April: Autism

Awareness Month

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Dear Old Mill Teachers and Staff,
! As the month of March and our celebration of Dr. Seuss comes to a close, the month of April ap-

proaches. The month of April is dedicated to the cause of Autism Awareness. Autism now affects 1 in 68
children and 1 in 42 boys; it is currently one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the U.S
and could cost a family up to $60,000 a year on average. In order to celebrate Autism awareness throughout our Old Mill community, there are going to be several events to partake in. Autism awareness is represented by the blue ribbon, therefore the Old Mill community is invited to participate in a blue
jean day on April 19, 2016. On this day, please wear a pair of blue jeans, and even your blue NJEA tshirts or a blue scarf to represent our awareness of the prevalence of Autism in the world today.

However, in order to involve the students of Old Mill into our awareness of Autism, I will be
hosting an interactive bulletin board activity. I will be decorating the main bulletin board in the upstairs
hallway to represent the worldwide awareness of Autism. I would like for students to become involved
and provide a learning opportunity based on respecting that every student is different in his/her abilities.

Through this students will each receive one differentiated colored puzzle piece. On this puzzle
piece the students will write their names, nonetheless it is up to your discretion if you would like to also
take and print out a picture of each student to include on their puzzle pieces. In the office there will be a
sign up sheet for teachers to fill out a specific time to go to the bulletin board with their class to put
up their puzzle pieces around the border on, which will occur on April 8, 2016.

Please partake with your class if you can as I believe it is a great opportunity for the whole school
of Old Mill to come together and become involved. This also promotes a good opportunity for teachers to
discuss respecting differences with the students. This can be done simply through a discussion, activity,
or even a read aloud.Several examples of read alouds that could be utilized are:
Its Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
Giraffes Cant Dance by Giles Andreae
Calvin Cant Fly by Jennifer Berne
Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

!For the older grades who may be currently reading these novels; discussions can be generated through the
reading of these two novels:
Rules by Cynthia Lord
The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan

!Remember:

- April 8, 2016 is the interactive bulletin board activity date.

- April 19, 2016 is blue jean day.

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Thank You,

!Erika Dent,

4th grade teacher; room 252