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Students at Courtland Elementary School put up puzzle pieces around the school in recognition of Autism Awareness Month Date published: 4/24/2007
by elizabeth krietsch A chain of more than 1,000 turquoise, yellow, red and blue puzzle pieces adorns the halls of Courtland Elementary School these days in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The puzzle pieces have been posted by every student and teacher in the school. Some of the pieces contain autism facts and others have been decorated by students. The project was designed by Donna Cannavo, a special-education teacher. Her goal was to increase autism awareness and knowledge among Courtland students and others who enter the school. The project is titled "Working Together to Connect the Pieces," and reflects the autism awareness symbol--a pattern of brightly colored puzzle pieces that symbolize the disorder's complexity. According to Cannavo, the school does an autism awareness project each year because there is a large number of students with autism at Courtland. This year she placed a particular emphasis on getting all of the school's students to take part. "We are always trying to find ways of getting everyone involved and aware of autism," she said. One of Cannavo's main goals was to answer students' questions about autism and help them feel comfortable around students with autism. "I wanted to make them understand that although many of the autistic kids don't talk, they still understand what you're saying and want to be friends," Cannavo said. "They still love the same things." In order to further increase autism awareness at Courtland this month, the morning announcements include a fact about autism each day. In addition, Cannavo has been going into some of the classrooms to teach the students what the puzzle pieces mean, and answer questions. The puzzle chain will remain in Courtland's halls until the end of April, and possibly longer. Cannavo said she is pleased with the project's success. "Even when strangers walk into the school they ask questions," she said. "It makes people more aware of autism." Elizabeth Krietsch: 540/368-5036Email: ekrietsch@freelancestar.com
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