Students in the Physical Education Strategies class at West Hartford’s Conard High School had a great time at the Hartford Yard Goats game on Thursday.

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

Conard High School Physical Education teacher Kerrie Massaro said that a class trip Thursday to the Hartford Yard Goats game was a positive experience for all involved.

“All of the students had a great time,” Massaro said. “The game was on a beautiful day and it was a sell out at the park.”

The trip was for students in the Physical Education Strategies class, a one-semester class open to seniors who must be recommended before signing up.

Seniors work with special education students, playing games, learning sports skills, and working on their social interactions with the students. Massaro has been teaching the class at Conard for the past 15 years, and said that involvement in the class often leads the students to participate as “buddies” in the Unified Sports program. Hall High School offers a similar class.

“The Yard Goats staff was so helpful setting up the trip,” Massaro said. It took place through the baseball team’s BIE (Baseball in Education) program, where select games are played at 10:35 a.m. on weekdays to encourage school field trips.

The trip was sponsored through the West Hartford Physical Education Department, and transportation was paid for by the Conard PTO, Massaro said.

“It’s a culminating authentic experience for our students to further their friendships they have built in class this semester,” said Massaro. “It’s such an amazing day, allowing students of all abilities to spend time socializing together at a fun sporting event! It’s a pleasure as a teacher to spend the day with such awesome kids and our excellent supportive staff.”

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Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard student Kemuel DeJesus got to throw out a first pitch when Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo

Conard’s Physical Education strategies class attended the Yard Goats game on May 31. Courtesy photo