Triangle School Student Bella Ruh's Passion Project Brings Autism Awareness to Hillsborough Community
As part of the third and fourth grade REACH Program (gifted and talented) curriculum in Hillsborough Township Public Schools, each student chooses a topic they are interested in and works to complete a “passion project” to share their research and ideas with their peers and school community. This year, Triangle School fourth grade student, Bella Ruh, chose Autism Awareness for her project. With the help and support of her REACH Teacher, Amy Casale, and some Special Education teachers at Triangle Elementary School, including Somerset County Teacher of the Year, Viktoria Wargo, Ruh planned an exciting day of activities to mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2019. Her goal was to make a difference for her friends with autism.
Viktoria Wargo, Bella Ruh, Amy Casale
Ruh wanted her celebration and awareness campaign to reach beyond the walls of Triangle Schools students, families and staff. With some help from Wargo, invitations were sent to very important community members in Hillsborough as well as people around the state with some amazing results. In attendance for Triangle School’s Autism Awareness celebration were Dr. Lamont Repollet, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education; Senator Kip Bateman, of New Jersey’s 16th Legislative District; and Jennifer Skomial, the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. Also in attendance were members of the Hillsborough Township Committee, members of the Hillsborough Board of Education, and numerous administrators from around the district.
Dr. Lamont Repollet (NJ DOE Commissioner of Education), Student Ariel Biviano, and Senator Kip Bateman
The day’s schedule of events for the VIPs included an “Open House,” so visitors could observe students in the school’s autism program, followed by a discussion with the classroom teacher, Viktoria Wargo. The visitors were then invited to “Walk for Autism Awareness” where they joined the students and staff of Triangle Elementary School in a stroll around the school. Students and staff proudly wore blue to bring support to autism awareness and carried handmade signs of support as parents and community members cheered them on. No celebration is complete at Triangle School without a “Drop Everything and Dance.” At the end of the walk, all participants and cheering observers enjoyed some good music and danced to celebrate the awareness that was shared with all those who participated throughout the day.
Dr. Jorden Schiff (Superintendent), Jean Trujillo (Board of Ed member), Dr. Lorraine Soisson (Board of Ed Vice President), Jane Staats (Board of Ed member), Stripe the Tiger (Triangle School mascot), and Dr. Lamont Repollet
"I want to help make a difference and change how people interact with others that have autism. #Bekind," stated fourth grade student Bella Ruh.
“The Passion Project is such an integral part of the REACH curriculum. It gives students an opportunity to choose what they want to learn about. When Bella expressed an interest in learning about autism, I was both inspired and hopeful.” stated REACH teacher Amy Casale. “Over the course of the year, Bella nurtured her idea and let it grow in a way where she could make a difference. We can all make a difference if we try. I couldn't be prouder of her hard work and dedication. I hope she carries this with her and continues to ignite her desire to help others.”
“When Bella approached me and asked to help plan our Autism Awareness activities, I was brought to tears. To have a student so passionate about supporting her friends is exactly what we have been striving for in our schools. To see this connection through friendship come to fruition is as priceless as it gets when you are a teacher. The entire experience has been such a powerful teaching moment for both Bella and myself. I am honored to have the support of our special guests who visited us today and shared in our celebration,” stated Viktoria Wargo.