Center Moriches School District Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

The Center Moriches School District proudly recognized Autism Acceptance Month throughout April with districtwide initiatives and student-led activities focused on inclusion, understanding, and community service across all schools.

Throughout the month, students and staff participated in awareness campaigns designed to celebrate and support individuals with autism. On April 2, the district hosted a Pajama Day fundraiser, and every Friday throughout the month, students and staff wore blue in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month. These efforts helped foster unity and encouraged meaningful conversations about acceptance and empathy throughout the school community.

At Clayton Huey Elementary School, students participated in grade-level assemblies designed to build awareness and celebrate the diverse ways individuals experience the world. The presentations, led by teachers Mrs. Russo, Mrs. Heely, and Mrs. Smeja, were tailored for kindergarten and first grade, second and third grades, and fourth and fifth grades to ensure age-appropriate discussions about autism and inclusion.

Students also engaged in hands-on learning during the school’s “Autism Acceptance Sensory Days.” Interactive sensory stations included activities such as a kinetic sand table, a sand pit, a wall-pushing station, a music station with instruments and headphones, and a calming corner with soft seating and fidget tools, helping students better understand sensory experiences and appreciate neurodiversity.

The month concluded at Clayton Huey with a schoolwide Kahoot! trivia game, followed by a powerful “walk out in unity,” when students formed an infinity symbol representing autism acceptance and the infinite diversity of the human experience. The celebration ended with a performance of the song “You-nique” by QuaverEd, reinforcing the message that every individual is valued, strong, and unique.

At Center Moriches middle and high Schools, students attended an Autism Acceptance Month presentation led by student Kayla Kelly; Jessica Spillett, an 8:1:1 Life Skills teacher; and Alyssa Vetter, an 8:1:1 teacher assistant. During the presentation, students shared peer-led service initiatives, including “Apples for Eddie,” which collects apples for local food pantries, and “Comfort Kits for First Responders,” highlighting the importance of compassion, advocacy, and community service.

“Our schools did an outstanding job creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn about acceptance, empathy, and inclusion throughout Autism Acceptance Month,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ricardo Soto said. “From student-led presentations and community service initiatives at the high school to hands-on sensory experiences at Clayton Huey, these efforts reflect the compassionate and supportive culture we continue to foster across the entire Center Moriches School District. We are proud of our students and staff for embracing and celebrating the unique strengths of every individual.”

For more information on the Center Moriches Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at cmschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cmschools.org/ #CMSchools