Abraxas Holds 2nd Annual Fall Festival
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAbraxas residents involved in Student Council, their leaders, and the teaching staff recently collaborated and created a full day of activities for their second annual Fall Festival on October 16th. The students spent all day with their second block teachers learning about the history of Dia de los Muertos, coloring sugar skulls, completing multiplication color-by-number pumpkins, and participating in a scary story writing contest! Outside activities included a timed obstacle course, a cornhole tournament, pumpkin painting, and horse grooming.
The facility and school staff got a chance to unwind and enjoy the autumn weather during the festival, which was brought together by the tireless work of Abraxas School Principal Shelly Patrick, School Supervisor Matt Porter, and Community Service/Recreation Director Jordan McCune. Students and staff were treated to a cookout for lunch where the meal was shared at picnic tables between indoor and outdoor activities.
Patrick said the event was a great success. “We love being able to do these kinds of events with our students. Having them be involved in the planning really makes the event a whole lot more enjoyable. The young men take ownership and pride in what they create, and they get excited planning something that will be fun for everyone! The facility and school staff look forward to continuing the tradition next year and appreciate all of the support to make this day possible for our students.”
Some students were asked what their favorite part of the day was and these were their responses. “My favorite part of the day was walking and grooming the horses.”; “This was the best time I’ve had in Abraxas and playing cornhole was my favorite activity.”; and “It was a fun day. Everything was my favorite part.”
Abraxas is a private residential treatment facility that serves up to 100 male students aged 13 to under 21, who are primarily referred by the court or children’s services agency in their home county. Abraxas credits are recognized and accepted by the student’s home school, and students who complete graduation requirements while residing at Abraxas are awarded diplomas from their home school district. Abraxas also offers a GED program and programming for students who have completed all requirements for graduation.
Private residential treatment facility programs include Abraxas and FIRST School, which are funded through the Ohio Department of Education Private Residential Treatment Facility Pilot Program to operate the academic program at two of the three program sites: Abraxas, located east of Shelby and Foundations for Living, located west of Lucas. These programs are also supported through Title 1-D (Delinquent) funds administered by Mid-Ohio ESC. Mid-Ohio ESC partners with the residential treatment program administration and staff to deliver an educational program that meets the requirement of the Ohio Department of Education for students in correctional facilities.