Albert Einstein Academy recognized and hosted Diversity Day on April, 25th 2024. In each building students were offered to show support for a disability and wear the disabilities coordinating color ribbon. The different disabilities to support included, ADD/ADHD, sensory processing disorder, mental illness, autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy. For each disability students read an informational card on the disability to gain a better understanding and promote positive conversations.
Throughout the day, students at our Strongsville campus came together to read children books that demonstrated inclusion, diversity, and a variety of disabilities. High School students went into elementary classrooms and read these books to the students. The titles and summaries of selected literature were:
Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds: Description from the back of the book.
"In Peter's signature voice and style, this empowering picture book reminds children of how much their dreams matter, and while life will have ups and downs, he enlists readers to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never ever forget to dream big!"
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds: Description from the back of the book.
"Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice."
The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds: Description from the back of the book.
"The Word Collector, is a story about a little boy named Jerome, who loves to collect words just as other children collect stamps, shells or rocks. The book celebrates the transformational power of words for all ages."
Be You by Peter H. Reynolds: Description from the back of the book.
"It encourages young children to take a chance to be themselves, to be who they are by being brave, thinking for themselves, being kind, being adventuresome, being ready to take the next step, being different, and being connected to others who make them feel like they can be themselves."
Our staff and students had the opportunity to dress up as superheroes to show off their inner superhero, we are all champions of diversity! The presence of diversity within AEA provides opportunities for students and staff to think about other perspectives and opinions beyond their own which promotes creativity and critical thinking skills. AEA is a proud community that promotes a culturally responsive environment fostering staff and students' diverse backgrounds.