MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As most of us know, the month of April is Autism awareness month and to celebrate we have been showcasing many of the services and organizations available throughout the up for those diagnosed with autism and those who support them. We found one school doing something special today to celebrate the month.
According to Superior Hills Elementary School in Marquette they have been celebrating Autism Awareness month teaching everyone, students, faculty and staff, what it is all about.
One of the teachers leading this month’s activities, Kendra Dompierre told us what they have been up to and said, “A little general education of what autism is, how it affects all of us as individuals, and really just highlighting that it’s not a disability, it’s just a different set of abilities in humans as general.”
They kicked off the month with a showcase of a newly updated infinity symbol with some different words to describe how to support, accept and become aware of autism. And to demonstrate those differences, the entire school was invited to participate in activities reflecting one another’s uniqueness by making personalized puzzle pieces explained Dompierre and she added, “It’s been really fun to see them discover things about each other that they didn’t know and that they have in common with each other.”
Dompier believes through this discovery more power was given to the awareness of autism, embracing those on the spectrum and she said, “Taking the time to highlight various aspects of individuals has really, really accelerated the trajectory of just we are, who we are. There are no labels. We’re just a little bit different.”
Today to culminate their entire month, each grade selected a color observing their differences and similarities.
Pleased with the turnout, Dompierre shared, “It was fantastic walking in the building this morning all the kids and the staff coming in and their respective colors it was really fun to see.”
With nearly 100 percent participation throughout the month, faculty believes unified support creates an inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
Already planning to make next year even better, they are seeking additional teaching resources to take acceptance to yet another level of awareness.
