Autism Awareness
Building Acceptance and Awareness Through Activities and Education
April was Autism Awareness Month and on April 5th, 2022, the Office of Special Education launched its 4th Annual Autism Awareness and Acceptance Kick-Off: Building Acceptance and Awareness Through Activities and Education, with a virtual performance and an artwork presentation. This annual district event was created to promote Autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all students, and to ensure that each student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided the opportunity to receive high quality education and achieve the highest possible quality of life. Superintendent León started the kick-off with his welcome message to all of our families, schools, administrators and their wonderful staff and students. We also had a great keynote address from Kim Rivers, from SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). Mrs. Rivers is also the parent of a child with Autism. She shared her challenges and successes raising a child on the spectrum with all of us. In honor of Autism Awareness this year, the Newark Board of Education went beyond simply promoting Autism awareness, to encouraging the community, educators, families, students and friends to build acceptance through inclusive activities education, and a month filled with Autism Awareness parent training activities. The kick-off event was a celebration of the gifts and talents our students on the spectrum possess. We had amazing performances and also beautiful artwork as part of our celebration.
A special thank you to the following schools that participated: Fourteenth Avenue, First Avenue, South Street, Camden Street, Louise A. Spencer, Central, McKinley, Ivy Hill, American History, Salomé Ureña, New Jersey Regional Day, John F. Kennedy, Quitman, and Thirteenth Avenue. Please click this link to view the submission of students’ artwork and performances from our schools across the district.
Newark Board of Education Connects with Families for Autism Awareness
[NEWARK, New Jersey – April 19, 2019] Earlier this month, the Newark Board of Education and the Office of Special Education launched into a month-long series of programs, lectures and parent-focused events to share information and updates with parents of students with special needs. This year’s kickoff included a number of special speakers, in addition to parents and student performances.
Superintendent of Newark Schools Roger León said, “I want to commend the Office of Special Education (OSE) for incorporating guest speakers to discuss programs and services both as part of the Newark Board of Education’s curriculum and external programs designed to keep parents informed and engaged in the education of their child.”
This year, the following speakers presented: Anne Marie Sullivan of Spectrum Works, Megan Stuhrman of Rethink Ed, Sharnette Vidal of Nassan’s Place and Allison Hawkins of Rutgers University DDC.
Carolyn Granato, Executive Director of the OSE, said, “It was our goal to bring information to the many parents who attend the kickoff celebration, that was punctuated by the fascinating performances of many of our students attending Special Education.” She added, “Throughout the month, we hosted workshops and informational sessions so that our parents are aware of new services and opportunities for their child.”
According to Ms. Granato, recent numbers show an increase in the number of cases of children with autism in New Jersey. The most recent CDC findings (2018) show the overall US ASD prevalence to be 1-in-59 and indicate that NJ ASD prevalence is even higher — 1-in-34. Boys are about 4 times more likely to have ASD than girls. In NJ, approximately 4 percent of all 8-year old boys have ASD. The cost of caring for a child in the US with autism are in the range $60,000 per year. (In NJ, out of district autism annual cost of placement in a special school may exceed that amount, of course.)
For the remainder of this month, programs will be held on April 29 at 14th Avenue, Ivy Hill and Camden Street Schools. On April 30, programs will be held at Central High School and American History High School, and 14th Avenue and Ivy Hill Schools. Also, Spencer Miller School will host an Autism Walk on the 30th. Finally, on Friday, May 3, the following schools will host programs; Salome Urena, Quitman Street, Camden Street and First Avenue Schools.
In closing, Ms. Granato said, “National Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness and autism acceptance. It is our goal to incorporate these tenets into our teaching and into the culture and climate of every school and in every encounter. We believe we can move one step closer to a society where those with ASD’s are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts.”
For more information on remaining events, visit our District Calendar.
Newark Board of Education Kicks Off Autism Awareness Month With Student Performances and Family Support
More than 100 Students and Parents Participate in Morning Kickoff
The Newark Board of Education, Department of Special Education, kicked-off Autism Awareness Month with student performances, parent involvement and more. More than 100 students and parents participated in this annual program that raises awareness of the education programs, services and life experiences of students with special needs, including autism.
Did you know…
- Autism now affects 1 in 68 children, and 1 in 42 boys
- Autism prevalence figures are growing
- Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S.
- Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
- Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with Autism Spectrum Disorder is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. April is recognized as National Autism Awareness month around the world. It provides schools an opportunity to recognize students, staff and families as well as promote public awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). For more information about World Autism Awareness Day and the Light it Up Blue campaign visit www.autismspeaks.org.
April is Autism Awareness Month
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Technology HS adopted a pre-k special needs class at Benjamin Franklin school. The classroom teacher Ms. Mendoza from Benjamin Franklin generated a wish list that allowed Technology staff and students to purchase gifts from a website that specializes in products for autistic children. On Friday, April 7th, our school Principal, Mr. Reyes, Community Engagement Specialist Ms. Ballester, School Operation Assistant, Ms. Watson and FACE Senior Manager Mr. Denose joined the classroom for a day of celebration and to drop off the donations. The students welcomed us with a name introduction song and were so excited for all of their gifts.
The trampoline was the biggest hit. The teachers were grateful for the additional resources. And our hearts were full of joy from all the smiles and hugs. “We are Technology!”
Trenton Thunder Mascot Visits Ivy Hill Elementary School Students to Promote Literacy
The Trenton Thunder mascot visited students at Ivy Hill Elementary School on Monday to promote literacy and perform a read-along of the well-known children’s poem “Casey at the Bat”
[Newark NJ – March 30, 2016] On Monday, March 28, the Trenton Thunder mascot “Boomer” visited with students at Ivy Hill Elementary School to promote literacy by performing a read-along of the well-known Ernest Thayer poem “Casey at the Bat”.
The Trenton Thunder mascot acted out scenes from the poem in an effort to make reading fun and interactive for students while also underscoring the importance of reading at a young age.
Students in the Ivy Hill Autism program will be taking a field trip to see the Trenton Thunder in May as part of the school’s Autism Awareness program. The month of April is Autism Awareness, and Newark Public Schools will be hosting various events in the coming weeks.