Fun and games for Jessie Baker students
By Linda Le Park - Citizen Staff Writer ( for complete Story go to www.egcitizen.com/articles/2008/04/30/news/doc481769734dff2858897659.txt)or buy a copy of the Elk Grove Citizen paper.
With their faces beaming as they stepped up to the platform, students at Jessie Baker School all received first place medals at the school’s annual games ceremony on April 25.Jessie Baker, California’s first school for students with severe disabilities, hosts the games annually for its students ages 3 to 22. The Jessie Baker Games have been a tradition at the school for more than 30 years.
“We don’t emphasize the competition but rather that they are doing their very best,” Jessie Baker principal Kathy Dona said. “The games are about the students feeling good about themselves and participating in healthy activities.”
The Elk Grove Lions Club, Ben Ali Shrine, Elk Grove High School students and their Drill Team, a third grade class from Holy Spirit School in Sacramento, the Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Department and Elk Grove Unified School District board members and administrators all contributed to the success of the games.
Students at the school participated in the 50 and 100 yard dash, a softball throw, the standing long jump, relays and hurdles.
“The kids start training two months in advance, and at that same time the staff begins working on all of the organization,” Dona said. “The events and the preparation for the events really increase their cardiovascular fitness and their self esteem.”
They used the motto, “At Jessie Baker, everyone is a winner.”
The Lions Club of Elk Grove prepared lunch for two days for 300 people, all of the students, volunteers and staff members. The club provided chips, buns, hamburgers, hot dogs and a side dish. The school district contributed the rest, side dishes and beverages.
The Shriners and Shriner Clowns volunteered with the children. Shriners Mike Breita, Don Mattson and Ray Mosteller all presented the medals to the students.
“It’s my first time here and it’s a very heartwarming experience,” Mosteller said. “I never expected to have this much fun with the kids.”
The Elk Grove High School Drill Team performed at the games’ opening ceremony.
“I talked to another staff member who said that it’s her favorite time of the year, even though it’s exhausting,” Dona said. “Everyone has a blast. The kids have a blast, the staff, the community, the parents and family members.”
Staff members at the school have been told by parents and community members that they think that the Jessie Baker Games is a fabulous event.
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