“I can actually read!” exclaimed one Castle Rock student, their excitement palpable as they confidently used a reading pen, a new tool made available by Castle Rock School District’s Special Services department. “I don’t have to rely on others to read for me, I can do it myself.” This sense of empowerment was a key highlight of the neurodiversity initiatives in the district.
The student, a neurodivergent sixth-grader, participated in the “Minds of All Kinds Neurodiversity Night” at Castle Rock Elementary School on March 26, 2024. This event, a key part of the district’s Neurodiversity Week celebrations, was designed to bring together families, students, and educators to celebrate neurodiversity and explore special learning tools provided by OSPI’s Digital Equity and Inclusion grant. These tools, including the reading pens and iPads, were available for families and students to explore. iPads can be used in various ways, such as a communication or translation device, or with apps like TD Snap that replace or support spoken language to meet different communication needs and preferences. Students may also use them to access content materials for classes. The district provides all students with a more equitable learning environment by incorporating these specialized learning devices.
In addition to exploring these tools, students participated in a story walk based on the book Poppy and the Overactive Amygdala by Holly Provan. By following along with the main character’s journey, participants of the story walk learned about the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear and emotion. They connected how the amygdala is related to different mental health challenges and behaviors. Thanks to community members Mike and Betsy Berndt and the Childers family, who donated books centered around neurodiversity, this book and others were available to borrow from the Minds of All Kinds Lending Library. The library, a valuable resource located in the elementary school for the community, allows students and families to access a wide range of books and materials that promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
During the event, the district also shared information on the upcoming playground communication boards as part of its Inclusive Playground Project. These boards, funded by OSPI’s Healthy Kids-Health Schools grant, allow nonspeaking students to communicate with their peers and school staff while on the playground through a composition of images that students can point to or touch. These resources, strategically placed in Castle Rock’s school playgrounds and the district’s gymnasium facilities, aim to foster communication and social interaction among all students, regardless of their verbal abilities.
Minds of All Kinds Neurodiversity Night was only one feature of the district’s celebration of Neurodiversity Week, which they recognized on March 25-29. Neurodiversity Week is a worldwide initiative that asks schools and communities to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions around neurological differences. It aims to create a more equitable culture that celebrates differences.
Over the past few years, Castle Rock Elementary School’s Special Services department has recognized Neurodiversity Week in some way. However, this year’s festivities highlight how much this important topic has influenced the district. The elementary, middle, and high school all hosted a neurodiverse-themed Spirit Week, with themes like “Sensory Friendly”. This theme allowed students to dress in comfortable clothing that supported sensory sensitivity, promoting a more inclusive and understanding environment. Another theme, “Blue Day”, where students and staff dressed all in blue to support autism awareness, aimed to raise awareness and promote acceptance of autism. The festivities continued into April for Autism Acceptance Month as the middle school competed in a neurodiversity door decorating contest.
These celebrations extended beyond the school walls when the City of Castle Rock officially embraced Neurodiversity Week, urging the entire community to participate. The Castle Rock Police Department, in a show of solidarity, donned blue badges throughout Neurodiversity Week and Autism Acceptance Month, demonstrating the community’s active involvement and support.
The sixth-grade student using the reading pen at Neurodiversity Night is just one of many who will be impacted by the events of Neurodiversity Week and Autism Acceptance Month. Their excitement and newfound independence in reading is a testament to the success of the event and the positive impact it has on students.
“It will be really helpful for other students that are in my situation,” the student explained. “If I am ever a mentor, I can help reassure other students when they feel like they will never be able to read.”
Jeanne Foster, the district’s Director of Special Services, hopes that these efforts will develop caring individuals who treat each other with respect and are safe citizens of their community.
“Our efforts on a daily basis focus on developing students in their academic growth, and as caring individuals who are active participants in their community,” Foster said. “To provide equitable access, including digital access, based on what a student needs, helps us continue to progress towards our goals.”
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Castle Rock School District, students will continue to reap the benefits of these resources for years to come, ensuring a lasting impact on their educational journey.
