In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Smithtown Elementary School has installed a communication board at its school playground. An autism communication board is a specialize too created to aid individuals who struggle with verbal communication. It uses pictures and symbols to convey messages and thoughts.
News 12 Long Island covered the event and will broadcast a story on it this afternoon.
SEL RISE teacher, Mrs. Patrissi saw a communication board and brought the idea to SEL.
Principal Dr. Mary-Ellen Kakalos was thrilled with the idea. “We understand that students learn and communicate in different ways and having the communication board here, serves as a visual replication of a learning tool our students use daily as well as a functional tool for all students to use to play together!” Dr. Kakalos exclaimed.
At Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr. Kakalos thanked everyone for attending this special event.
“I’d like to thank our dedicated teachers and students as well as our central office administrators Dr. Secaur, Dr. Simmons, Mr. Helms, and our amazing custodial and grounds crew for supporting this project. We are very lucky in the Smithtown school district to have a collaborative and strong special education program. And now let’s officially cut the red ribbon and have some playground fun!”
Superintendent Dr. Secaur, Assistant Superintendent for instruction, Dr. Simmons, Assistant Superintendent for pupil personnel services, and SCSD Director of Facilities, Dan Helms, were among those in attendance for the ribbon cutting.
An additional thank you goes to the SCSD Administrator for Special Education and Special Services, Brenda Clark!
