BOCES’ Spring Fling Lights Up the Night

You could hear the music even before opening the door.

Pines Bridge School hosted its annual Spring Fling last week and students, parents and Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES staff partied hard to the likes of Psy’s “Gangnam Style” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.”

Outside, the weather was damp and dreary, but in the school gym the atmosphere was warm and bright, with colorful balloons, flowers and decorations highlighting the party’s Broadway theme. As DJ Ron Blanco spun song after song, the dance floor remained crowded. Whether students moved unassisted or with help, everyone clearly had a ball.

The Spring Fling is an annual celebration for BOCES’ Pines Bridge and Transitions students and alumni. This year, students from the Sunshine Children’s Home and Rehabilitation Center were also invited.  BOCES currently operates several full-day school classrooms at the residential facility located in Ossining.

Students began the planning process back in January, according to teacher aide Donna Tortora, who oversaw the event.  “The students decided on the theme, helped make and send the invitations, chose and purchased decorations, and ran fundraisers to support the event,” she explained.

Tortora noted that, as always, the much-anticipated event was well attended by students and their families.  “It’s always nice to see our students outside of school, having fun in a social setting,” she said.