Special Education Students Visit Laurence School for 25th Straight Year

As the graduating class, sixth graders enjoy a lot of privileges at Laurence School, an independent elementary in Valley Glen, just north of Sherman Oaks.

However, the one treasured most every year is a visit with students from nearby Charles Leroy Lowman Special Education Center. It's the 25th consecutive year the two schools held the collaborative visit.

Fifteen Lowman students arrived via bus last Friday morning, Nov. 8 to play sports, make music and share snacks with Laurence sixth graders.

Though many Lowman students are in wheelchairs and communicate only through an electronic “yes” and “no” board, or not at all, the kids always make a connection that is both apparent and genuine.

The two schools, located just a few miles apart in the San Fernando Valley, first teamed up over a decade ago to foster comfort and understanding between students who have disabilities and those who do not.

As usual, the visit culminated with Laurence students pushing Lowman students across the sports court in an all-out wheel chair race. The event uniquely embodies each school’s mission. The Laurence School was founded by Encino residents Marvin and Lynn Jacobson.

Laurence’s character-building program seeks to instill its students with “compassion and inclusiveness of others,” said Lauren Wolke, head of school.

At Lowman, a key goal is to provide opportunities that help our students find acceptance in the real world. The Lowman School, part of LAUSD, is 61 years old and serves 278 students with a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges.

It is located at 12827 Saticoy Street in North Hollywood. The Laurence School turned 60 years old in 2012 and serves 300 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Most Lowman students are also economically challenged. Throughout the year, Laurence students help with such projects as, an annual Thanksgiving turkey drive and a holiday toy drive. Laurence School is located at 13639 Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen.