School News

Spreading spirit at Salk M.S.

School hosts homecoming for Challenger League

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There was no shortage of school spirit at Jonas Salk Middle School on Feb. 15. Wantagh, Seaford and Levittown residents flocked to the fifth annual Levittown School District Challenger League homecoming basketball game. 

The Challenger League is an athletic program for students with autism or cognitive, physical or emotional disabilities. Participants compete against their peers from other districts. The Levittown School District has students from north Wantagh and Seaford. 

“I felt it would be a great way to get the Levittown community together and to help spread awareness for the students with disabilities,” Jeff Aiello, the Challenger League coordinator, said of the event. “I also felt it was a great way to give these students with disabilities the same opportunity that the general education students have. Little did we know, the general education students, as well as the families and community members, have benefited way more than those playing in the league.”  

At Salk’s homecoming event, students from Wisdom Lane Middle School and MacArthur High School also came out to play. The annual homecoming features performances by the MacArthur Pep Band, cheerleaders and guest speakers. Middle school students also created posters and crowded the gym to cheer on their classmates. 

Aiello has also been Salk’s physical education chairman for 15 years. He said that the Challenger League homecoming required much planning and preparation, including holding basketball practices for students in the league once a week before the big game.

“The coaches help so much,” he added. “Without them, it would be extremely difficult to run.”

Last fall, the Challenger League was recognized on a national scale. The middle school was one of only 68 around the country to receive a National School of Character Award. 

Representatives from Character.org, an organization that provides advocacy and leadership in schools, commended school and district leaders for the RISE program — a character education initiative based on the tenets of respect, integrity, safety/staying healthy and empathy. During the National Forum on Character Education in October in Washington, D.C., Salk also received a Best Practice Award for the implementation of the Challenger League. 

Principal John Zampaglione noted that the challenger league brings students and parents from across the district together. For instance, he said, MacArthur National Honor Society members and peer leaders eagerly volunteer at the annual homecoming. 

Zampaglione attended the first Challenger homecoming five years ago. He said that the numbers of students and parents who came out and made colorful signs to support the players amazed him. 

“You have moments that you remember in your career, and that’s one for me,” he said. “It really was heartwarming.” 

Michelle Brook, of Levittown, said the homecoming is a special event for her family every year. Both of her children — Montana and Dublin, who attend MacArthur — play in the league.

“They love it so much,” Brook said. “It really gets them so involved with the kids from school. It’s such a great community event that helps promote school spirit.” 

Levittown Board of Education trustees and district administrators were also in the crowd, cheering the students on. Dr. Tonie McDonald, Levittown’s superintendent, sported a red and white Salk baseball cap in support of the Seahawks and the league. 

Aiello said that Levittown “has always been in the forefront when it comes to the special education community.” Since the inception of the Challenger League, he said,  he has seen friendships and a compassionate school culture develop as the league grew.

“It’s important for all students to have opportunities,” Aiello added. “My favorite part [of homecoming] is seeing the smiles on everyone’s face, whether it be a player, coach or spectator. It’s nothing but positive vibes throughout the evening.”