Arroyo Vista Students Experience Hands-on Learning about Inclusiveness

This month, Arroyo Vista (AV) Elementary students have been learning about the character trait of inclusiveness. In tandem with these lessons, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities recognizing National Autism Acceptance month.

The month of events began with a curated, school-wide student art exhibition 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 AV, students learned more about autism and how to support those with autism while watching a short film— Audrey’s Autism Story. Activities continued this week with an art cart experience for students, inspired by landscape artist Stephen Wiltshire, who is autistic. Students and employees will “Light Up Gold” on April 20, when they wear gold/yellow clothing and accessories to show awareness, understanding, and acceptance of those with autism at AV and in the community.

Community members in South Pasadena are invited to participate in the culminating event on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 9 a.m. – 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. Join artists from WOVE Arts LLC and volunteers from AV to paint a portion of the campus gold/yellow with chalk spray as a representation of the students at AV who have autism.

Thank you to the team of parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners who have come together to support inclusiveness and National Autism Acceptance Month.

Arroyo Vista Elementary School, 335 El Centro St., South Pasadena, (626) 441-5840 or visit https://arroyo.spusd.net/.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, scarroll@spusd.net.