State Sen. Musto Reads to First Graders at Sensitivity Day in Trumbull

State Sen. Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) joined with parents and other community leaders Monday to read with students at Trumbull’s Tashua Elementary School as part of “Sensitivity Day,” an annual event held at schools throughout the town.
On Sensitivity Day, students talk with their teachers and guest readers in an effort to raise awareness of learning and physical disabilities.
The hope is that by increasing understanding, the children will become closer and more respectful toward all people.
 “The lessons of respect and compassion are important to people of all ages, but particularly the youngest among us. I was very happy to see students at Tashua Elementary School take the message of Sensitivity Day to heart,” said Senator Musto.
“This is an admirable program that strengthens the bonds of our residents and makes me proud to call Trumbull my home.” Senator Musto read “Moses Goes to a Concert” with the class.
This children’s book tells the story of a young deaf boy and his classmates going on a field trip to a local concert hall. The story includes several lessons on how to use sign language, which Senator Musto practiced with the first graders.
In addition to hearing from guest readers, students are given an opportunity to experience the school day from the perspective of someone who has a disability. Students participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate what it’s like to navigate the school for someone who is blind, deaf, or has a physical or learning disability.
By understanding the obstacles that some of their classmates face, students develop a greater sense of compassion toward those with disabilities and carry the lessons of Sensitivity Day out of the classroom and into their community.
Sensitivity Day follows the spirit of landmark bullying legislation passed in 2011 by Senator Musto and his colleagues in the Connecticut General Assembly. Recent studies have shown that 25% of Connecticut’s students have experienced bullying within the past year. Victims of bullying struggle more with their studies and are less healthy than their classmates.
As a result of the 2011 legislation, all schools in Connecticut adopted a clear policy against bullying, and school staff are now trained to manage and report incidences of bullying that they become aware of.
The definition of bullying used in this law is not limited to what goes on in the classroom. The new bullying regulations cover cyberbullying as well as anything that goes on outside the classroom and creates a hostile environment in school.