“Let’s play”: Wilkerson students put inclusion into action
When Jameson Do spot another student sitting alone on the playground steps during recess on Sept. 17, he didn't hesitate.
“Let's play,” Do said.
The two students soon found themselves playing ball together, turning what could have been a lonely recess into a moment of connection.
To an outside observer, it may have appeared to be a simple act of kindness. But for Do and his classmates, it was an opportunity to put into practice a lesson they had been learning all week: everyone communicates differently, and everyone deserves to feel included. 
From Sept. 14-18, students at Wilkerson Elementary School participated in Inclusion Week, an annual initiative designed to help students better understand different forms of communication while fostering kindness, empathy, and respect.
Throughout the week, students engaged in lessons and activities that highlighted the many ways people communicate and connect with one another.
On Monday, students learned about augmentative and alternative communication, commonly known as AAC. AAC encompasses all forms of communication beyond spoken language and can help individuals communicate through technology, picture boards, gestures, sign language, writing, or drawing. Students learned that AAC is used by people for a variety of reasons, including autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that can make verbal communication difficult.
The following day, students practiced basic sign language and learned how to introduce themselves without using their voices.
Classrooms also explored inclusion through literature. On Sept. 18, students gathered to read This Is How We Talk by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, a book that celebrates the many ways people communicate and connect with one another.
For kindergartener Nadia Hanko, the lesson connected directly to her own experiences at school.
She shared that she sometimes greets another student at Wilkerson who uses an iPad to communicate.
“I say hi, and then he pushes the letter that's hi,” she said.
The week concluded with one of Wilkerson's traditions: creating "paper people." Students designed paper cut-outs to resemble themselves, using crayons to accurately represent their unique features. The completed projects will join displays throughout the school celebrating the diversity of the Wilkerson community and helping students see themselves reflected in their learning environment.
Kindergartener Jameson Ryti particularly enjoyed the activity.
“Miss Choike got markers that match our skin,” he said.
According to Anthony Viviano, principal of Wilkerson Elementary School, Inclusion Week has become an important annual tradition because it reinforces a sense of belonging for every student.
“It's so important that all the kids know that they come to Wilkerson and they know that they belong, and this is just one really good example of them getting to personalize their life here,” Viviano said.
Beyond the featured activities, students participated in structured opportunities to strengthen their communication skills through conversations with peers and adults. Lessons focused on greetings, making requests, answering questions, taking turns in conversation, and using appropriate communication strategies during classroom activities.
Students were encouraged to communicate their wants and needs, engage with classmates in both academic and social settings, and practice building meaningful relationships. Staff members provided modeling, visual supports, and prompting when needed to help students gain confidence and independence.
Families were also encouraged to continue the conversation at home. Resources shared with parents included discussion prompts about being a kind friend, respecting classmates' choices, and understanding that every person's brain works differently.
For students like Do, the lessons extended far beyond the classroom walls.
His simple invitation on the playground demonstrated the core message of Inclusion Week: when students take the time to understand and include one another, everyone belongs.