On Monday, there was a school wide assembly explaining inclusion to the students and the principal read a book on inclusion which she had adapted by putting it on a projector. The PTA put up a great bulletin board with all different kids saying WELCOME in different languages.  During the week the Guidance Counselor or principal visited each room and did more activities around inclusive education.  The 4^th grade made posters using words or phrases that related to inclusion for each letter of the word “INCLUSION”. Last night began with me speaking to the parents about inclusion.  I talked about IDEA and the Gaskin Settlement and supports and services available to kids, person-first language and what inclusion has meant to our family.  I had handouts about the benefits of inclusive education to all involved and person-first language.  The principal set-up awareness centers manned by teachers (15 teachers participated).  The teachers were to remind students that, even though the activities may seem fun, some people have to do this every day.  One station was set up so that kids were given directions for a writing activity though headphones while the teacher rang a cowbell and banged a gong. Another teacher taught sign language and another did “mirror writing” where the participants had to look in a mirror while writing their name (very difficult).  There were 9 stations in all.   

There was a raffle ($50 savings bond, $15 Barnes and Noble GC and 4 passes to the Children’s Museum). 

There was also an art activity where the kids colored a gingerbread-shaped figure and when all the kids were done, it was put together to form a big puzzle.