The Sunshine School, a school for children with mental disabilities, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Oct. 1.
With a smiling sunshine face on the school’s window, live music, a cake and other assorted desserts, Sunshine School students were treated to a surprise party that celebrated the school’s history.
Head teacher of the school, Sally Paine, said the fact that the school celebrated 50 years says a lot about the community.
“We’re not unique,” Paine said. “There are similar schools across the state, but there aren’t many of them. (The celebration) brings to light the services we provide to students who need our services … It’s exciting and I hope we’re around for 50 more years.”
The school began in 1964 and after nine years of having seven students attend school in a converted army barracks, Paine said the school realized there were more student needs that had not been met. The school then was able to gain funding to construct its own building in 1973.
In August 2011, the school relocated to its current address on Airport Loop. The new facility came with 12 classrooms, a large multipurpose room, therapy rooms, a conference room and an office.
The Sunshine School’s new building allows it to serve special needs children and adults. According to their website, that is their main mission.
“The Sunshine School serves students of all ages with developmental disabilities,” the website said. “There is no age limit for students to be admitted to the preschool, nor is there an automatic cut-off age for adults.”
The school currently has 70 students. Paine said she hopes to see more students come through their program.
“We don’t make progress by leaps and bounds, but everything our students learn how to do or how to do better is a help to their family,” Paine said. “Now they don’t need help putting on their coat or setting the table. Every step they make is a huge step for their families. It’s just a great place.”
Senior Kalyn Hunter, who volunteered at the Sunshine School for a semester, said her experience working with the students was extraordinary.
“Everything about the Sunshine School was truly a gift and was impacting in so many ways,” Hunter said. “The staff welcomed me with open arms and the students really made my time there memorable. The director and teachers truly do have hearts of gold and a passion for serving.”
Hunter said she worked with all ages and that she was able to assist the teachers and therapists with their day-to-day tasks. She said she helped with daily schedules and made sure the students completed certain tasks.
“Working at the Sunshine School taught me so many life lessons and for that I am forever grateful,” Hunter said. “The students truly left handprints on my heart that will be with me forever.”
For more information on volunteering at the Sunshine School, contact the school’s director, Mary Lou Dunn, at snshnscl@yahoo.com.
