#United States #Mohegan Lake #Shrub Oak School #Winter Showcase #Student Art

Celebrating Creativity at Shrub Oak International School's Winter Showcase

On December 23, 2025, Shrub Oak International School hosted its highly anticipated Winter Student Showcase, a vibrant display of artistic and musical talents from its remarkable students. The event brought together students, families, and staff to celebrate creativity and self-expression, highlighting the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults.

Transforming Spaces into Art and Music Arenas

The atmosphere at the school was electric as the Hub and auditorium were transformed into colorful galleries and performance spaces. Attendees were treated to an extensive exhibition featuring over 300 pieces of artwork from students. Each piece reflected the months of dedication, exploration, and skill development that the students put into their creations. Among the highlights were spectacular large-scale paper-mâché installations, including a magnificent octopus, a vibrant seahorse, and a gentle sea turtle, all suspended from the ceiling. This imaginative under-the-sea theme invited onlookers into an immersive oceanic experience that sparked the imagination of everyone in attendance.

In addition to the visual arts, the showcase featured a series of musical performances that emphasized collaboration, confidence, and growth amongst the students. Their musical contributions took many forms, from solo performances to group ensembles, all illustrating their progress and emotional expression through music.

A Message from the Director of Education

Nancy Tritsch, Director of Education at Shrub Oak International School, expressed her pride in the students and staff, stating, "This showcase is a powerful reflection of what our students can accomplish when they are supported by passionate, dedicated educators. Our art and music teachers do incredible work every day—meeting students where they are, nurturing their strengths, and guiding them toward something they can be proud of. The creativity and joy on display at this showcase truly speaks to their commitment and to our students' growth."

The Winter Student Showcase is not just a standalone event; it represents the broader mission of Shrub Oak International School to integrate the arts into its educational and therapeutic programming. The school promotes a curriculum that emphasizes process, creativity, and collaboration, thereby enabling students to build confidence, develop vital skills, and celebrate their accomplishments within a supportive community.

The School's Mission and Future Aspirations

At the heart of Shrub Oak International School's philosophy is the mission to enhance the lives of autistic children and young adults. By utilizing a personalized, strengths-based approach to learning, the institution helps its students forge meaningful relationships, navigate their communities, and realize their full potential.

Sheltered within the campus, the Pines at Shrub Oak offers a specialized therapeutic program tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults. This program aims to provide the necessary psychiatric support to those who require intensive interventions, whether they have an autism diagnosis or not.

Accredited by esteemed organizations such as the National Independent Private Schools Association, the Middle States Association, and Cognia, Shrub Oak International School upholds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness, ensuring that its teaching methods align with best practices in education.

As the school looks ahead, it continues to seek innovative ways to foster artistic talents and promote emotional and social development among its students, making events like the Winter Student Showcase an integral part of its mission. With unwavering support from dedicated educators, Shrub Oak International School remains a beacon of hope and creativity for its students and the community at large.