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Brewster Central School District administrators, teachers, facilities staff, and students gathered on Tuesday, March 11, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new sensory bus dedicated to Megan Gersch, a special education teacher who died in July 2024 after a five-year fight against breast cancer.
At the front of the bus, a sunflower bearing the words “For Megan” serves as a tribute to Gersch, whose impact on her students and colleagues continues to be felt, according to the district.
"The design and vision of the bus was a team effort," said Occupational Therapist Lisa Goeddel, who explained, "The idea is that the bus will be used as another space for special needs students to get treatment or as a calming space to recharge. It’s designed to be inclusive for all students and provide a space where students can find comfort and support.”
Inside, the bus has been transformed into a cozy, interactive space featuring blue rugs, soft lighting, bean bags, magnetic blocks, a LEGO board, shape sorting, and a laundry line of clothes for an interactive word game. It's the first "Sensory Bus" of its kind in the county, district officials said.
The inside of the "Sensory Bus."
The ribbon cut at the ceremony was a rainbow ribbon, symbolizing the diversity of students who will benefit from the sensory space.
"This project has literally been years in the making, starting with the desire to improve spaces and opportunities for students," said Brewster Superintendent Michelle Gosh.
"Lisa Goeddel, who came up with the idea, said, 'I have this idea.' One person’s brilliant idea and a dedicated team including the transportation department, buildings and grounds, facilities and JFK teachers and staff has led to this incredible outcome," Gosh continued.
The true measure of the project’s success came from the students themselves. As soon as the ribbon was cut, they rushed onto the bus with excitement.
“It’s a 10 out of 10!” said student Anthony Argueta Martinez, summing up the joy that the bus brought.
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