Victoria ISD’s Special Services Department will host its eighth annual “Winter Wonderland” event on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for students with complex needs within the district.
“Winter Wonderland” is a completely donor-funded, volunteer-run event developed specifically for students to be able to participate in a traditional celebratory event structured to meet their unique sensory, developmental, and social needs.
Students will visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, experience Toyland-themed décor, receive gifts for all 260 of our most severe and profound students, complete with fine motor and communication-themed activity stations, holiday stories, cookies and punch with VISD’s therapeutic staff, class pictures, a silent auction and lots more.
In addition to the fun sensory and fine motor themed activities, “Winter Wonderland” is also designed purposefully to introduce students to a variety of cultural holiday celebrations from around the world. VISD’s Special Services Department has added an assortment of specially-themed interactive stations for all students. In these stations, students will
Walkthrough a life-sized Toyland
Build the arctic neighborhood igloo site
Engage in imaginary play in the Kwanzaa First Fruit Celebration station
Attend a teddy bear picnic while building listening skills
Stretch their imagination at the North Pole Workshop
Dance and sing Feliz Navidad while shaking their maracas and tambourines
Complete a toy soldier obstacle course (sensory path)
Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Toy Soldiers, Barbie and Ken, and a team of elves
“Winter Wonderland” features new themes each year, with this year being a Winter Wonderland in Toyland. Past years’ themes have included Winter Around the World, Fairy Tale Winter Wonderland, Candy Land, and Traditional Holiday Stories and Songs.
“We know we are blessed to have this time with our students and staff here in VISD, we hope everyone shares in our goal to provide a celebratory experience that is accessible, developmentally appropriate, and truly joyous,” said Kelli Cotton, Director of Special Services.