially and academically.” 

He added, “We don’t want their disabilities to be highlighted, but we want them to be able to operate as normal as possible.”    

In regards to their future goals and opportunities after high school, there are a few options. 

“Some of them can go to our Occupational Course of Study program so that they can obtain jobs after high school and be able to live a normal productive life,” said McMillan. “Then we have those students who could possibly attend college.”     

These students are often creative and possess an innate talent for visual arts. 

“We have a very special arts festival t-shirt and every year the shirt is designed by a student with special needs,” said McMillan. “Our number one goal and mission of the Exceptional Children’s Department is to make sure that we provide the most paramount customer service to our principals, the community, teachers and parents.” 

The event is in need of food donations and/or gift cards for food purchases. Contact John A. McMillan at johnamcmillan@ccs.k12.nc.us to donate. For more information visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us.