YOUNGSVILLE, LA (March 19, 2025) – Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy (ARCA) 3-5 students are kicking off Autism Awareness Month a week early. Beginning March 24-28, the school is encouraging students to foster kindness, understanding and connection. The weeklong initiative features daily challenges and themed dress-up days, culminating in the school’s observance of Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Throughout the week, students will be challenged to break barriers by engaging in simple acts such as greeting someone new, starting a conversation, giving a compliment or sitting with a different group at lunch. Lunchtime discussions will also provide opportunities for students to learn about different abilities and perspectives.
The week will conclude with Autism Awareness Day, a time dedicated to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths of individuals with autism while reinforcing the school’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for all students.
“Being kind to all people is important, especially in school, so that all kids feel like they belong and can make a difference,” said Tanner Coleman, ARCA’s fifth-grade student of the year. “This week and Autism Awareness Day teach us that we should always show kindness to everyone no matter what their background is and give everyone a chance to be the best they can be. This is what helps us build strong minds and good hearts.”
Julia Dupre, a self-contained teacher at ARCA 3-5, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting students of all abilities.
“I firmly believe that we don’t have disabilities—just different abilities,” Dupre said. “Every student has their own strengths, and my role as an educator is to help them discover and develop those strengths. By fostering a welcoming environment, we are teaching not only academic skills but also empathy, kindness and acceptance—qualities that shape compassionate and well-rounded individuals.”
ARCA, which prioritizes the development of strong minds and good hearts, aims to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, form meaningful connections and develop a heart for others. Acceptance and Inclusion Week reinforces this commitment by promoting understanding, encouraging acts of kindness and fostering a culture of support.
ARCA 3-5, located at 600 Savoy Road in Youngsville, serves students in grades three through 5 on the Acadiana Renaissance Charter School campus. The campus includes four separate buildings serving students in kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth, sixth through eighth and ninth through 12th. It is part of the Charter Schools USA family of schools and abides by its Mission: a relentless commitment to student greatness in school and in life, its values of purpose, passion, integrity, and grit, and its promise: Strong Minds, Good Hearts. For more information or to apply to attend, please visit 3-5.acadianacharter.org.
