Staffing Update - I’m thrilled to say that Mr. Tynes and Mr. Dailey are very close to a return to Horace Mann. Mr. Tynes will be back on Monday, and Mr. Dailey will be back on Wednesday. I’m very thankful to Billy Young, Darlene Atkins, and a cast of others who have filled in to teach Art and PE in their absence.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week - “Founded by Siena Castellon in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organizations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent.”
At Horace Mann, we strive to honor and celebrate neurodiversity every day, not just during one specific week. As a staff we believe in an inclusive school environment that aims to normalize the idea that everyone has strengths and gifts to share with the world. We also acknowledge that everyone has something to work on and we all need supports to help us succeed and be our best.
As part of this week, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight work that has been going on as part of a grant written by Jenna Goldstein, our school psychologist, and several psychologists in the city. Jenna has developed materials over the past several years and partnered with classroom teachers to run weekly classroom discussions, lessons, and activities centered around celebrating the different ways that our neurologies are present in our classrooms each and every day.
At home, you can learn more about a range of neurodiversity topics by visiting the link I've included below:
https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/parent-resources
I've also included links to picture books that you can read with your child:
