Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
April was Autism Awareness Month. It is a time when people of like experiences gather. It is a time when people share their stories of challenges and triumphs. It is a time when fundraising far exceeds expectations.
Monday night, the Sidney School Board reaped the benefits of the local efforts. Eric and Mollie Packer, along with representatives of Adams Industries and the Office of Human Development, presented a check to the school board. The check is a result of a combined effort supporting autism awareness.
The three businesses combined donation resulted in $8,000. Eric Packer, general manager of the Sidney Dairy Queen, said an autism walk was held in April, and Adams Industries representative Meghan Price and the OHD, represented by Nick Hayes Monday, donated toward the cause.
Superintendent Jay Ehler said the board is thankful for the support of local businesses. Packer said autism support is important to his family because they have two children diagnosed with autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The National Institute of Mental Health defines ASD as including difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work and other areas of life. The NIMH says autism is referred to as a “spectrum” because there is a wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
Special Education Coordinator Whitney Hurt said her suggestion for the donation is a training event for local law enforcement and first responders. The program would teach responders the how to react to people with special needs.
“We’re going to invite as many surrounding communities as we can,” Hurt said.
In other business, the board recognized the Sidney High School District music results. Of the 22 events Sidney students competed in, 21 scored a one, and one scored a two. The Spring Academic All-State students were recognized as well. Alexah Fort and Allison Nesbitt are the All-State Music students; Hannah Kennedy and Allison Nesbitt are the Girls Track and Field All-State students and Arik Doty and Cade Lewis are the boys Track and Field All-State students.
Ehler stressed there are other students who likely did as well as the students selected. However, only two can be selected for each division.
Ehler also discussed the annual safety review for the district. The review, conducted by Allen Gross, says the District “has excellent Safety Procedures in place,” according to Gross’ letter to Ehler. Ehler said one recommendation from the review is to have drills practicing moving students to an off-site evacuation point.
The board also approved the resignation of Judi Roach and Laura Wellman, and approved teaching contracts for Madison Langley, Sarah Krause and Marcus Bish. Langley was a student teacher in the district.
The next board meeting is scheduled for June 10.
Reader Comments(0)