IRONTON — Open Door School, a program of the Lawrence County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, showed its appreciation to the parents and community volunteers who have supported the school’s students and staff this year.

Open Door School hosted an appreciation breakfast to honor those individuals on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the school.

“We wanted to recognize the families of our students and members of the local community who make a difference in the lives of the students and staff at Open Door School,” said Kendra Kelley, Open Door School Principal. “It is just our way of saying thank you for the time and energy they invest, providing for the success of our school.”

Among those recognized at the breakfast were the Women’s Co-Operative Club, the Child Welfare Club, the Foster Grandparents Program, the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center and the Open Door School Boosters.

Through the support of these volunteers and many more, the Open Door School provides traditional academic curriculum with specialized educational programming designed with the specific needs of the students in mind.

The schools offers transitional programs for students preparing to enter the workforce upon graduation and give the students an opportunity to participate in a county wide Spelling Bee, Science Fair and Social Studies Fair.

Extracurricular activities at Open Door School include, the Special Olympics, swimming, bell choir, basketball, bowling, cheerleading and archery

Open Door School is certified by the Ohio Department of Education and accredited by the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The school serves more than 60 students with multiple handicaps ages 6 – 21 from all Lawrence County areas.

For more information about the LCBMRDD and the Open Door School, call 1-800-231-MRDD or (740) 377-2356.