First published in the April 22 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
This month, Arroyo Vista Elementary students have been learning about the character trait of inclusiveness.
In tandem with these lessons, students have participated in a variety of activities recognizing National Autism Acceptance Month.
The month of events began with a school-wide student art exhibit called, “Accepting Difference.” The artwork, created by students with autism and those who support autism acceptance, is displayed in unconventional places around the Arroyo Vista campus.
During last week’s school-wide assembly at the school, students learned more about autism and how to support those with autism while watching a short film called “Audrey’s Autism Story.” Activities continued with an art-cart experience for students, inspired by landscape artist Stephen Wiltshire, who is autistic.
Students and employees celebrated with an event called “Light Up Gold” when they wore gold/yellow clothing and accessories to show awareness, understanding and acceptance of those with autism at Arroyo Vista and in the community.
South Pasadena residents are invited to participate in the culminating event on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during “Chalk the Campus Gold,” an event to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month by decorating parts of the campus with gold/yellow chalk.
Artists from WOVE Arts LLC and volunteers from the school will paint a portion of the campus gold/yellow with chalk spray as a representation of the students at Arroyo Vista who have autism.
For more information, contact the South Pasadena Unified School District at scarroll@spusd.net.
