Special education students compete in district tournament

Anaheim Union High School District special education students Friday competed in the district's first adaptive physical education tournament. More than 300 students and 100 staff members converged on Savanna High School for a day of basketball games, complimentary lunch from Panda Express and autographs from the Laker Girls. Pam Herrera, a Savanna adaptive P.E. teacher, coordinated the event. "The purpose of the event is to allow students to socialize with their peers and to have a good time," and promote health and exercise, Herrera said. Although the initial event was to be a small basketball tournament as part of the regular adaptive P.E. curriculum, it became something larger. Ricky Jojola, a specialed assistant, and John Donnelly, coordinator of Best Buddies, an organization that helps people with mental disabilities, helped expand the event, Herrera said. Donnelly said his only goal is to put a smile on the students' faces. Donna Anderson, also a Savanna adaptive P.E teacher, agreed. "We're here to celebrate what we have in common, not our differences. Competition in the games is a low-level aspect (of the event). It's the socializing that will help them with life skills," Anderson said. "At first they were very isolated on our campus, but now they actually come over and talk to more people," said Alicia Spencer, a Savanna senior and Best Buddies member. Principal Rick Martens said the event had a good outcome. "My whole intent is to get everybody together as a group. There are no divisions here," Martens said. The students' disabilities ranged from severe mental to physical impairments. On duty for potential injuries was Esther Soe, a district nurse. High School, Williams began as a Cub Scout at age 5 and is now a member of Troop 120. "I just wanted to finish my scouting career," he said, of working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. "I wanted to go all the way." He said it felt good to be able to help the school keep the playground open. Smith, a senior at Loara High School and a member of Troop 110, said completing the project was fulfilling for him, too. "It's a great feeling," he said, adding that becoming an Eagle Scout has long been a goal for him, as well. John Parsons, Scoutmaster for Troop 120, who was on hand the last work day to help the boys put the finishing touches on their projects; says it's satisfying for him, as well, to see his scouts grow and mature. "I'm very proud," he said. "These are my boys. I made a commitment that if they (put in the effort,) I'd be here." School district schedules kindergarten registration The Anaheim City School District will hold kindergarten registration for children born on or before Dec. 2, 1998, for the 2003-04 school year, Monday through March 7 and March 10-14. Hours are from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Registration will be held at neighborhood schools. At the time of registration, parents are required to show a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport or affidavit of birth date and the child's immunization record. Children who live in the Jefferson attendance area should register at Jefferson II School, 890 S. Olive St. (corner of Olive and Vermont Avenue).