The following is information supplied by the Parent Advisory Board:

April is Disability Awareness Month, sponsored by the Parent Advisory Board. The district theme this year is “Kindness Counts.” A number of events will take place in the schools and in the community to help raise awareness and build support, including:

Throughout the Wilton Public Schools district:

  • April 2 was World Autism Day! Students and member of the community are encouraged to “Light it up blue” and wear blue.
  • Bookmarks highlighting role models for children who have challenges will be distributed throughout the schools.
  • School librarians will read and have available books donated by the Parent Advisory Board that raise awareness about children with special needs.
  • “Kindness Counts” pledge cards will be distributed to each student in the schools from pre- K through 12th grade. Students will make pledges to initiate acts of kindness. Each school will reward fulfilled pledges with spirit days to be celebrated at the close of the month.
  • Wilton High School students in the Top Inclusion Models Club will visit the classrooms at Cider Mill, Middlebrook and the High School and talk to students  about how effectively to be more inclusive. They will also encourage fellow students to make and fulfill “kindness pledges.” They will provide demonstrations on anti-bullying techniques and will have a “Mix it Up” lunch at Middlebrook where students will change tables at lunch time to help promote inclusion. They will also continue their “Spread the Word to End the “R” Word” campaign at  the Middlebrook and High School level. The Top Inclusion Models will also host a bake sale in April  where they will distribute bookmarks, and distribute puzzle piece nail art to raise awareness.

In the Community:

  • Peachwave Frozen Yogurt will help to support World Autism Day on April 2, by offering a 20 percent discount on their BLUE (bubble gum flavored) yogurt
  • The Wilton Emergency Responders will receive special needs emergency training on April 4. Members of the Parent Advisory Board are assisting with this effort.
  • The Parent Advisory Board will have a booth at the Tech Expo on April, 22.  They will hand out information on the latest technology available for the special needs population.  Bookmarks, and ‘Kindness Counts’ bookmarks will also be available.