Northridge Students Shine in Trashion Show for Autism and Earth Day

Students in Grades TK-5 at Magnolia Science Academy 7 in Northridge payed homage to Mother Earth by strutting sustainable home-made attire created from recyclables and vintage items on a blue runway at a “Trashion Show.” The Trashion Show aims to raise awareness about autism, blue is for Autism Awareness Month, while also celebrating Earth Day during the school’s Spirit Week.

The Trashion Show that took place on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 18355 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325. While the MSA-7 Trashion Show was closed to the public, the event hosted a Clothes Walk for families looking for affordable and unique clothing.

“April is Autism Awareness Month, and we also celebrated Earth Day, so we decided to combine these two events during our Spirit Week,” said Gabriela Moreira Rodríguez, MSA-7 Community School Coordinator. “We have students on the autism spectrum who need support, and we also have parents who are strong on sustainability. The Trashion Show was already taking place and enjoyed by families. We thought it’d be a great way to engage our students and their families in a fun event for all,” said Moreira Rodríguez.

Among the many materials students used were paper, candy wrappers, cardboard packages, newspapers, and much more.
Other Magnolia Science Academy 7 Awareness & Action Spirit Week events that took place that week include:

1. Mon., April 21, Wear Your Blue Shirt - Wear a blue shirt for Autism Awareness.
2. Tues., April 22, Dress Up Like Plants - Students will dress up like plants.
3. Wed., April 23, Sensory-Friendly Day – Wear soft and cozy sensory-friendly clothing.
4. Thurs., April 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Trashion Show
5. Fri., April 25, We All FIT In – Students will decorate a unique puzzle piece at lunch.

“I believe that sustainability needs to be taught at a young age, said Vanessa Sirault, a third-grade teacher at MSA-7 and Trashion Show creator. “Recycling, reusing, and reducing all consumption is a habit that we create over time. The earlier you start, the better you can do in the future,” added Sirault.

MSA-7 is one of 10 free charter public schools in the Magnolia Public Schools network in the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. The school was recently named a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. The prestigious recognition is awarded each year to a select number of schools in the state. At MSA-7, the recognition reflects the dedication of staff, students and their families.

“At MSA-7, we truly value the voices of our educational partners. During a Coffee with the Admin, families suggested we celebrate the diversity of our students and raise awareness for Autism Awareness Month—and we got right to work,” said MSA-7 Principal, Musa Avshar. “With support from a parent-led committee, we planned a week of activities focused on autism awareness and caring for the environment, to tie into Earth Day. We’re proud to be a school that celebrates inclusion, diversity, and environmental responsibility,” he added.

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) are tuition-free charter schools with campuses throughout Southern Califor focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)-based teaching to ensure students are well-rounded and college-ready. MPS offers smaller class sizes, individualized attention from teachers, as well as safe campuses that foster ideal learning conditions for students. Magnolia graduates are 40% more likely to enroll in college, 54% more likely to earn a college degree, 22% (54% if they are female) more likely to graduate from a STEM field.