MCOE’s Special Education Field Day Brings Joy, Community, and Celebration

On Friday, May 2, Monterey County Office of Education hosted its annual Special Education Field Day at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas. This heartwarming event brought together students from Special Education programs across Monterey County school districts for a day filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable moments.

This year’s Field Day embraced the festive theme "Down on the Farm," creating a cheerful atmosphere as students arrived and were welcomed with applause and encouragement from teachers, parents, and community supporters. The day began with a joyful parade of school sites, with students proudly representing their districts and setting the tone for a meaningful celebration.

A wide variety of activities awaited the students, with each station designed to be inclusive and engaging. Carmel High School seniors volunteered their time to lead the stations, which featured activities such as cornhole, bowling, ball swing, volleyball, lasso toss, golf swing, basket hoop, ball kick, and a sensory sounds and bubble station. An additional popular attraction included a colorful obstacle course, where students strolled through a vibrant inflatable tent, crawled through a soft tube, and bounced along on horse pogo sticks. A special mid-day competition added even more excitement as students ran and hopped over obstacles on the grass, with winners crossing the finish line and receiving a golden crown.

To honor every participant, certificates and medals were awarded at the end of the day, recognizing each student’s energy, enthusiasm, and effort. The celebration was filled with high fives, smiles, and proud moments shared among students, families, and educators.

Adding a meaningful historical note, retired physical education teacher and coach Craig Johnston of Carmel High School, along with his wife Patty Johnston, an adaptive physical education and Special Education teacher with MCOE, were instrumental in creating the Special Education Field Day. Their vision continues to leave a lasting impact, fostering a culture of inclusion and joy for students across the county.

MCOE’s Special Education Field Day remains a shining example of what is possible when communities unite in celebration of every student’s ability and potential.

Watch the KION News 46 Channel story.