Whitehouse News - April 2026

Thank you to all who participated in our WHS Annual Family Photo Contest.

Congratulations to our contest winners!

Enjoy the following pictures and continue to make time for family fun.

Drum roll, please....

Magnificent Mind Monday

April 20

• “Hats off to every mind—because just like our hats, no two are the same, and that’s what makes the world so fun, colorful, and amazing!” Autism means someone’s brain works differently. They might have things they really love, or notice sounds, feelings, or details in their own special way. Let’s wear a fun hat to celebrate how amazing it is that all of our minds work in different, wonderful ways!

• Feeling Weather Report using A Little Spot Emotion Check-In (pg. 110), read aloud: A Little Scribble Spot

Tie-Dye Tuesday

April 21

• “Mix it up, stand out, and shine bright—just like tie-dye, our differences make the world more colorful, creative, and full of joy!” Wear your Team AUSOME shirt or tie-dye to celebrate diversity and inclusion for all different types of people.

• Flower activity

What’s Your Passion Wednesday

April 22

• “Let your passion shine bright—because the things you love most are what make you uniquely you! Dress it, show it, celebrate it!” Some people with autism have really strong interests in things they love. What are you passionate about? Bring in a special item!

• Assembly

• Grade 2 and 3 - 9:15am -9:45am

• Pre-K, K, & Grade 1 - 10:00am - 10:30am

Thoughtful Thursday

April 23

• “From superheroes to storybooks, the things we love connect us all—showing that love and acceptance go a long way!” People on the autism spectrum have favorite books, TV shows, and superhero characters that they love, just like the rest of us! Wear your favorite clothing proudly and let kindness be your superpower!

• Show & Tell with a friend, read aloud options: (A Friend for Henry, All My Stripes, A Friend Like Simon)

Sensory Friendly Friday

April 24

• “Cozy vibes and calm minds—when we make space for comfort, everyone can shine in their own wonderful way!” Let’s make today stress free and cozy for everyone! Some people on the spectrum often have a variety of sensory sensitivities. Wear your comfiest clothes or pajamas.

• Video: Sesame Street: Meet Julia

Each year, we embark on a school-wide interdisciplinary study by reading the same book and then connecting concepts in multiple subject areas. This year's annual thematic unit was based on the 1938 novel, Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater. As each classroom teacher read the book to students, we explored the storyline by integrating aspects of it into our current curricula. In countless ways, teachers linked learning for our students. We read non-fiction books to research penguin facts, authored “All About Penguins” books, studied the penguin lifecycle, created story problems and math models related to Mr. Popper’s Performing Penguins, wrote penguin poetry, created comic strips with tips on how to care for penguins, and applied new vocabulary from the text. If you have visited Whitehouse School lately, you will also see that all types of artistic penguin creations adorn the hallways. Additionally, we came together as a learning community in all specialty areas. Students composed Poppin’ Penguin music and created rhythmic patterns, learned Spanish vocabulary during penguin activities, solved penguin-related problems using the Engineering Design Process in STEM class, and engaged in penguin-themed activities in Physical Education class like Waddle Races!

A special thank you goes out to the HSA for also using our theme during the annual Spare Change Challenge, which coincided with the Book Fair. Ms. Bernecker’s second-grade class raised the most money, so she won the Principal/Teacher Swap. All proceeds go back into classroom libraries. (Please see the picture of the leaderboard below, which was generously donated by the MacConnell Family!)

We concluded this school-wide interdisciplinary study with some culminating events. First, students were treated to the WHS rendition of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, performed by the Grade 3 Drama & Storytelling Clubs under the direction of Dr. Emily Bengels and Mr. Chad Schubert. Also, with much appreciation again to the HSA for funding multiple small-group assemblies when Jenkinson’s Aquarium staff visited with a live penguin!

Students had a chance to spend two weeks in Safety Town when our Gymnasium was transformed into a small town with emphasis on the role specific places play in our community (e.g., post office, car wash, bank, pizzeria, etc.). Mr. Abney and Mrs. Sellers also used this two-week unit as an opportunity to teach students about transportation rules with emphasis on pedestrian & bike safety, railroad crossings, traffic signage, etc. Our little residents loved engaging in this imaginary place while taking very real life lessons away from the experience!

Meet some of the people who make Whitehouse School such an amazing place!

Each month, three staff members are randomly chosen and are showcased in this segment.

Please encourage your children to continue to show good character as they earn your permission to shade in pieces of their "Grit" bucket puzzle!

The mission of Whitehouse School is to provide children with a nurturing environment where they will feel safe and accepted. Our school community encourages respect and builds independence while fostering academic and personal growth, while creating a love for learning.