NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
April 24, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Autism Awareness Month
Evergreen Puzzle Project Connects Students
DIAMOND BAR, CA—This week, Evergreen Elementary School hosted a puzzle project to celebrate April’s Autism Awareness Month.
Special Education Teachers Laura Saenz and Ashley Marshman distributed puzzle pieces to all students on campus.
The children were asked to write about what makes them unique.
One by one, the pieces were brought back to their class and connected filling a wall in the multi-purpose room.
As the pieces came together, the kids saw how they all fit.
“It is important for our students to see that just like a puzzle piece, each individual has something special and unique that no one else can contribute, which makes the entire picture much more beautiful,” said teachers Ashley Marshman and Laura Saenz. “We feel that it is important for us to encourage the acceptance of all students.”
One student wrote “I’m special because I have nice friends that support me” and other said “I am unique because there is only one me and I have my own skills to do. Everyone is special so don’t be left out.” Some drew pictures to show how they are unique.
Other pieces from staff members said, “Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times,” and “Autism is as much a part of humanity as is the capacity to dream.”
“It's beautiful!” Teacher Laurie Troudy said.
“This is another wonderful example of our dedicated teachers creating experiences that join students together and celebrate each child’s uniqueness, as well as our connections with each other. Evergreen is truly a lovely work of art where each remarkable student is celebrated,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.
Shown:
Evergreen Special Education Teachers Ashley Marshman and Laura Saenz and students joined Autism Awareness Month with a school-wide puzzle project.