Neurodiversity Acceptance and Awareness Month has been engaging, eventful and effervescent across the CHSD. 

“This month - and always we celebrate all kinds of minds,” noted Melissa Rohr, a special education chairperson. “We welcome all to recognize and celebrate our differences, which are our superpowers.” 

 Organized by Carly Wagner and Melanie Picchioni, Calhoun High School had a different activity to bring awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity. 

The Neurodiversity Kickoff on April 1 began with a photo booth sponsored by Freshmen Experience. At night, students and families attended Neurodiversity Night at the New York Islanders game.  

On April 2, World Autism Day, the Speech Department ran a friendship bracelet-making table. Junior Nattie Martin also presented her neurodiversity talk in health classes to educate her peers about neurodiversity.  

On April 3, the Prep for the Future program students operated a pop-up shop with new merchandise from the school store, The Stable. On April 4, they held a Spring Market in the school lobby featuring coffee drinks, Calhoun merchandise, and other handmade items. 

“It was very well attended by many in the building, and there were great opportunities for students to chat and spend time,” added Rohr. 

The Neurodiversity Advocacy Club set up a Bitsy Bat table where students were asked to fill out a star with what makes them special.  

To celebrate, the Natural Helpers Club at Merrick Avenue Middle School organized a Light it Up Blue Day on April 2. Led by teacher Lauren Beinert, all students and faculty were encouraged to wear blue. 

At Grand Avenue Middle School, the Inclusivity Club worked closely with the Advisory Committee to develop activities for students to honor and recognize Neurodiversity in our school community.  

“To begin April, the Advisory classes learned facts about Neurodiversity, we read "Bitzy Bat" together in each advisory class, and students created their own stars with a fact about what makes them special and/or unique,” noted Barbara Kubler, a special education chairperson. “Our Inclusivity Club then hung up the stars in the hallway to highlight the beauty of our differences, unifying us.” 

The Inclusivity Club also created a Neurodiversity Acceptance Spirit Week connected to different aspects of Neurodiversity.  

The Club hosts a Candy Sale in early May to raise money for Neurodiversity acceptance organizations. 

Volunteers from various clubs at Mepham High School made blue ribbon pins, which were given to all the students and staff on April 2. On the days leading up to April 2, students were given puzzle pieces to decorate and hang on the windows in the hallway. Additionally, on Wednesdays, they held a bake sale. The efforts were also covered by the district’s Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting program on their weekly update program. 

On April 23, the Kennedy girls’ lacrosse program hosted an Autism Acceptance event ahead of their home game. The team partnered with the opposing team, Glen Cove High School team to sell merchandise.  

Led by Coach Freely, they raised $1,000 for the Brookville Center for Child Services.  

Looking ahead, the Calhoun Softball Program is hosting a day of Autism and Neurodiversity Acceptance fundraiser games on May 10, starting at 10 a.m. Led by Coaches Pisano and Sieber, all proceeds will be donated to the Calhoun Connections program.