Where Knowledge Leads to Understanding: Fountain Woods Elementary

Fountain Woods Elementary School in Burlington Township kicked off awareness activities with an annual disABILITY Fair on March 25th. The school ordered Autism New Jersey bookmarks, kid’s guides, rack cards, stickers, posters and pencils for the event. Staff members wore pins, and teachers were given packets with additional materials to help students learn more.

“Knowledge is power, that’s what we always say to them,” said special education teacher Leah Cattolico-Yago.

During the fair, all 275 of the school’s third-grade students rotated through five main stations: Visual, Hearing, Communication, Physical, and Pledge to Include. Each station (except for the Pledge station) included three interactive activities designed to help students experience what it may feel like to have a disability. “This event is a highlight every year, and students gain meaningful, hands-on insight while learning how to be more inclusive in school,” said Cattolico-Yago.

The school’s Unify Club, which brings together special and general education students, also contributed by creating commercials for the morning newscast and designing posters to display throughout the hallways that provide information on various disabilities. The club also helped separate and organize the materials that went out to teachers.

In addition, the school librarian distributed pencils and bookmarks to students as they listened to the book Acceptance Is My Superpower during the month. The school finished April with the students all making acceptance pinwheels that were displayed outside. The pinwheels symbolize how everyone is uniquely beautiful.