Sonoma Elementary is one of the eight elementary schools with structured Communication Classrooms. Levin started Kindergarten with Mrs. Mary Luckie and then transitioned to Mrs. Jennifer Franco’s 1st grade class. All of these Special Education teachers are exceptional in working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
First Grade
Second Grade
Levin is in Mr. Edward Amador’s 2nd grade class. He is doing well, but working on improving his reading skills.
Sonoma Elementary 2nd graders had a field trip to White Sands National Monument on April 14, 2023. They had a blast!
Third Grade
Levin has been placed in Mrs. Melendez’s 3rd grade general education classroom. Inclusion in general classrooms provides access to the same routines and curriculum, encouraging participation of all students in activities done inside and outside the classroom, and holding all students up to the highest of standards regardless of a disability.
Top 5 take aways about including students with ASD:
- Inclusion is very important for students with ASD. They need the opportunity to learn to interact with others and improve their social skills. It is important to promote positive peer interactions. Provide peers with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully interact with classmates who have ASD.
- Promoting understanding in the classroom is very important. Support peers to welcome the student with ASD. Communicate that teasing and bullying are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
- An adaptive environment is very important. For example, adapting equipment to meet the student’s needs, such as grip adapters for pencils, raised line paper, etc. Another student might have sensory issues with lights and may be allowed to wear a cap during class.
- Promote Organization. Some students with ASD have a difficult time keeping materials organized. Help the student by color coding materials, place labels or pictures to indicate where materials should be placed.
- Provide structure. Present an individual schedule with the sequence of that day’s activities. Try to establish predictable routines. If the unexpected happens and the student feels anxious, provide a process where they can request a break.
According to the LCPS “Services for Children with Autism,” Parent Handbook, there are eight elementary schools in the LCPS district that have been identified as elementary autism sites:
Las Cruces Public Schools Elementary Autism Programs
1. Alameda
2. Central
3. Doña Ana
4. Hermosa Heights
5. Highland
6. Mesilla
7. Sonoma
8. University Hills