Frank Towner believes in the importance of "spreading joy and laughter" both in his role as Crossroad the Clown and as the CEO of the YMCA of Ithaca. The two roles may not be expected from one person, but Towner has managed to make both important characters in the community of Ithaca, N.Y.

In part one of this series for Education Week, these families open up on their challenges, the lessons they’ve learned through this journey, and the schedules they’ve implemented to try to address their students’ needs.

In the second piece of this three-part series, these families share their challenges in learning and living through the coronavirus pandemic, the benefits they’ve seen through collaborating with their students’ teachers and working as a team, and their concerns over what the future holds.

In the final piece of this three-part series, parents of students with learning differences share the sadness they’ve seen in their children – from missing things as basic as the school mashed potatoes, to needing the structure of school to thrive. There’s a hope that things will go back to normal, but a lot of uncertainty around how long it’ll take to get there. As they do their best to build schedules and find new routines that work for their kids, they’re also trying to address the trauma this has caused, and hope the return to school will address those needs.

Athletes, coaches, and fans traveled to Rochester from all across New York State for the Special Olympics Winter Games. We sat down with some of them during the closing ceremony to talk about their experiences. Video by Bridget Fetsko. Thanks to Josh Meltzer, Colleen Cambier, Seth Gitner, Brett Carlsen, Jennie Thomas, & Matteo Bracco.

The opening ceremonies of the NYS Special Olympics Winter Games were held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Feb. 22, 2019. The following is a highlight reel of the night. Produced & edited by Bridget Fetsko. Filmed by Bridget Fetsko, Cuauhtemoc Paz, and Noah Bogusz.

A Rochester Family Takes Action Against Climate Change: Sue Hughes-Smith did not come into being a parent without knowing about the issues that would plague her children’s generation. Sue has educated her family about climate change to encourage them to take action and remain hopeful. Produced & edited by Bridget Fetsko. Filmed by Noah Winslow.

This project was inspired by concerns around polarized conversations in the media about refugees. Rochester is a sanctuary city with the third-largest refugee population in New York State. Our goal was to include multiple perspectives from the community, in the interest of building bridges.

Contributors: Boris Shirman, Bridget Fetsko, Daniel Vasta, Dominique Hessert, Kaitlyn Dolan, Michael Owens, and Paula Ospina. Professor: Meredith Davenport