Published on May 23, 2022
Throughout the month of April, the students and staff at Kissel Hill Elementary participated in a number of themed days to celebrate Autism Awareness Month.
The month’s activities were planned and organized by Becca Lewis and LeeAnn Reardon (Autisitic Support Teachers), Allison Hausman and Ashley Corrigan (Occupational Therapists), and with support from Zac Bauermaster (Principal) and Britnee Mathin (School Counselor).
While April is Autism Awareness Month, it’s important that we focus on not just one month of awareness, but rather challenge ourselves to adapt, accept, and advocate daily. Because of this, Kissel Hill Elementary celebrated Autism ‘Acceptance’ month. Throughout the month, students and staff were challenged to dress in a variety of themes to highlight many of the unique characteristics of individuals with autism.
Mrs. Lewis shares that she, ‘loves being able to celebrate with our students all month long!’
The spirit days were as follows:
Friday. April 1 – Autism Acceptance
Staff and students wore red and blue - check it out!
The color blue is traditionally associated with autism awareness. However, after additional research, we’ve found that in many cultures, the color red represents love, good luck, joy, and celebration.
Friday, April 8 – Sensory Friendly
Staff and students wore their comfiest, brightest clothes – see here!
Many individuals with autism have sensitivities to certain sensory items. Whether that’s loud sounds, bright colors, a certain texture, etc., it can cause discomfort for the individual.
Friday, April 22 – What’s Your Passion?
Staff and students wore outfits to symbolize their passions – take a look!
One of the characteristics found in those with autism is that they show incredible focus towards a passion or interest they have.
Friday, April 29 - Neurodiversity
Staff and students wore rainbow or tie-dyed clothes – view here!
Rainbow and tie-dyed clothes symbolize the beauty in the diverse spectrum of the human mind.
To wrap up the month, each classroom competed in a door decorating contest to showcase the month’s theme of adapt, accept, and advocate. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners received extra recess time. The contest was judged by Kissel Hill’s principal Zac Bauermaster, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melanie Calender, and Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator Carolyn Enigk.
1st Place:
Ms. Smith - 'We shine brighter together' door
Mrs. Bowser - 'We are a rainbow of possibilities' door
Mrs. Trees - 'Let kindness spread like wildfires' door
2nd Place:
Mrs. Clausen - 'AUTISM' acrostic poem door
Mrs. Sheckart - 'Different is Beautiful' door
3rd Place:
Miss Ritter - ‘We <3 Diversity’ door
Miss Myers - 'Feel the joy of differences' door
Mrs. Hess - 'Kindness is trending' door
You can view all of the awesome door decs here!
Celebrate what makes you, you!
Kissel Hill proudly supports two district run autistic support classrooms. They started the 2018-2019 school year (4 years ago) with one district class run by Mrs. Becca Lewis and partnered with the IU13 for a second autistic support classroom in the building. At the beginning of this year, (‘21-’22), they opened their second Autistic Support classroom and hired Miss. LeeAnn Reardon as the second autistic support teacher. Between their two classes, there are sixteen wonderful students who spend time in both classrooms as well as with their peers during inclusion times. Throughout the month of April, their goal was to not only spread awareness to their colleagues and students of Kissel Hill, but to also spread acceptance of all learners at KHE!
Neurodiversity, like Autism, is something to celebrate as natural variations of human neurology. Although Autism is a disability, it is not bad or something to be feared or shunned. The rainbow infinity bulletin board remains displayed in the KHE main lobby and is titled, “We see your true colors and that’s why we love you.” We encourage you and your class to check it out and reflect upon the quote throughout the remainder of the year – see here!
Many thanks to the staff who put in the time and effort to teach others what autism is. This was a month filled with adapting, accepting, and advocating and we loved every second of it!