High Five Class isn’t your typical high school class.
Started by Matthew Deinlein, the exceptional learner department chair, over a decade ago, it brings together general education students and exceptional learners to sing, dance, and participate in team-building activities. Students work in pairs, practice social skills, go on field trips, and perform in school concerts, learning important life skills while forming friendships that last beyond the classroom.
Deinlein says the idea began because he wanted his students with exceptional needs to “represent Lawrence North as a proud Wildcat” and to connect with other students.
“We wanted to give them a way to build communication, friendships and opportunities,” he said.
Since it started in 2014, the class has grown into an experience that goes far beyond music.
“We do partner work, team-building activities, and a lot of social skill practice. Seeing students grow in confidence while having fun is the best part,” choir director Emily Glore said.
She remembers a spring concert when, during the song “YMCA,” students danced into the audience, one of her favorite memories.
Students join for different reasons. For senior Griffin Smith, it is about the people he has met.
“This class is important because I get the opportunity to have these exceptional learners as friends, somebody you can always go to for anything you need,” he said.
Senior Avery Rickelman appreciates how it helps her build relationships with the buddies and make them feel comfortable on stage.
“I’m also a part of Best Buddies and I like working with exceptional learners. I’m interested in a career with exceptional learners.”
Many of the students who are a part of the class enjoy more than just performing.
“It really helps us with our attitudes, and I love working with these kids. Going on field trips and learning to dance and sing with them is my favorite part,” senior Emma Alvarez said.
Even Malique Augais, an exceptional learner, says, “It’s great. I get to dance,” a small statement that says a lot about the joy he finds in the class.
The memories pile up quickly, from kickball games to trips to the zoo to the performances on stage, and it’s the memories that matter the most.
“I think that the best, consistent memory I have is that I get stopped about every year by our freshman parents and they pull me aside and they say, ‘Thank you so much because my kid hasn’t been in a school performance since elementary school and it means the world that they are building friendships in here and that they have the opportunity to show how proud they are being a Wildcat,'” Deinlein said.
High Five Class isn’t just about music or dancing, it’s about confidence, friendship, and school pride. As Deinlein puts it, the class gives students a chance to “represent their school, make friends, and just have a great experience,” one that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved.
