By Julie BUTCHER

On Thursday, Jan. 19, with a cold rain starting to fall near their stretch of the 2 (Glendale) Freeway, students, teachers, parents, volunteers and Glendale Unified School District administrators gathered in the College View School’s multi-purpose room at 1:19 p.m. to attempt to set a record for the largest number of giraffe socks worn in one place.

Principal Jay Schwartz kicked off the festivities with co-host Corky O’Rourke, teacher specialist, each wearing a different sock from a pair of colorful giraffe socks. O’Rourke also sported a humorous giraffe hat.

“Today we celebrate International Day of Acceptance, an annual event honoring the founders of 3E Love, an organization that teaches us about the ‘three E’s’ – education, empowerment and to embrace our diversity. You’ll see the wheelchair heart symbol all around,” Schwartz boomed into a handheld megaphone. Several teachers and parents raised their hands and showed off tattoos of the symbol.

“Our students are kids, first and foremost,” Schwartz added. “Everybody loves socks! And you know we have a special relationship with giraffes around here at College View. This is a wonderful opportunity to get together to have some fun and to raise a little awareness. We’ve already reached out to the District’s Inclusion Committee, and we’re hoping to take the celebration districtwide next year.”

Soon the counting began of giraffe socks of many sizes, shapes and varieties. Everyone present participated in the complicated logistics and in the counting. The final number of 122 was announced to loud cheers, and the group gathered for pictures.

“This is an incredible first,” Principal Schwartz yelled over the celebratory noise. “Thank you all for coming. We’ll see you back here next year to set a new record. I’ve even promised the staff that I’m going to learn how to hashtag.”

According to the school’s website, “College View School, a public school in the Glendale Unified School District, was opened in 1977 to provide special education services to an extraordinary group of students. College View provides services to students in Glendale, Burbank and La Cañada including specialized instruction in functional academics, life skills, communication, socialization and motor skills. Our classrooms serve students ranging in age from 3 to 22 with severe intellectual and physical disabilities.”

One dad explained how important events like the giraffe sock count are to these kids and their families.

“It is so important to appreciate these young people for who they are,” he said. He added kudos for the school’s staff and principal. “The success of this school starts squarely with Jay. She puts her heart and soul into everything we do. I cannot begin to imagine what we would do without this school.”

“The sock thing started when we were ordering paraphernalia for the school,” O’Rourke said of the genesis of the day’s event. “Jay wants everything to be fun for the kids. And the school’s mascot is a giant giraffe that Disney donated.” She pointed to Yazzie, an enormous, stuffed giraffe displayed prominently in the school’s hallway.

“It’s a fun way to build acceptance,” Principal Schwartz added. “These kids need to learn everything, and we know that the best way to learn is by playing. We’re also always thinking about how to be more inclusive as a school district and about ways to make ‘special ed’ not really all that special.”

Principal Schwartz also praised the support of the district. About 19 members were at College View, including Superintendent Dr. Winfred Roberson, each taking off their shoes, rolling up their pants, and showing off their socks.

“And our PTA made sure that every student is going home with a pair of giraffe socks today, no matter what. Because that’s the kind of PTA we have,” Principal Schwartz added.

“Everyone says that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth,” said O’Rourke. “Well, they’re wrong. I know that it’s College View School.”

  Julie BUTCHER