Covert Avenue School scholars in grades K-2 celebrated Autism Acceptance Month with a special visit from local author Amy McCoy on April 28. McCoy, a disability educator and autism parent, recently published her third book, “Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story about Autism.” The children’s book is about first grader Katie and her older brother, Mikey, who is autistic.

During the assembly, McCoy spoke about her journey as a mother of an autistic child and how that experience motivated her to become an author. She discussed what autism is and the ways it can influence a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Additionally, McCoy shared her writing process and how an idea can eventually turn into a story. Along with sharing some pages from “Katie Finds Her Voice: A Story about Autism,” McCoy inspired the students to be kind, especially to those who might be different. The assembly concluded with a Q&A, where the scholars were able to ask McCoy questions about her family, books and writing. 

Each scholar received a copy of McCoy’s book from Principal Mary Natoli.

Date Added: 5/5/2025

Fun with words was the objective as Covert Avenue School scholars in grades K-2 put their vocabulary skills to the test during the Literacy Day Carnival on March 13.

The students excitedly entered the gymnasium to attend the carnival, presenting their entry ticket as they prepared to engage in the various interactive games and activities. Each station presented a new challenge, encouraging students to apply their grade-level vocabulary knowledge in a diverse range of stimulating tasks. In addition to classic games such as bowling and fishing, a sentence-building relay race tested their vocab agility, while a beach ball toss had them saying words tied to categories represented by the ball's colors. The carnival also featured a synonym/antonym popcorn game. As they participated, students earned tickets to trade for prizes, and they could even enjoy some creative fun at the hand-painting station.

In the afternoon, parents and guardians were invited to their child’s classroom to participate in different literacy-themed activities led by the teachers. Following a literacy presentation, they created retelling gloves and sticks, each a tool to assist students in retelling a story, as well as personalized bookmarks and reading trackers.

Literacy Day coincided with the building’s PARP Week (Pick a Reading Partner), held from March 3-14, which encouraged reading through fun, themed days. The carnival fell on “Snuggle with a Book” pajama day. Building students’ vocabulary skills is one of the building’s main initiatives this school year.

Click here to view the Covert Avenue School Students Have Fun with Words at the Literacy Day Carnival slideshow.

Date Added: 3/20/2025