April Holidays
April is Autism Awareness Month and American Arab Heritage Month
- April 1st: April Fools Day
- April 11: Day of Silence (a student-led day of action to raise awareness about the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ+ people)
- April 13: Passover (Day 1)
- April 15th Bengali New Year ( celebrated in West Bengal, India and Bangladesh)
- April 18 : Good Friday
- April 20: Easter Sunday
- April 21: Patriots Day
- April 21--25: April Vacation
*If we miss or incorrectly communicate a holiday, please don't hesitate to reach out*
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation for individuals on the autism spectrum. Celebrating this month is crucial for promoting inclusivity, reducing stigma, and recognizing the diverse contributions of autistic individuals to our communities. The symbol for autism is the infinity symbol. The infinity symbol represents the idea that autism is a vast and complex spectrum that includes individuals with a wide range of strengths and challenges. It acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits all approach to understanding or supporting people with autism.
Recent data indicates that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects a significant portion of the population:
Approximately 1 in 36 children aged 8 years have been identified with ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and is nearly four times more common among boys than among girls (CDC).
Educators can play a pivotal role in promoting autism acceptance and celebrating neurodiversity. Here are some ideas to acknowledging Autism Acceptance Month in your classrooms
Morning Meeting: Incorporate facts about autism and neurodiversity into daily announcements to raise awareness.
Sensory-Friendly Activities: Implement classroom activities that cater to various sensory needs, such as calm-down corners or sensory bins, benefiting all students.
Art Projects: Encourage students to create artwork celebrating differences, which can be displayed to promote an inclusive environment.
When students ask about their peers who may behave differently, struggle with communication, or learn in unique ways, it’s important to respond with compassion, honesty, and inclusivity. Here are some ways teachers can frame responses:
Addressing unsafe behaviors: “Sometimes, when kids are still learning how to use their words, or don’t know how to express their feelings, they might react in ways that seem unsafe. Just like we all have different ways of handling frustration, some people need extra help learning safe ways to express themselves. Our job is to be kind and help create a safe and supportive classroom for everyone.”
Explaining communication differences: “Everyone communicates in different ways. Some people use words, some use pictures, gestures, or devices to express themselves. Even though (classmate’s name) might not talk the same way you do, they still have thoughts, feelings, and things they want to share. We can all be patient and learn to communicate in ways that work for everyone.”
Understanding different learning styles: “Everyone learns in their own way and at their own pace. Some people need more time or a different way of learning to help them do their best. Think about how some people wear glasses to help them see better—extra support in learning is just like that! Our classroom is a place where we make sure everyone gets what they need to succeed.”
Understanding stimming or repetitive behaviors: “Some people move their bodies or make sounds when they are excited, happy, or even when they need to calm down. It’s their way of expressing themselves or feeling comfortable. We all do things that help us feel good—some of us tap our feet, twirl our hair, or hum. It’s just another way people show how they feel.”
Encouraging inclusion and empathy: “Everyone deserves kindness and friendship. You might need to find different ways to play or talk together, but friendships don’t have to look the same for everyone. You can be a great friend by being patient, including them in activities, and learning what makes them happy.”
Key messages to reinforce:
Differences make our classroom special.
Everyone has strengths and challenges.
We all learn and express ourselves in different ways.
Kindness, patience, and inclusion help everyone feel valued.
Resources:
- National Autistic Society – At School: Offers free teaching resources and lesson plans for promoting autism acceptance in schools. National Autistic Society
- https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/teaching-kids-autism/
- https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism/
Tip of the Month: Spring is Sprung
Spring is a season that can offer incredible inspiration for teachers. As nature begins to bloom and the world feels more alive, educators can draw parallels to their work and the growth of their students.
The Power of Growth and Development :Just like the flowers and trees that start to bloom after a long, cold winter, spring is a reminder of the growth and development students experience throughout the school year. Every lesson, every challenge, and every success is like a seed being planted in a young mind, and just as with nature, the results may take time to show.
New Beginnings and Fresh Starts: Spring represents the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings. Even if students face challenges or setbacks earlier in the year, spring offers a chance to re-energize and start anew. You can use this time to inspire students to embrace opportunities for reinvention and self-discovery.
Patience and Perseverance: Just as it takes time for flowers to bloom and for seeds to grow into full-grown plants, the progress made by students might be gradual. Spring teaches us to celebrate the journey, no matter how small the steps, and to be patient with the process of learning.
Recharging and Renewing Energy: Teachers often give so much of themselves throughout the school year, and spring provides a chance to recharge. It’s important to take time for self-care and to find inspiration in the season's beauty. By doing so, you can return to the classroom with renewed passion and energy.
Planting Seeds for the Future: Remember you are like gardeners, planting seeds of knowledge, curiosity, and confidence in their students. Just as the seeds planted in spring will grow into strong, beautiful plants, the lessons taught now will have lasting impacts on students' futures.
"The seeds you plant today will bloom in your students' lives for years to come."
EmployeeResourceGroups(ERGs)
ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to promote diversity and inclusion within an organization by creating a sense of community and belonging among employees who share common interests and identities.
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Email: DEIB_Office@watertown.k12.ma.us with any questions
Restorative Training Opportunities
Tier 1 Training in June, August, and through a weekly Workshop series during the school year.
Tier 2 training (Date : TBD).
You can find further details in Restorative Practices Learning Opportunities.
If interested in attending, please use this brief Google Form to sign up.
Please also feel free to reach out to Roy Karp
