Mendham Township Students Study Autism By 'Creating A Window'

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (April 27, 2021) – To ensure all students, regardless of their individual academic capabilities, can access the target curriculum, the Mendham Township School District (MTSD) employs a range of strategies to engage students and help them master learning key content. Besides accessing the target curriculum, elementary and middle school attendance are also an important time and venue for developing social skills. Dr. Rob Koroski, Director of Special Services at MTSD, explains the importance of enabling two-way communication. According to Dr. Koroski, being immersed in an educational environment requires providing insight and support to all parties. Students with special needs strive to interact and socialize with their teachers and classmates in general education classes but may need a little assistance with engaging in a dialogue or contributing their ideas. The same applies to general education students who wish to engage with fellow students who may have special needs but may not initially understand the other student’s reaction or response. By studying autism, students gain insight into the possible frustrations or range of perceptions experienced by students with special needs.

This month, in honor of Autism Awareness, the entire fourth grade of the Mendham Township Elementary School is celebrating LIGHT IT UP BLUE. The students are wearing blue, reading stories such as “Since We’re Friends,” by Celeste Shally, watching videos, and creating crafts to celebrate everyone's uniqueness. The students’ motto is EVERY PIECE BELONGS! The goal is for all students to better understand what autism is and what it is not. By being able to understand the behavior or emotions expressed by someone with autism, all students are supported in creating “a window” for improved communications and socialization. They are given an opportunity to “see” into each other’s world. “By preparing each student academically, socially, and emotionally to be happy and successful in the school community they will be well prepared for when they move on to high school and beyond, said Dr. Rob Koroski.

With the LIGHT IT UP BLUE program coming to a close at the end of this month, Grade 4 students have learned about how many people may be on the autism spectrum and some of the challenges this disorder can present. Students explored the unique value provided by every student and discussed how differences and similarities bring a richness of skills and talents to any group. By explaining to students how there may be differences in how people learn and interact, it creates a win/win solution for everyone. The school reflects a community made up of individual students with different skills, talents, and needs. The Mendham Township School District seeks to nurture positive interaction and communications among all students. These inclusive strategies help the entire student group prepare to participate and interact with all members of a larger community.