DEB Newsletter
Volume 6
April 2021
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April is for Children’s Rights |
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Every Child Has the Right to: |
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Survival and development
Non-discrimination
Respect
A name and legal identity
A home
Friends of their own choosing
Protection from abuse and
exploitation
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Clean water and healthy food
Health care
A clean and safe environment
Clothing
A good education
Freedom to practice their culture,
language & religion
Rest and play
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We Are Commemorating: Autism Acceptance Month |
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Blue is the official color of Autism Acceptance Month and kicked off on April 2, 2021, with World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech, and nonverbal communication. It is often manifested by repetitive behaviors, but challenges differ by individual.
This year's theme, sanctioned by the United Nations, reflects the challenges and inequities magnified by Covid-19: “Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a post-pandemic world.”
Did You Know? Quick Facts about Autism
- 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls
- Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder, yet the most underfunded
- Climate activist Greta Thunberg, comedian Dan Akroyd, musician David Byrne, and the video game designer and creator of “Pokemon,” Satoshi Tajiri, are among some of the famous and accomplished people with ASD
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Three Quick Questions asked to Sears' Students |
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"Diversity means different" — Ella, grade 5
"Diversity means that instead of having a bunch of people that are the same race, religion, and other things that describe you, you have a group of people that have many differences." — Charlie, grade 4
"Diversity is fairness and giving" — Astor, grade 6
"Safety" — Aarti, grade 6
“My brother’s autism does not define him. He is so much more than his “disability” — Carina, grade 7
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"Equity means equal"— Ella, grade 5
"Equity means equality"— Astor, grade 6
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"Belonging means that you belong"— Ella, grade 5
"Belonging is how you belong to the world"— Lucca, grade 6
“Being inclusive makes for a happier world”— Sita, grade 2 and Vivaan, grade 6
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We Are Celebrating: World Culture Fair |
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The Sears World Culture Fair will take place on May 21, 2021! This wonderful Sears tradition is a great way to help our students learn about a new country and culture. If you are interested in helping, please consider signing up to host a country! We will pair you with a teacher to share with their classroom all that you can about the country and its people and culture. Please fill out this three-question survey to sign up, and we will reach out shortly with further information.
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Noncompliant is a podcast about neurodiversity and features interviews with activists, historians, autistic self-advocates, and other supporters.
The Aspie World is a podcast by Daniel Morgan of the United Kingdom who has Asperger's Syndrome. He talks about the life experience of autistic individuals and offers help and tips for this community.
The Neurodiversity Podcast features discussions with psychology and education experts to examine counseling, parenting, and best practices for neurodivergent kids and adults.
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All My Stripes by Danielle Royer and Shaina Rudolph (children’s book).
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Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman.
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My Brother Charlie by Denene Millner and Holly Robinson (children’s book).
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In February 2019, members of the JSSPVA met with the Joseph Sears School Administration to encourage richer dialogues and augmented programming around diversity, equity, and belonging in our school community. In response to this request, the JSSPVA and the administration co-created the DEB committee in August 2019 with monthly meetings beginning in November 2019. The committee is made up of parents, faculty, administration, socio-emotional learning team leads, and a school board member representative. This unique collaboration amongst school and community stakeholders allows for diverse perspectives on the committee and in the schoolhouse. |
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The Joseph Sears School DEB Committee
Faculty/Staff Committee Members
Nancy Economou, Social Worker
Hilary Harvey, Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator
Jennifer Arra, Fourth-Grade Teacher
Bill Gordon, Vocal Music Teacher
Myra Love, Student Services
Toula Sideris, Third-Grade Teacher
Parent Committee Members:
Kathy Ambrosino, Shawn Bard, Marjorie Bransfield, Tanya Brown, Sarah Czepiel, Analia Elizalde,
Steve Fifita, Allison Fitzgerald, Brittany Gottschall, Joe Guarino, Stephanie Joyce, Omar Khalaf,
Radhika Maheshwari, Anaga Maira, Sumita Mehta, Vanessa Menton, Steve Mugg,
Amisha Muthialu, Joanna Naftali, Kyra Nelson, Douw O'Kelly, Erin Paul
Kristin Pilant, Anne Ryan, Janet Scholl, Meredith Sullivan
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Interested in joining the DEB Committee? Please fill out the following form and a committee chairperson will reach out with more information. |
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The Joseph Sears School Diversity, Equity, Belonging Committee
542 Abbotsford Road, Kenilworth, IL, 60043
School Office: 847-256-5006
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