More Than Points: The True Winners in Bean Bags

Whoever thought a simple game of bean bag toss could mean so much? Thanks to the partnership between Victor J. Andrew High School students in Woodworking and the Ultima Program, the game really isn’t about points and victory; it’s about making connections, leadership, and acceptance. 

The bean bag toss and weekly games are a year-long project by Woodworking 2 & 3 students and students in the Ultima Program- classes for students with specialized learning needs - who partnered together on the project. 

Funded in part by a District 230 Foundation grant, the woodworking project does far more than create a game; this project builds connections between students and allows students to teach and learn from one another. 

Woods teacher Jeffrey Cassidy said, “This project allows my Woods students to interact with our Ultima students on more levels than just woodworking. I see so many of my students stepping up in leadership roles in this project that I don’t often see in class. It really lets them shine with their personality and woodworking skills are developed and harnessed as they teach students 1:1.”

The bean bag game project includes sawing, gluing, hammering, sanding, painting, and sealing - all under the watchful eyes of adept Woods students.

Approximately 15 pairs are randomly selected each project day. Everyone gets a different partner each time to encourage everyone to be flexible and have a diverse experience. Some students have participated in previous projects, while others are new.

Cassidy added, “My interactions with students and staff in the Special Education Department have grown tremendously since the start of this project, and we continue to work together and experience new things every time we meet. The relationships built during the project enhance relationships in the school and create an environment encompassing acceptance of everyone and a family-type environment.”

At the end of the project, the Woods and Ultima students will come together and celebrate by playing games with each other and enjoying their hard work and teamwork.

Cassidy, who is always looking for ways to partner with groups of students around woods, said, “A lot of Ultima students don’t get a chance to come into the woodshop, and I want everyone to have access to it, as well as have my kids be good mentors. Seeing them pair up makes me so happy and proud of these kids.” 

Ultima class fosters independence and provides students with opportunities to practice real-life skills and build social and emotional skills. Together the students are learning cooperation, teamwork, creativity, and communication.