The 4201 Schools Association, which serves students who are blind, deaf and severely physically disabled is welcoming back students to campus to begin the 2017-18 academic year.
The Association’s 9 member schools marked the occasion by releasing a video, featuring the achievements of the Class of 
2017 captioned and set to music.
The video can be accessed here.
“Learning is a lifetime pursuit,” said Dr. Bernadette Kappen, executive director of the New York Institute for Special Education, and chairwoman of the 4201 schools association. “It is our hope that when we kick off the school year we are able to provide the spark that burns strong in our children for the rest of their lives.”
“For the class of 2017 – after years of effort and determination a new flame was ignited fueled by a sense of joy, accomplishment and achievement.”
The first day of classes at various Association schools follows:
September 5 (Tuesday):
- Henry Viscardi School (Albertson, Nassau County)
September 6 (Wednesday):
- Cleary School for the Deaf (Nesconset, Suffolk County)
- Rochester School for the Deaf (Rochester, Monroe County)
- Mary’s School for the Deaf (Buffalo, Erie County)
September 7 (Thursday):
- New York Institute for Special Education (Bronx, New York City)
- New York School for the Deaf (White Plains, Westchester County)
- Joseph’s School for the Deaf (Bronx, New York City)
- Lexington School for the Deaf (Queens, New York City)
- Francis de Sales School for the Deaf (Brooklyn, New York City)
The 4201 Schools Association represents 9 private, state-supported schools that serve blind, deaf or severely physically disabled students. The “4201 schools” are so known because of the section of New York State Education Law (§4201) that grants their funding. Students in 4201 schools receive a quality education in a supportive and challenging setting from teachers and staff with specialized training and experience. Students develop emotional, social and cognitive abilities that are crucial to their success. The schools also provide extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities and mentoring.