This year’s Halloween party at Shrub Oak International School was filled with creativity, laughter, and an extra-sweet surprise. As part of our festivities, students and staff gathered in the Hub, our on-campus activity center, for an evening of music, costumes, games, and treats—but one student’s hard work and community connection made the day even more special. Through his internship at Café Piccolo’s Bakery, one of our students helped bring a thoughtful and delicious donation to our campus: 60 beautifully decorated Halloween cookies for everyone to enjoy.
The cookies, shaped like jack-o’-lanterns and friendly ghosts, were hand-decorated by the talented bakers at Café Piccolo’s. The generous donation was a gesture of appreciation from the bakery’s owner, who wanted to support our school community and celebrate the dedication of our student intern. Each cookie, with its bright frosting and festive design, reflected the spirit of the season and the values we strive to instill at Shrub Oak International School: teamwork, gratitude, and the joy of sharing success with others.
Our student’s experience at Café Piccolo has been an important part of his vocational learning journey. Through our transition planning and internship program, Shrub Oak students gain meaningful, hands-on work experience in real-world environments. The positive relationship that has developed between the student and his supervisor demonstrates how strong community partnerships can enrich both learning and personal growth. Watching a fellow student’s efforts translate into something tangible for everyone to enjoy reinforced the value of hard work, responsibility, and kindness.
Our Halloween party continued with music, dancing, and sensory-friendly activities designed to include all students. Staff members joined in the fun, many dressed in colorful costumes alongside our students. From pumpkin-themed art projects to a festive photo booth, the afternoon reflected our community’s spirit of creativity and inclusion. The donated cookies were enjoyed throughout the event, adding a touch of bakery-quality sweetness to the celebration.
Moments like this remind us why community engagement is such an essential part of our mission at Shrub Oak International School. Our partnerships with local businesses, such as Café Piccolo Bakery, help provide meaningful vocational opportunities for our students while fostering relationships that benefit the entire community. Seeing our student’s efforts recognized and supported beyond the classroom highlights how experiential learning can empower autistic students to take pride in their achievements and share them with others.
As the celebration ended and the last few crumbs disappeared, what remained was a deep sense of appreciation—for our students’ accomplishments, for our supportive staff, and for community partners who believe in our mission.
