April is designated as National Autism Awareness Month. It is a time to not only educate the community about autism, but to promote inclusion and acceptance about the disorder from classroom to beyond.
Battle Hill Elementary School, in Union Township, recognized the event for the fourth year in a row on April 28th. The occasion, which has become known as Bubble Day was highlighted when all Battle Hill students and staff gathered in the playground and blew bubbles at 10:00 am. The purpose of Bubble Day is to help children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), burst out of their bubble of isolation and raise awareness and understanding of autism in the community. Details about the event are available on their website at: www.faces4autism.org.
In addition to school principal, Mark Hoyt, and Battle Hill PTA president, teachers and students, the event was attended by Union Police Officer Michael Boll, Annie Moses, Assistant Superintendent, Jeff Monge, Board of Education Member, Barbara LaMort, President of the Union Historical Society, Kim Conti, Director of Special Services, as well as Maureen Corbett, Theresa Matthews, and Robert Ghiretti, Elementary Supervisors. This was also “Take your child to work day” so many staff members’ children had the opportunity to participate.
Prior to and during the event, staff and Student Council assisted in collecting donations. This year the school is also participating the “ribbon challenge” in which the participants formed a human ribbon. Donations to Faces 4 Autism totaled $775. The event was coordinated by Alison Brehm, 4th grade teacher and Student Council Advisor.
(above) Students of Battle Hill Elementary School, in Union Township Bubbles 4 Autism 2016.
