New in the 2023-24 school year, Connetquot High School introduced the Mindfulness in Music with Peer Mentorship class. The class is made up of students with and without disabilities. In the class, students learn about both music and mindfulness and use each as vessels to form bonds.

The Mindfulness in Music with Peer Mentorship teachers saw a need and understood the benefits of this type of class. When they proposed the idea, they were met with full support from administrators. The class provides music education for students in Connetquot’s Life Skills program while enhancing their social-emotional learning. Students don’t need music experience to join or participate.

As part of the class, students have partaken in a drumming circle, a sound bath, have learned mindfulness techniques and have explored music basics. Students are regularly asked to analyze how the music impacts them and makes them feel. Beyond the curriculum, the class provides a fantastic opportunity for students to expand their social circles, form lasting relationships and experience a greater sense of community. “The students in the Life Skills classes world have opened up, and they’ve expanded their horizons in meeting new people,” said teacher Nicole White. “The mentors have learned to communicate in different ways, use patience and learn empathy. The mentors have reported it’s the highlight of their day.”

A vital component of the Life Skills curriculum is teaching students how to interact and communicate with others. “Peer mentors organically provide support to our students and they’re able to build real, meaningful relationships while modeling skills that we work on daily,” said speech therapist Amilie Brennan.

“My students exhibit pure joy when they are valued by their peers,” added Life Skills teacher Siobhan Guido. “The impact of this class has extended beyond the classroom evidenced by them being invited to activities that mentors are involved with outside of the school day such as plays, sports games and participating in the halftime show of the Unified Basketball game.”

“This class has been one of the best experiences of my senior year,” said peer mentor Cameron Angelo. “This opportunity opened my eyes to what it is like working with kids with all different types of special needs and encouraged me to pursue a double major in elementary/special education. Being able to not only experience a group of students with varying abilities but create one-on-one relationships with them is so incredibly special. Beyond my personal experience, I believe this class should be a staple in many districts.”

Similarly, peer mentor Ashleigh Fisher spoke about her overwhelmingly positive experience, saying, “I got a job at Sayville Elementary School over the summer as a special education individual aide. This program has impacted my life as to what I want to do in the future.”

Date Added: 5/28/2024