-
Our Agency
- About Us
- Calendars
- Contact Us
-
Directions
- ACCESS
- ACES at Chase
- ACES International Preschool and Childcare Center
- ACES Transportation Services
- Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders
- Central Office
- Educational Center for the Arts
- Educational Technology
- Little Theatre on Lincoln Street
- Mill Road School
- Network Services
- Staff Development / Administration
- Village School
- Whitney High School North
- Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School
- Human Capital Development
- Education Foundation
- News / Press
- Publications
- Request for Proposals
- Employment
- Events & Workshops
-
Schools & Programs
-
Special Education Schools
- Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders
- Mead Elementary School
- Mill Road School
- Village School
- Whitney Academy EXPLORE & CREATE
- Whitney High School North
-
Magnet Schools
-
ACES at Chase
- About Us
- ACES at Chase: History & Origins
- Admissions
-
Student and Family Portal
- Breakfast and Lunch Menus
- Cancellations, Delays, and Early Dismissal
- Community Health Center
- Dress Guidelines
- Grading and School Policies
- Health Office
- Principal's Corner
- Quick Links
- School Newspaper: Chase Express
- Student Handbook
- Technology & Digital Citizenship
- Virtual Suggestion Box
- Document Library
- Contact Us
- Back to ACES
- Educational Center for the Arts
- Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School
-
ACES at Chase
- Alternative Education
- ACES Early Head Start
- ACES International
- ACES Open Choice
- ACES International Preschool and Childcare Center
- Family and Community Engagement
- Magnet School Parent Choice
- School-Based Services
-
Special Education Schools
-
Services
- ACCESS Adult Vocational Services
- ACES Insurance Collaborative
- ACES UP
- Alternate Routes to Certification
- Autism Programs
- Business Partnership Opportunities
- Clinical Services
- Educational Technology
- Facility Rental
- Fingerprinting
- International Programming
- Marketing and Communications Services
- Professional Learning
- Regional Education Councils
- Regional Special Education Transportation
- Security Services
- Speech and Language Services
- Technology
- Translation Services
- Transportation
- Find
« Back to News List
« Back to News List
Be inspired by a local color guard program for performers with special needs
March 8th, 2018
Be inspired by a local color guard program for performers with special needs
By Sarah Cody, News 8 Anchor / Reporter
Published:
Published:
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)– A special needs color group just began it’s performance season – a source of pride for participants and their support system. News 8 takes us to a rehearsal at ACES Mill Road School in North Haven in today’s Connecticut Families report.
There’s music, light dancing, flag work and precise moves with props. This is a performance by the Connecticut Tigers, an independent color guard program for performers with special needs.
“Our byline is, ‘Let’s turn disabilities into abilities,'” says director Erika Forte. “It’s a lot of enthusiasm, spirit.”
“When I was in high school, I was in the high school color guard program,” says her son, Brian, now the band’s choreographer.
“We went to the Winter Guard Championships in Dayton, Ohio in 2004 and saw a special needs guard perform,” explains Erika, of the group’s beginning. “My husband and I looked at each other and said, ‘We can do this.'”
In 2005, the mother-son founded the program which has received support from ACES, a regional education service center.
“It’s fun to get to hang out with all my friends,” says participant Tim Koshak.
Performers work alongside buddies who donate their time, sharing their passion for the sport.
“While the buddy and the Tiger are working together they form this bond, this relationship,” says Erika.
Teamwork means camaraderie and commitment. Parents are filled pride as the audience sees people with special needs in a new way.
“I think they’re really moved. People get up and clap and they cry,” says Kelsey Morrissey, a buddy.
Showing-off their skills is a confidence boost for the Tigers whose smiles say it all….as they impress and inspire.
“One of the greatest feelings is turning around at the end of the performance and seeing their faces light up as they’re getting that standing ovation,” says Brian.
“They’re all hugging each other and high-fiving each other and it’s just such a lovely feeling,” says Erika.
The Connecticut Tigers Winter Guard performs six shows a year. See them March 31st at Jonathan Law High School in Milford.