In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Dayton Avenue and Eastport Elementary students welcomed “Little Big Sister” author Amy McCoy, who spoke about her book and autism. Ms. McCoy also discussed her second book, “Little Big Sister On the Move.”

The students are collectively reading Ms. McCoy’s books about little sister Katie who feels like a big sister to her older brother, Mikey, because he has autism. The author revealed that her son is autistic and that her younger daughter often feels the same way.

Ms. McCoy called her books “realistic fiction,” stories that didn’t actually happen but that could. She also encouraged the students to write their own stories from ideas that occur from everyday experiences.

Explaining to students her process for writing a book and having it illustrated was ancillary to her message that it’s “cool” to be kind to others that are different. She also gave advice on how to be a friend to someone with autism, including knowing their interests, not talking down to them and inviting them to participate in activities.

Date Added: 4/8/2024

The District is pleased to pilot Typetastic, a dynamic keyboarding program that engages students in grades K-6 with games while teaching crucial skills, such as mastering the home row keys (ASDF and JKL). Technology specialist Meredith Kramer said she has seen firsthand how Typetastic makes learning to type efficient, fun and tailored to each student's needs.
“It's not just about typing,” Ms. Kramer said. “It's about equipping our students with essential digital literacy skills for their future success one keystroke at a time.”

Date Added: 3/20/2024

Elementary school students celebrated Read Across America Day on March 8 by taking the time to read a favorite or new book and participating in literacy activities throughout the day. The national literacy event, sponsored by the National Education Association, commenced in 1998 to make children more excited about reading.
Older students read to younger students throughout the day and teachers made extra time to read to students. At Eastport Elementary School, students and their buddies collaborated on a Seuss Sock craft during library class in recognition of the iconic author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. At Dayton Avenue, the students designed book covers for the books they were reading during the week’s activities prior to Read Across America Day.

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Date Added: 3/15/2024

Students throughout the District put aside their technological devices during the week of March 4-8 in recognition of Unplugged Week. Sponsored by the districtwide Mental Health Committee, the week included daily classroom activities that promoted student awareness of the appropriate use of digital technology and the importance of disconnecting during free time. The week’s activities also encouraged personal connection over digital engagement.

Jr.-Sr. High School Assistant Principal Kristyn Pellegrini explained that Unplugged Week showed students that “they can have fun without devices and that, a lot of times, they are missing out on fun activities because of the constant use of devices.”

At the Jr.-Sr. High School, students analyzed the numbers of their screen time and, while in science classes, learned the science of addiction and the impact technology has on the brain. During social studies, classes discussed the history of the telephone and the benefits of technology and studied the digital lives of teens and code-switching while attending English classes. On March 8, the Jr.-Sr. High School celebrated the Away for the Day Challenge by attempting to completely put away their technology for the day.

Date Added: 3/14/2024