Events and activities not only tap into newly discovered skills and help students with self-expression and the development of confidence, but also bring our community together: students, teachers, staff, family members, and University of Saint Joseph undergraduate and graduate scholars alike.
For the full activity schedule, see the school calendar.
Nobody is disabled who tries to have fun.
Justin McGlamery, Adventure Educator
Sporting Events
For over two decades we have been a proud participant in Connecticut’s summer and winter Special Olympics. Students, who are given a background in good sportsmanship and the value of physical fitness, use their skills for a variety of team and individual skill competitions in floor hockey and soccer. Practices are held weekly during the school year. When the students come together for competition they interact with more than 4,000 Special Olympic athletes who participate from across the state.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
Special Olympics Athlete Oath
Performing Arts
The Gengras Center is devoted to the concept that students with disabilities can have many opportunities to tap into their inner muses. We provide numerous opportunities to let those muses come out and play through Chorus, at our Holiday Show and Talent Show, and at various other assemblies and events throughout the school year.
Sometimes the only thing brighter than rows of stage lights are the smiles of our young performers. Ten-thousand watts or more!
Deanna Hatzikostantis, Special Education Teacher
Chorus
Our student chorus is lead by our music teacher and provides musical interludes at Gengras Center events as well as with University of Saint Joseph. Scheduled rehearsals serve both to prepare students for their performances and to teach them the value of hard work, dedication and seeing projects through to completion. The results are truly rewarding for everyone.
Some of their performances include:
- The Holiday Show
- Graduation
- Talent Show
- Patriotic holidays
Holiday Show
At our annual Holiday Show, it becomes crystal clear that the holiday spirit is alive and well in the building and on our campus. We practice for months to create an evening event that brings tears of joy to everyone in the audience.
Our holiday show takes place at the Hoffman Auditorium in The Bruyette Athenaeum located on the USJ campus. Each scene in the show is individualized to meet the students’ needs and abilities. This magical production includes all of our students that wish to participate.
We have a wonderful group of staff members that help make our show possible including our costume and props committee who really make the show shine. As we sing and dance the night away, it’s clear there’s no place like the Gengras Center for the holidays!