Westwood Elementary has taken an important step toward creating a more inclusive environment for all students with the recent installation of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) banners on its playground. These banners are designed to help non-verbal students better communicate and engage with their peers during recess and playtime.
The banners, which display a variety of simple, visual symbols, allow students to point to pictures that express their needs, thoughts, or actions. This system not only benefits non-verbal students but also promotes greater understanding and empathy among all children, helping to bridge communication gaps.
The initiative was spearheaded by Westwood’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), which worked alongside parents and the broader community to make the project a reality. Thanks to their dedicated efforts and support, these banners now offer a fun and practical tool for students to connect with one another, regardless of their communication abilities.
“We’re thrilled to see how these PECS banners are already making a difference,” said a PTO parent. “They are a valuable asset in fostering inclusion, teaching students about disabilities, and showing how we can all play and learn together—both inside and outside the classroom.”
Parents of students like Treyven and Truett Stimac, who are on the autism spectrum and experience communication challenges, are especially excited about the positive impact these banners will have. By providing visual tools for communication, the banners create meaningful opportunities for their children to engage in social interactions, helping ensure that every student feels included, respected, and understood.
This project is part of a broader effort at Westwood Elementary to create an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can thrive and learn from one another.
