Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Michelle Long presented information about autism to students and faculty in Peetz on Wednesday afternoon.
Rhyder Schumacher along with other Peetz students were given blue velvet cupcakes in honor of World Autism Awareness Month.
Peetz students, teachers and parents filled the gym wearing blue to support the "Light It Up Blue" campaign that raises awareness about autism.
The month of April is the eighth annual World Autism Awareness Month where information is shared about autism and celebrated with fundraising and awareness-raising events. World Autism Awareness Day was officially celebrated on April 2 to bring attention to the growing global health crisis.
This year, Peetz students were able to get information about autism and participate in the international "Light It Up Blue "Campaign.
Autism is one of only three health issues to be recognized with its own day by the United Nations. This is a developmental disability that includes engaging in repetitive behaviors, and having difficulties with communication and social interactions.
Through activities and informational presentations, there is an increase of knowledge on autism and the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. World Autism Awareness Day also celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with autism around the world.
Thousands of iconic landmarks, communities, businesses and homes across the world unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families around the world affected by autism. Instead of its school color of green, the Peetz gym was filled with students, parents and teachers wearing blue to show their support.
Selena Kennedy, the special education teacher at Peetz, coordinated the school's first autism awareness event.
"We encouraged the students to participate and wear blue to spread awareness," Kennedy said. "Each student will receive a different puzzle piece to go with the theme of how we are all different, and they will get a blue velvet cupcake."
Michelle Long of Peetz was the guest speaker who shared her own experiences with having a son with autism and how they work through things together. Long also gave information about what it's like to have autism and used student volunteers to participate in motor skills and sensory activities to show what it might be like to have autism.
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