As crisp autumn leaves begin to fall, Amador hosted the annual Harvest Dance on Thursday, Oct. 24. The dance is a long-standing tradition that honors Special Education kids across Pleasanton, and this year, Dublin.
“The Harvest Dance is one of leadership’s oldest traditions, and it’s an events that the students love doing the most. It is a community service event where we host all of the special education students from Pleasanton. In fact, this year we were able to add the students from Dublin, who did not have this opportunity.” said Leadership Teacher Wendy Connelly.
Leadership planned and organized the Harvest Dance as a way to give back to the Amador community.
“It’s a dance for all the special education classrooms in the PUSD district, so Harvest Park, Pleasanton Middle School, Foothill, and this year we included Dublin. It’s a fun, fall-themed Halloween dance for all of [the special education students], and costumes are encouraged. We play games, have snacks, it’s really fun,” said Leadership student Addy Moe (‘28).
Behind the scenes, Leadership decorated and ran the event. All of the effort went into ensuring that the attendees have fun and enjoy other activities throughout the dance.
“Our students spend weeks making posters, planning this dance, and they have such a good time, helping the kids with coloring sheets and creating other fun activities. It is truly one of the best events that we do.” said Connelly.
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Leadership set up different games and activities for the students to participate in, including dancing and coloring.
An inclusive form of fun
Due to necessary accomodations, many special education students aren’t able to attend events such as Homecoming. At the same, time many don’t want to miss out on fun activities that school dances and events provide. To make them feel more welcome and create a safe environment, Amador organizes the Harvest Dance every year.
“It just brings together the classes, especially if some of these kids can’t go to homecoming. It gives them a dance that they can go to and have fun and meet other kids that they normally wouldn’t meet,” said Moe.
Beyond just a fun event, the Harvest Dance also helps strengthen Amador’s sense of inclusion and identity. Student leaders emphasize that it’s a chance to come together and celebrate each other.
“I think it really makes them feel recognized and welcome and a part of a community.” said ASB President Biruk Menna (’26).
