When a teacher in Georgia noticed his special education students were missing out on experiences their peers took for granted, he launched an initiative that would transform how an entire community views inclusion and belonging.
Many families across the country face daily challenges that prevent them from participating in simple activities most people never think twice about—shopping trips, family outings, or weekend getaways. These experiences often remain out of reach, creating an invisible divide between those who can easily access such moments and those who cannot.
A teacher’s vision for inclusion
Wes Massey, who teaches students enrolled in the alternate assessment program at Commerce City Schools, recognized a troubling pattern among his students. Unlike their peers, these children lacked basketball jerseys and cheer uniforms. They were consistently excluded from typical school experiences that other students routinely enjoyed. Determined to change this reality, Massey decided his students needed to feel valued and acknowledged by their community.
What began as a single teacher’s initiative eventually mobilized support throughout the entire county.
Community comes together for overnight adventure
The result was an all-expenses-paid overnight excursion to Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange for 31 students and their families. Local businesses and individual donors funded every aspect of the trip. Organizers ensured no detail was overlooked, arranging two charter buses and additional vehicles equipped to accommodate children requiring oxygen tanks or feeding tubes.
Upon arrival at the hotel, students received gift cards, empowering them to make independent decisions about their lunch purchases. The itinerary included miniature golf and visits to the Build-A-Bear workshop. For many families, these activities represented shared experiences they had never been able to enjoy together before.
A community escort sends a powerful message
The county sheriff participated by leading the bus convoy out of town on Sunday morning with lights and sirens activated. This gesture served as a public declaration that these children hold significant value in their community.
Massey addressed the families directly, acknowledging their struggles: “I know life’s been hard, I know there’s been challenges, but we are going to do everything we can as a school system to make sure you’re included, you’re important. You matter to us just as much as any of our kids.”
This story demonstrates how intentional acts of inclusion can profoundly impact families who often feel overlooked. By organizing this trip, Massey and his community showed that every child deserves recognition and the opportunity to participate fully in their community’s life.
