Special-needs students from Sheepshead Bay partied Thursday at their school's summer block party.

Students from the Connie Lekas School enjoyed face painting, water slides and games. There was also music and lots of dancing.

Principal Antoinette Rose says the block party means a lot to parents and the students.

"It means everything for them," says Rose. "Sometimes the parents are really embarrassed and they still live in the closet with these kids so we bring them out. We are not ashamed. We accept them for their abilities, and we don't even focus on any of their disabilities."

Some parents feel the party helps show how the kids can do things just like other kids, just on a different level.