Simmons Elementary School
April 21, 2021
Understanding Autism
Our team of autistic support teachers shared this message from a former student about he navigates the world as a person with autism.
"Learning is hard because things get mixed up in my head. Like fractions and doing times tables and dividing. Like Readworks and it’s like there are no answers. There are a lot of words and I try to find the words that match and when I think I do it right I always only get 1 out of ten or three out of ten.
It is hard for me to talk to people because it is hard to say “hi, how are you?’ It is hard to have conversations with people because I don’t know what to say and ask questions. I want to make more friends but it is hard for me.
I like to joke around but I am not sure in school when I should be funny and when I should not be silly in school or when I should joke around with other people. I joke around at home with my family.
I do not like to raise my hand in front of the class because everyone is watching me and looking at me. I get worried because people are looking at me. I get scared when I raise my hand in person because people are looking at me. It is easier to raise my hand on Microsoft teams because people are not looking at me. If I am the only one doing it I do not like it. I want to be the same as everyone else.
When someone asks me a question it takes me some time to get the answer in my head.
Sometimes it is hard for me to understand because there other things are in my head and I do not hear what is being said.
Sometimes the same food at different places taste differently and loud noises bother me.
I like everything to be organized because it would make me uncomfortable it was messy. I notice when clocks are a different time and it frustrates me when they are not the right time.
I like to be kind to everyone. It bothers me when someone is mean to someone else or me.
I am good at fixing things and good at building robots."
Spring 2021 PSSA's
Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 completed the ELA portion of the PSSA's today. Next week, students will complete the Math and Science sections. Testing begins at 9 a.m. for each section of the assessments, so please be sure that students arrive by 8:40 each day. On days when the older grades are taking PSSA's, the schedule will change for our younger students, with special area classes moved to the morning. Lunch times remain the same for all students.
April 26, 27 Grades 3, 4, and 5 MATH
April 28, 29 Grade 4 SCIENCE
News from the Simmons HSA
Earth Day at Jarrett Nature Center
Kindergarten 2021-22 Registration
Please share this link with friends and neighbors who have kindergarten-age children.
News from the Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation
On May 15 & 16, 2021 the HHEF, in conjunction with Horsham Township and the Borough of Hatboro, will be hosting the HHEF Walk for Education Weekend.
Featuring two walking routes -- one on the trails of Horsham Township and one on the store-filled sidewalks of Hatboro – the HHEF Walk for Education Weekend will allow participants to stroll along signage filled pathways that will educate them about HHEF supported programs and our generous HHEF sponsors. Participants will also find selfie-stations where they can snap a photo of themselves and post on Facebook to earn a chance to win fun prizes!
You can “Step out” for Education as you enjoy a walk with family, friends, or even solo. Go at your own pace and on your own schedule! There is no required fee to take a walk on our designated routes, but your generous support will help us continue to provide innovative education opportunities for our students…AND you’ll also get a cool event t-shirt!
We hope you will join us!
To register click here (www.hhef.org)