Dayton Avenue School students are using their voices to make sure that those with disabilities are included.

Athletes from the Bionic Project recently visited the students to discuss the definition of a “disability” and to raise awareness that disabled persons may interact with the world differently but can perform many of the same tasks as nondisabled persons. Athletes Nico Calabria and Joven Booker, para athletes at the top of their game, discussed how commercials often give mixed clues about the disabled and encouraged the students to use their voice to make sure disabled persons receive what they need and are included.

Principal Dr. Shelita Watkis said the assembly was a call to action. “We are asking the students to consider what they can do today to make Dayton Avenue more inclusive,” she said.

Additionally, the students celebrated Rock Your Socks Day. Each year on March 21, people around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored and mismatched socks. Socks are worn this day because the karyotype of Down syndrome chromosomes look like mismatched socks.

Click here to view the Dayton Avenue Students Use Their Voices to Include Those With Disabilities slideshow.

Date Added: 3/24/2025

Throughout the district, elementary school students were found with a book as they celebrated Read Across America. From reading a favorite or new book to participating in literacy activities throughout the day, the schools observed the national literacy event with fun and educating ways.  

Older students in the elementary buildings read to their younger peers in addition to teachers hosting read alouds. At Eastport Elementary School, students and their buddies collaborated on a Seuss Sock craft during library class in recognition of the iconic author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2. At Dayton Avenue, the students designed bookmarks for the books they were reading. 

Read Across America, sponsored by the National Education Association, commenced in 1998 to make children more excited about reading. 

Click here to view the Elementary Students Celebrate Read Across America slideshow.

Date Added: 3/6/2025