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News provided by South Pasadena Unified School District
This month, Arroyo Vista (AV) Elementary students have been learning about the character trait of inclusiveness. In tandem with these lessons, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities recognizing National Autism Acceptance month.
The month of events began with a curated, school-wide student art exhibition called, “Accepting Difference.” The artwork, created by students with autism and those who support autism acceptance, is displayed in unconventional places around the Arroyo Vista campus.
During last week’s school-wide assembly at AV, students learned more about autism and how to support those with autism while watching a short film— Audrey’s Autism Story. Activities continued this week with an art cart experience for students, inspired by landscape artist Stephen Wiltshire, who is autistic. Students and employees will “Light Up Gold” on April 20, when they wear gold/yellow clothing and accessories to show awareness, understanding, and acceptance of those with autism at AV and in the community.
Community members in South Pasadena are invited to participate in the culminating event on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. during “Chalk the Campus Gold,” an event to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month by decorating parts of the campus with gold/yellow chalk. Join artists from WOVE Arts LLC and volunteers from AV to paint a portion of the campus gold/yellow with chalk spray as a representation of the students at AV who have autism.
Thank you to the team of parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners who have come together to support inclusiveness and National Autism Acceptance Month.
For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, scarroll@spusd.net.
I was able to speak in support of the proclamation declaring April 2022 “Autism Advocacy Month” in the city of South Pasadena before the South Pasadena mayor sign the proclamation declaring April 2022 “Autism Advocacy Month” in the City of South Pasadena. This was sign during the April 6, 2022 city council meeting. I am one of the residents living in South Pasadena with Autism. I had to changes schools because I could not fit in with kids in Marengo Elementary School do to the fact kids did not understand why I acted so differently from all the other students and teachers at time had little to no knowledge how to handle a young kid with Autism. Starting in the Summer of 2002 I went to a private School called Village Glen which is founded by The Help Group. The Help Group is a nonprofit organization that helps kids with Autism. This school was a much better fit for me than going to Marengo Elementary School which I went from Kindergarten to 5th grade. I recommend any parents that has a kid with Autism to send their kids to the same school I went too. This is much better fit than going to the schools out here in South Pasadena.