NYC AUTISM CHARTER SCHOOLS HOST THEIR ANNUAL PIANO RECITAL

On Friday, December 14, 2018 the NYC Autism Charter Schools hosted the annual Holiday Piano Recital in East Harlem with staff guiding their 40 students on the autism spectrum to perform a musical selection for family, friends and invited guests.

“I am happy to be here to see the students performing,” said NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey. “I have learned that if you meet one person with autism, you have met one person with autism and we need to constantly remind our children that they are smart and that we love them,” he added.

The NYC Autism Charter School opened in East Harlem in 2005 and is ungraded, serving students ages 5-21. It was founded by two moms who wanted to create more educational options for children profoundly affected by autism. The second school, NYC Autism Charter School Bronx, opened last Fall and currently serves students ages 5-12.

“Our holiday piano recital has become an annual tradition over the years. It’s a time when we come together and invite family and friends to share in the joy of watching our students perform,” said Julie Fisher, Executive Director, NYC Autism Charter Schools. “This recital is extra special as three of our students will be graduating at the end of the school year. We get to celebrate how far they have come and wish them well as they start this exciting next phase of their lives,” Fisher added.

Both campuses provide the very best education possible by offering individualized instruction (with a 1:1 instructional ratio in most classrooms) and a totally personalized curriculum that is ever changing and focused on functionality. The instructional staff uses data to support curriculum choices and changes and works with families to ensure that they have the tools to be effective with their children and access to the resources and supports they need.

“I am so proud of my son and the fact that each student is playing a different song is overwhelming,” said the mother of graduating student William. “Many of the family members are very emotional, especially me, to see their loved one playing songs ranging from Jingle Bells to the Batman theme song and even pieces by Mozart,” she added as William hugged her.

Each of the 40 students played a song in the Holiday Recital followed by a reception where the parents got to mingle with staff members and other students.