Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools proudly celebrated Neurodiversity Week from March 16-20. At Brunner Elementary School, the week stretched across subject areas and grade levels and is becoming a beloved tradition. 

Led by Special Education Teacher Alexandra Graham and paraprofessional Rosemarie Pearce, the week-long celebration of inclusion, understanding, and acceptance is now in its fourth year at Brunner. Each year, it has expanded and now includes all 467 students from pre-K through 4th grade at Brunner. 

“Each year, we ask ourselves how we can go a little bigger,” Pearce said.  

This year’s theme, “I Am,” encouraged students to express their identities through positive affirmations.  

Students and staff participated in themed activities designed to celebrate diverse minds. Highlights included a rainbow tie-dye themed kickoff day, fun hair and hat day to “decorate our amazing brains”, sensory-friendly pajama day, and mismatched socks day in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.  

The celebration culminated in a school-wide art project supported by Art Teacher Brian Rosenberger. Each student created a unique watercolor background, added a black-and-white photo of themselves, and completed “I Am” affirmation statements such as “I am kind,” “I am a friend,” or “I am a problem solver.”  

The colorful, quilt-like design is on display at Brunner.  

Also during the week, morning announcements, led by fourth graders, featured stories of famous neurodivergent individuals from around the world and Media Specialist Michele Rabe helped select stories that highlight neurodiversity. 

For Graham and Pearce, the week holds deep personal and professional significance.  

At its core, the week reflects SPF’s strong sense of community.  

“We are always thinking about how we can be who we are as individuals, while also building each other up as a whole community,” said Graham. “It’s about celebrating every student for who they are.”