Pearl River Schools Go Blue for Autism Awareness

Pearl River will be showing off its blue Monday, April 2, but not in a show of school spirit.

Pearl River Schools are asking students and staff to wear blue in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day.

"You can show your support locally and join us in shining a light on autism by wearing blue," said Pearl River Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano. 

The district began doing this in 2010, the year Autism Speaks began its Light it Up Blue campaign to raise awareness and funds to help people with autism.

The individual schools may have special programs of their own. In 2011, in addition to students and staff wearing blue, a student Lincoln Avenue Elementary School read a story about his younger brother, who has autism, over the loudspeaker. 

"Light It Up Blue, in its third year, is a unique global initiative to help raise awareness about the growing public health concern that is autism," reads a description on the Autism Speaks website. "Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support."

The local version of the campaign, Light It Up Blue Rockland, will also kick off its efforts for 2012 Monday.  

Pearl River School District Director of Special Services Carolyn Moffa and PRSD SEPTA President and Board of Education Member Jackie Curtiss provided information about autism to be displayed at every building in the district and blue rubber bracelets the student councils are selling. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Light it Up Blue Campaign.

Parent volunteers Stacy Maher-Gurniak, Jessica Dunleavy, Maylene Klein, Rachel Hyman and Lauren Keena donated their time to make ribbons for each staff member in the district.