In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, students at Elmora School No. 12 were provided the opportunity to learn more about autism.  Third to eighth grade students were visited during homeroom by CST members and Special Needs Teachers who presented lessons on autism and opened discussions on ways we can be more inclusive.

On Wednesday, April 13^th, the entire School 12 Family hosted an Autism Acceptance Celebration on the school playground to honor special needs students and their families.

The event started with students and staff marching out one by one wearing t-shirts that represented the different colors of the rainbow.  Students and staff walked the “Carpet of Excellence” to the peppy beat of Elmora School No. 12’s Band led by Mr. Finkelstein.  They then formed a human rainbow as they sang the song with sign language “The World is a Rainbow,” to represent love, acceptance, and kindness.  Students learned the song and practiced the sign language in Music Class with Dr. Kroik.

Special Needs students were honored along with their families, teachers, and classroom assistants.  Students received a standing, quiet hands ovation as they sang their favorite song, “Light it up Blue.”

Board of Education Vice President, Iliana Chevres and Board Commissioner Diane Barbosa spoke from their hearts about the important of autism acceptance, love, and unity.  Students made a promise to always be kind to others and to embrace each other’s differences.

Elmora School 12’s AVID students welcomed guests with a folder filled with the event’s festivities which included a program, lyrics to the songs, and the poem, “To Be Seen as One” written by 8^th grade AVID student Odalys Jimenez-Sosa.  

8^th Grade AVID students presented research and projects about autism.  The playground was decorated with more projects, drawings, and paintings made by AVID students.

Bilingual students in Grades K-4 sang and danced to the song “Color Esperanza.”  Second Grade Bilingual students, Emily Gomez and Sophia Lituma explained to the guests and student body in both English and Spanish their heartwarming interpretation of the song’s lyrics.   

Special Needs students honored their families, teachers, assistants, CST members and central office administrators with a blue carnation to say, “I appreciate you!”

The celebration concluded with students walking to the photo booth to take class pictures and then to the popcorn machine for a savory treat.