Skip To Main Content

ACE students at MVHS learn about and share projects about autism to spread awareness and acceptance

A man stands in front of a presentation screen displaying an autism awareness graphic, with colorful posters about historical events on the wall behind him.
ACE students at MVHS learn about and share projects about autism to spread awareness and acceptance

Mount Vernon High School Academic and Career Exploration (ACE) Program students shared their knowledge and creativity through engaging PowerPoint presentations and sensory-based activities designed to promote understanding and inclusion of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The project began with meaningful classroom discussions where students reflected on what they already knew about autism and shared personal experiences involving themselves, friends and/or family members with the diagnosis.

Guided by their Social Studies teacher, Ms. Jackson, the MVHS ACE students learned that autism is a neurodevelopmental spectrum that every individual experiences differently. Lessons focused on communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and the many strengths individuals with autism possess. Students also viewed age-appropriate educational videos and participated in a mini activity where they decorated and customized their hand and reflect on personal questionnaires “What does Autism mean to me” and/or ways that I learn best in school which they added to their PowerPoints.

While many students expressed themselves through descriptive words, visuals, and organized presentations, others participated through sensory-related activities that supported their unique learning styles and communication needs. The project encouraged all students to develop research, technology, and presentation skills while practicing respectful and inclusive language.

The culminating event allowed students to present their projects to visiting guests using the classroom Smartboard. Through their thoughtful presentations and creative work, students helped spread awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for individuals with autism, making the month’s activities both educational and inspiring for everyone involved. Thank you to the following individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to listen to the powerful presentations:

  • Mrs. L. Bavosa (mom of I. Bavosa/ACE 1)
  • Ms. Hutchinson
  • Mrs. Dalmau
  • Ms. Lee
  • Coach Murray 
  • Ms. Peniston
  • Mrs. Fernandez
  • Mr. Ferguson (Special Education Interim Director)
  • Ms. LaJuan White (Assistant Superintendent for Student Personnel Services)
  • Dr. Gayle White (Director of Pre-K, Gifted and Talented and Special Projects)
  • Mrs. Hawkins (Special Education Curriculum Coach)
  • Ms. Rhodes (Director of Humanities)
  • Ms. Mayzun (Director of Physical Education and Health)
A young man in a maroon hoodie stands in front of a large interactive screen displaying information about autism, with a map of Canada visible on the wall behind him.
A young man stands in front of a presentation screen displaying his learning preferences, with a "Map of the World" poster visible on the wall behind him.
A young man presents a slideshow on a large screen in a classroom adorned with a "Map of the World" poster and various educational charts.
A young person in a blue sweatshirt builds with LEGOs on a gray desk, with classroom furniture visible in the blurred background.
Colorful handprint art celebrating Autism Awareness is displayed on a wooden surface, with a large "AUTISM AWARENESS" poster in the upper left corner and various smaller artworks and American flags filling the rest of the frame.
A woman plays with shaving cream in the foreground, while a classroom with artwork and bookshelves fills the background.
A smiling girl in the foreground holds up a colorful Lego creation, while in the background, a classroom wall displays educational posters and a large screen.
Three children are in a classroom with colorful handprints and student photos on the walls.
Two children hold fluffy white material in their hands, with a sign reading "find the marbles!!" in the foreground and colorful artwork on the wall in the background.
A woman in a gray jacket looks down at a tray of cupcakes on a desk, with shelves of books and supplies in the background.
A young man stands in front of a large interactive screen displaying a presentation, with a colorful "Map of the World" poster and other student artwork adorning the wall behind him.
Students in a classroom are building with LEGOs at a table, with bookshelves and a window visible in the background.
A young boy stands in front of a presentation screen displaying "Autism Awareness Month" while a colorful world map adorns the classroom wall behind him.
A young girl with long, dark curly hair points at a laptop screen while sitting at a desk in a classroom with other students in the background.
In the foreground, two people stand before a large interactive screen displaying a presentation, while the background features a world map and a bulletin board adorned with colorful papers.
A man in a blue t-shirt stands in front of a large screen displaying information about autism, with a colorful world map and posters on the wall behind him.
A young man presents a slideshow about autism, featuring a colorful puzzle pattern on the screen, with a classroom environment visible in the background.
A young man stands in front of a presentation screen displaying a portrait and text, with a world map and colorful decorations on the wall behind him.
A student presents a slide about learning preferences and favorite activities, with a "Map of the World" poster visible on the wall behind them.

 

No post to display.