OHS Peer Helpers Teach About Autism

Melissa Caligiuri and Harrison Rogers help out Mrs. Sereg's 3rd Grade class learn more about Autism

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Teaching the younger generation about Autism was the focus of a visit by the Oskaloosa High School Peer Helpers. The group fanned out to various classrooms at the Oskaloosa Elementary School. There the group taught those in Kindergarten through Third grade about Autism.

“I’ve always wanted to help other people in the community,” was a big reason why Melissa Caligiuri joined Peer Helpers, and was joined by fellow Peer Helper Harrison Rogers.

Mrs. [Dana] Sereg’s class hosted Caligiuri and Rogers, and said of the high school students coming in and sharing, “I think it’s wonderful. It’s really kind of cool because I had Harrison at Jefferson Elementary when he was in 4th grade. And I had Melissa, who’s graduating this year, in 3rd grade at Whittier. So it’s really kind of neat.”

“This will be my first class right there [looking at Caligiuri] to graduate,” Sereg said on having the opportunity to have Caligiuri in the classroom being a Peer Helper. “It makes you proud.”

Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd, and everyone is encouraged to wear blue in support and to help share awareness of Autism.