Sachem is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month throughout April and several buildings held integration events to raise awareness, celebrate differences and promote inclusivity.

On April 16, Wenonah Elementary School held its first Wenonah Walk, an outdoor, schoolwide sensory event. Students in special education classes were paired with their same-age peers to participate in sensory-based stations including a relay walk, bubbles, dance party, parachute games, chalk the walk and a sensory path. Each group of students rotated through the stations while interacting with each other. Ahead of the Wenonah Walk, students learned about autism and created posters of influential individuals with autism to hang throughout the halls.

Similarly, at Waverly Elementary School, fifth grade peer buddies educated the school community about autism. They pushed into classrooms to read the book, “All My Stripes,” then gave a presentation which included tips on how to be a good friend. The classroom visits ended with an art activity where students colored in puzzle pieces to be displayed in the lobby.

Waverly Elementary School held its sensory walk for all students on April 19. Students experienced a variety of stations including sensory tables and boards, bubbles, water activities, Play-Doh and bounce hopper balls.

Students at both Waverly and Wenonah were excited to step outside of the classroom for their respective sensory walks. They engaged their five senses while self-regulating during a fun, new event that brought both school communities together.

Click here to view the Waverly photo slideshow.

Click here to view the Wenonah photo slideshow.

Date Added: 4/19/2024

Wenonah Elementary School recently completed a four-week New York Islanders Floorball Program to introduce students to the game and culture of hockey. Floorball promotes active movement, the enhancement of motor skills and team building.

The New York Islanders provided Wenonah with brand new floorball hockey sticks, balls, jerseys, and a goals and curriculum guide for physical education teachers to implement into their daily classes. Students learned various skills, games and activities throughout the month of March and had an absolute blast doing so!

Date Added: 4/4/2024

Throughout the month of March, students at Wenonah Elementary School participated in a variety of lessons surrounding Disabilities Acceptance Month and the theme of inclusion. The lessons led up to a day of celebrations on March 21 for World Down Syndrome Day.

On this day, students and staff wore blue and yellow, as well as mismatched, crazy socks. Special education teachers and students passed out ribbons to all the staff in the building to honor the day. Additionally, classes completed activities to learn about Down Syndrome and how students can be more inclusive. The activities were led by Taylor Ahrem and Isabella Busch.

Ms. Ahrem created a video for World Down Syndrome Day that can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/nbJQYpfybTg?feature=shared

The link below includes a presentation about the activities that took place at Wenonah Elementary School for World Down Syndrome Day: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF9EtTlP0I/OQe2KWs6OtbVa_9__mdlFg/edit

Date Added: 3/26/2024

Wenonah Elementary School kicked off its PARP, or Pick a Reading Partner, month with a visit from ventriloquist, Steve Petra. Petra took students through his interactive “Reading Rampage” show, which gave students tips on reading, writing and punctuation while embracing the power of words. The crowd was entertained throughout the show, smiling ear to ear as Petra brought several special guests, or puppets, out on stage.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 3/14/2024