Courtesy Kristy Burrows, Longview Parent, Longview Teacher, grades 2-4:
The Longview School TRYathlon kicked off this past Friday, marking the fifth year of this uplifting MCPS event! Students from kindergarten through high school swam, biked, walked and rolled their way to victory in an all-day demonstration of their skills, to the chants and cheers of their school and community!
The Longview School, an MCPS special school located in Germantown, serves students ages 5-21 with severe and profound intellectual and/or multiple disabilities. Longview students are often challenged with complex communication needs, limited motor functioning, visual and/or hearing impairments, complex medical and/or physical needs and/or traumatic (acquired) brain injuries. For families and students facing the challenges that come with managing complex medical issues, and severe/profound intellectual disability, the TRYathlon is an opportunity for the community to come together in celebration, the way other families might on athletic fields, or in after-school clubs, or at awards ceremonies. It is the rare opportunity for these students and their accomplishments to be celebrated publicly by the local community.
Says Patricia Rivera, parent of an elementary student, “TRYathlon unites our families for a happy event, rather than connecting over our shared medical issues. As families, we love the opportunity to interact with our wonderful teachers and the rest of the Longview staff! We love to see our kids in the spotlight!”
Michele Pulaski, mom to high school student Sarah, said, “The TRYathlon is a special opportunity for our children to feel included! Longview goes the extra mile to support an event that our children would otherwise never have the opportunity to participate in. You can feel the love when you hear the cheers as each child is recognized for their abilities and accomplishments, rather than their disabilities.”
Regardless of age or physical limitations, the commonality amongst Longview families on TRYathlon day is their palpable joy, as each student had a moment to shine in the party-like atmosphere! Board of Education and County Council members were joined by Matsunaga Elementary students and staff, lining the hallways with banners and pompoms, while music blasted and the crowd chanted the names of students as they biked, walked and rolled through the TRYathlon course. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Dan Burrows, dad to fifth grader Hannah. “This school devotes so much time and energy into giving our kids the childhood experiences they deserve.”
The event is organized, throughout the school year, by a team of Longview staff members, led by Principal Sarah Starr, and attended by families, MCPS Central Office staff, Board of Education members and representatives from the County Council, and more. “The TRYathlon is one of the best days of the school year! Longview students are the toughest students I have ever met, with a determination, grit, and perseverance that inspires me every day. The TRYathlon allows many more people to celebrate our students’ abilities, and I am thankful to our amazing staff and families who make it possible.”
