1 of 68 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs). Autism is a developmental disorder of variable severity that is characterized by difficulty with social interactions and communication and by repetitive or restricted patterns of thoughts and behavior. The month of April has been internationally dedicated to bring awareness to ASD. There are few students in Big Sandy who have been diagnosed with ASD and supporting this cause is also supporting these students and their families. These students receive work with aids and work in the resource room with Mrs. Laura Cline. Plenty of people in the Big Sandy community have happily supported this important endeavor.
I have spoken to Cat Ostrom about how the Big Sandy School’s staff has jumped at the opportunity to support such an inspiring cause. “I am so happy to work with such an amazing group of people who easily come together for something so important” Cat stated. April 2nd was Autism Awareness day. F.E. Miley staff and students wore blue on April 6th for recognition of the cause. It’s a pleasure to be able to state that not only the Elementary staff is supporting this cause but so are the high school staff and students. Mr. Howell, the Big Sandy School’s librarian, expanded the library collection to include books about ASD for both the Elementary and the High School. Miss Jaramillo, the Big Sandy art teacher, has organized awareness art projects with the students.
Mr. Brumwell, the Big Sandy gym and health enhancement teacher, has been trying to incorporate Walk for Autism into P.E. Miss Terry, the F.E. Miley second grade teacher, has had herself and her students make puzzle pieces and ribbons to decorate the hallways. Mrs. Darlington, talented and gifted teacher for F.E. Miley, has coloring pages for the hallways. Mrs. Cline has worksheets, crosswords, and word find activities that are about ASD. The staff is also trying to have a speaker from Havre come down and speak to the children about the importance of this cause.
The Big Sandy School’s staff and students have also influenced other people around town. On April 6th Vicki Kulbeck happily donated blue ribbons that the students turned into pins as an art project. The Big Sandy 4H group has also donated candy for everyone who wore blue. Seeing the town come together to support this amazing cause is heartwarming to the families and students of Big Sandy. This national awareness is a wonderful concept to join and I am proud to live in a community that is not afraid to support causes that can help bring awareness to so many people.
