Mary Cariola Center

03/13/2026

Students in Morgan Zurick’s class were shooting for the stars—and they hit the mark!🌟

After earning an impressive 45 stars for meeting school‑wide expectations, this awesome group cashed in their hard‑earned reward with a McDonald's celebration.

From nuggets to fries, students got to pick their favorites and enjoy a well‑deserved treat. Hard work, teamwork, and positive choices never tasted so good.

Keep reaching, keep shining—this crew is on a... roll! 😂🍔🍟🥤💫

03/13/2026

Our Classroom Teacher Aide II's continue to be the steady foundation of our classrooms, bringing exceptional experience, leadership, and program knowledge to our students and teams every single day. Thank you for all you do!

03/12/2026

The Best Buddies Club at welcomed our East Avenue students today for an unforgettable game of kickball and lunch. Our students stepped up to the plate, sprinted around the bases, and soaked in every moment of friendly competition.
After the game, they were treated to a delicious lunch with an array of choices — but the real highlight wasn’t the food. It was the laughter, the easy conversations, and the way the McQuaid students made our East Avenue students feel welcomed from the moment they arrived.
It was one of those days that reminded us how powerful inclusion can be — a simple game, a shared meal, and new friendships made. Days like this are what Best Buddies is all about.

03/12/2026

To Mary Cariola Center School families,

A reminder that tomorrow, Friday, March 13th, is Superintendent's Conference Day, and school will not be in session.

This is a day reserved for our school staff to be the students and learn about new educational advancements, techniques, technology and more, all in an effort to make your student's learning experience be even better at the quality level you expect from Mary Cariola.

Our staff looks forward to their learning and using it in the classroom with your students.

03/12/2026

Deaf Day of Play on March 21. See you at The Strong.

The Strong has partnered with RIT/NTID to celebrate Deaf Day of Play on March 21! Interpreting services will be provided by NTID senior students as part of their practicum requirements. Learn about butterflies from a museum biologist, explore the ASL alphabet and write a message, and more!

03/12/2026

Great opportunity here! Save the date!

The Strong invites families with vision disabilities to a special Blind and Low Vision Family Night on March 24. During this exclusive evening, guests can explore the museum’s engaging exhibits, including Ralph Wilson Skyline Climb and Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, in a supportive and welcoming environment. Families will have free access to a variety of healthy food options via the museum’s Main Menu food court. To register, visit https://goodwillofthefingerlakes.regfox.com/2nd-annual-blind-low-vision-family-night-at-the-strong-museum-of-playt

03/11/2026

Mary Cariola's Music Therapy Team was well represented at the American Music Therapy Association, Inc. Nazareth Chapter, Music Therapy Conference at Nazareth University . The conference is planned and executed by students; presenters are a combination of students and professionals, including ourMusic Therapy Intern, Olivia! The keynote speaker was the renown Dr. Alan Turry from Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy

03/11/2026

Some stories just stick with you — and Harry’s isn’t done yet. Stay tuned. Thanks, 13 WHAM ABC

Our Bright Spot shines on Harry.

03/11/2026

Yesterday, we filled the Capitol with a strong and clear message: New York must invest in I/DD services and the workforce that cares for them. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and stood together. Our work is far from over - we will continue to fight for meaningful change. Please share this post.

03/10/2026

Final reminder - New York Disability Advocates will rally in Albany today at 11:30! It's time to show why funding matters. Please stand with us as we call on legislators for a 2.7% targeted inflationary increase, CareForce affordability initiatives, and childcare and healthcare enhancements. Your neighbors are counting on you.

03/09/2026

Since the pandemic, Harry has been working hard to get comfortable going out in the community and enjoying community outings. With support from his teacher Colleen, and Transition Specialist, Theresa, some patience, and lots of small steps, they helped him go from simply sitting in the van… to neighborhood rides… to trips to Wegmans… and finally to the bottle return!

Harry's goal: earn his favorite McDonald's French Fries by returning about 65 bottles at the bottle return. What he achieved: 86 bottles in one trip, thanks to his determination and the kindness of two strangers who donated their returns. He even went inside Wegmans , to cash out his $4.30.

Harry is unstoppable. Golden Arches...here we come! 🍟🍟🍟

03/09/2026

Tomorrow's the day! At 11:30, Tuesday, March 10, our New York Disability Advocates will be gathering at the Capitol in Albany to demand action and real, continued investment in I/DD services and the care system. If you haven't RSVP'd yet, please do so here: https://bit.ly/4qkfZIy

We hope to see you there!