Mary Cariola Center

04/03/2026

Room 132 has been busy spreading joy on the East Ave campus! Students rolled up their sleeves to make chocolate‑covered pretzels and Rice Krispie treats for our staff as a sweet way to say thank you for everything they do for our school and our students.

A small gesture, a big impact, and a whole lot of YUM!!!

04/02/2026

It’s the ROCabilities Autism Awareness Fair! Thanks Daniele and Julie for sharing and informing the employees of at their educational and community engagement event . 🌈⭐️

04/02/2026

(Vero Beach, FL) Our beloved Special Education teacher Fred Henry is soaking up the sun, sand, and surf in the Sunshine State☀️ — enjoying spring break so much he celebrated Walk Shirt Wednesday… on Thursday. That’s what happens when you’re on a well‑deserved vacation!

And while he’s walking in sunshine now… Save the date for Walking on Sunshine — September 20, 2026! Mark your calendars — you won’t want to miss it. Thanks for repping Walk Shirt Wednesday from the coast, Fred.😎

04/01/2026

It’s the season of the Peeps! Alaina Schiefer’s class had a blast exploring the squishy, sweet treats that make this time of the year so iconic. Sensory fun + sugary smiles = a Peep‑tastic day. 💫😄🙌

04/01/2026

At Mary Cariola, Autism Acceptance Month is more than awareness, and it’s more than a month — it’s an ongoing celebration of the unique strengths, voices, and potential of the students and adults we support. We’re proud to champion inclusion, understanding, and dignity every day. 🧩💙💛

03/31/2026

Students and staff in Deanna Salerno's class at our East Avenue Campus took a break from community service projects and headed to Bowl‑A‑Roll where they came to strike!
One game, tons of laughs, and some seriously impressive scores. We love seeing our students shine in every setting. It's how they roll!🎳

03/31/2026

Brayden reminds us it’s time to PLAY BALL. ⚾️ Here’s wising our friends at a successful season with unforgettable moments!

03/31/2026

New York lawmakers must prioritize increased funding for the I/DD community in the State Budget. A strong care system requires stable and sustained investment. Let's get this done!

03/29/2026

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we celebrate Erin DiCesare — a champion for excellence, growth, and the individuals at the heart of our mission. ♀️

03/27/2026

This month, students in Special Education Teacher Ashley Patterson’s class explored how sound is created and amplified. Music Therapist Jason Willey-Bustos joined the lesson as part of the History Timeline unit. As the class read each event on the timeline, Jason played the corresponding instrument so students could connect what they were learning with real sound.

After completing the timeline, Jason introduced a series of “Sounds of Spring” activities. Students experienced fast and slow tempos using a parachute, high and low pitches with an amplifier and quack stick, and soft and loud volumes using a mister, rain stick, and spring drum.

The lesson was a true team effort. Our physical therapist supported students with positioning and engagement, while our speech team helped reinforce communication goals throughout the activities. It ‘sounds’ like a great lesson! 🔊🎵👂

03/27/2026

Thanks Noelle and WXXI for doing a little mall walking with us!

A new Mary Cariola School for students with complex disabilities could locate in the northern portion of the former shopping mall.