Community News

Communication Stations Arrive At East Islip Elementary Schools

Photos courtesy of East Islip School District

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 all have the new “communication stations.” This 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.”

(From left) East Islip Executive Director for Special Education, PPS and ENL Aileen M. O’Rourke, Connetquot Elementary School special education teacher Crystal Ann Chiari and Principal Nicholas Bilotti with Connetquot’s new communication station.

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