George Washington, Mamaroneck Avenue schools celebrate inclusivity

George Washington and Mamaroneck Avenue schools joined all elementary buildings this week in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week, which features different daily themes that honor “every student’s right to learn in an environment that supports diverse needs, embraces unique abilities and fosters a sense of belonging.” 

Much like a Spirit Week, each day encourages students and staff to express their unique selves, from wearing tie-dye and pajamas to donning crazy socks, mismatched outfits and finally wrapping up the week in proud GW spirit wear.

On Wednesday afternoon, George Washington first-grade teacher Tanya Doyle and ENL teacher Emily DeLucia led a lively read-aloud and community circle in their classroom. 

The day’s dress-up theme — superheroes who stand up for others — fit perfectly with their lesson from “We’re All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio. The book tells a story from the perspective of a boy with facial differences and his pup. It explores the important themes of empathy, kindness and seeing beyond a person’s differences. 

“We talked this morning about how we can stand up for people,” Ms. Doyle reminded her students as they gathered on the rug. “Why do you want to stand up for someone? What can we do when someone feels lonely or needs a friend?” 

Hands shot up eagerly as the students shared ideas about kindness and courage.

Ms. DeLucia introduced the vocabulary that guided the discussion: special, unique and wonder. 

“A wonder is something so amazing it makes your eyes pop out and you go, “Wow!’ The book helps us think about what makes each of us a wonder, too,” she told the children, who reflected on how the main character feels when others stare or say unkind things. 

“Sad,” one child said softly. “Like he doesn’t have any friends,” added another.  

The lesson included a heartwarming sharing circle, where every child named something that makes them special. 

“One thing that makes me special is that I’m a good friend,” one student said proudly. Another added: “One thing that makes me special is that I can do a backflip.” A third offered: “One thing that makes me special is that I speak another language.”

Teagan O’Sullivan sported a flowing red cape for the event.

“I am a superhero – Spider-Woman!” she exclaimed.

Photographs taken at Mamaroneck Avenue School also captured scenes of students clad in a wide variety of colorful superhero costumes for the event.