Every member of the Farmingdale School District brings a unique presence to the community, which is worth celebrating. Every April, Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, the focus is on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.
(Photo courtesy of The Farmingdale School District)
“Autism Awareness Month has always had a special place in my heart,” special education teacher Nancy Pavlic said. “Promoting awareness and acceptance was, and still is, an important part of my career.”
Pavlic, along with fellow special education teacher Ivelysse Powers, with the support of Farmingdale High School staff and students, promoted Autism Awareness and Acceptance throughout April. Their goal is to spread awareness and educate others about Autism. “Dalers We All Fit Together” was selected as the theme for this year’s t-shirt to represent how, as Dalers, a spirit of acceptance and community is fostered.
“Making a difference in my student’s lives every day is what keeps me doing what I love to do, and showing others that students with autism can do so much, and more, just like anyone else,” Pavlic said. “I do not see their disability; I see their amazing personalities and all of the wonderful things they are capable of accomplishing for themselves.”
Through t-shirt sales, Pavlic and Powers raised $619.29, all of which was donated to the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA). NSASA Executive Director Suzanne Reek recently visited Farmingdale High School to receive the donation. She thanked Pavlic, Powers, their students, Farmingdale High School Principal Dr. Sam Thompson and Farmingdale’s Special Education Chairperson Brian Norton, for their support and posed for a picture.
“The selflessness demonstrated in our school community is a joy to be a part of,” Thompson said. “We were following the lead to support a worthy cause, and Ms. Pavlich and Ms. Powers led the way.”
NSASA is a parent-run organization serving over 4,000 families on Long Island. The organization’s mission is to support individuals with autism in our local community. NSASA provides free educational, social, and recreational opportunities to families touched by autism through their fundraising efforts. NSASA also offers grants to local school programs that serve children with autism.
For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, visit www.farmingdaleschools.org and like the Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.
-Submitted by the Farmingdale School District
