Smithtown Teacher’s Music Video Inspires Accompsett MS Students: Watch

SMITHTOWN, NY — Accompsett Middle School tapped into the talent of one of its teachers who shared a message of self-worth during “Respectable Me Week” at the school, the Smithtown Central School District announced in a news release.

Special education teacher Lauren Hirsch created a music video with friends and family members during the height of the coronavirus pandemic titled, “I Am More Than Enough,” in part
to help people combat feelings of isolation.

The theme of the video: You are more than enough just as you are.

The message has especially resonated with students at Accompsett Middle School this week, as they emphasize that topic as part of "Respectable Me Week."

Hirsch, who studied music therapy as an undergraduate and whose performance name is L. Rachelle, visited Susan Ryan and Meredith LaParle’s sixth grade ELA class on Friday morning and played the video. She then spoke about her motivation for creating it.

"You’re all unique and special and are made that way for a reason," she said to the sixth graders.

The students then created signs with messages including “We’re More Than Enough” and “You Are More Than Enough.” Those signs will be displayed throughout the school to reinforce the video's message.

There are plans to recreate the video using Accompsett Middle School students.

"It’s a great way to connect with students," principal Paul McNeil said via release. "There’s something to be said for infusing music into the instruction."