April is Autism Awareness Month, a month that recognizes and celebrates neurodiversity, promotes acceptance, and advocates for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This year, Schuylerville Elementary School students and staff took part in a spirit week designed not only to show support for individuals with autism, but also to educate and inspire kindness, understanding, and friendship throughout the school community.
The physical education department created a special sensory-friendly unit, allowing all students to experience movement and games in a way that respects different sensory needs; classroom teachers incorporated a variety of educational activities into their week, aimed at helping students better understand neurodiversity, and each day had its own theme and small challenge to encourage empathy, inclusion, and self-awareness:
- Monday – Team Up for Autism Day
Students wore their favorite team apparel, celebrating the idea that we’re all on the same team when it comes to inclusion. The day’s challenge: include someone in your game at recess—a small act with big impact. - Tuesday – Neurodiversity Day
With the school bursting in rainbows and tie-dye, students honored the beauty in the diverse ways minds can work. Challenge: notice what’s unique about yourself. - Wednesday – What’s Your Passion Wednesday
From Pokémon to painting, kids and teachers proudly dressed to reflect their interests, recognizing that passion is a powerful part of identity, especially for those on the autism spectrum. The day encouraged students to start a conversation with someone about their passion. - Thursday – Sensory Friendly Day
Comfort was key as students dressed in their comfiest (school-appropriate) clothes to reflect on how sensory experiences affect us differently. Challenge: notice what sensory experiences overwhelm or calm you. - Friday – Go Blue Day
The school “blued out” in solidarity for Autism Awareness Month, with students and staff donning shades of blue from head to toe. The final challenge was a simple but essential one: be kind.
To close out the week, elementary students came together on the playground for a Blowing Bubbles for Autism event. What began as a local initiative has now grown into a global movement, with tens of thousands of people participating in the bubbles even each April. The bubbles represent connection through a fun activity that all individuals can enjoy, promoting a sense of unity.
“Thank you to the elementary school staff members (Grace Rathbun, Mary Gell, Amy Jordan, Lorraine Melville, and Casey Anderson) who did a wonderful job organizing our autism awareness week,” said Schuylerville Elementary School Principal Stacy Marzullo. “It was a celebration of diversity, a lesson in compassion, and a reminder that our differences make us stronger.”