“Communication Stations” Arrive at Elementary Schools

With the help of EJ Autism Foundation founder Bea Huste-Petersen and Wantagh’s Fast Signs company, the East Islip School District recently created and installed “communication station” boards at each of its four elementary schools – John F. Kennedy Elementary School, Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School, Connetquot Elementary School and Timber Point Elementary School. This new initiative was the brainchild of Connetquot special education teacher Crystal Ann Chiari.

“I saw this communication board at a playground in my home district and thought it would be a great addition to our East Islip community,” Chiari said. “The communication station can be used to help students with language difficulties while on the playground, and it uses icons that students can point to in order to help them socialize with peers and adults.”

Date Added: 8/15/2022