How Roberts Academy Celebrated Dyslexia Awareness Month

At Roberts Academy at Mercer University, we believe dyslexic learners deserve to feel confident and celebrated. This October, our community embraced Dyslexia Awareness Month with advocacy, school spirit, and vibrant displays of support.

With the theme “Blowing Away the Stigma,” we spent the month highlighting the strengths of dyslexic learners and raising awareness across Georgia.

Here’s a look at the moments that made this month meaningful.

Roberts Academy at Mercer University faculty and staff, wearing Roberts Academy t-shirts and sweatshirts, pose together in front of a blue tent at the 2025 Dyslexia Dash in Atlanta, Georgia.

A Strong Kickoff at the Mercer Football Game

We launched the month with a family tailgate at the Mercer vs. Samford football game on October 4. Before kickoff, our students, faculty, staff, and families proudly held the American flag on the field while the announcer shared information about dyslexia and Roberts Academy with the crowd.

Roberts Academy at Mercer University faculty, staff, parents, and friends gather in front of an orange tent during the Roberts Academy Family tailgate on Black Field at Mercer University on Oct. 4.

Racing for Awareness at the Dyslexia Dash

On October 18, a group of faculty, staff, students, and families traveled to Atlanta to participate in the Dyslexia Dash, hosted by IDA-GA. Parents Jake Dickson and Katie Pitts placed third and second in their age groups, while students David, Stokes, and Tatum also dashed to the finish line.

Roberts Academy families pose in a parking lot at Perimeter Mall in Atlanta after the 2025 Dyslexia Dash

Learning and Leading at IDA’s Annual Conference

From October 22 to 25, faculty and staff attended the International Dyslexia Association’s annual conference. The time was filled with new learning and meaningful collaboration.

We are especially proud of 6th-grade teacher Teresa Kalmbach, who served as a panelist to share her experience as both a parent of a dyslexic student and an educator.

Roberts Academy at Mercer University's faculty and staff pose together in front of a sign that reads "Until Everyone Can Read" at the 2025 International Dyslexia Association Conference.

Pinwheels With Purpose

Throughout the month, colorful pinwheels spun across campus as a visual reminder that we are working to blow away the stigma of dyslexia. Nearly 400 pinwheels were sold, raising close to $800 to support enrichment programs and future awareness efforts at Roberts Academy.

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A post shared by Roberts Academy – A school for dyslexic learners in Middle Ga. (@robertsacademymercer)

Celebrating Every Superpower at Roberts Academy

Dyslexia Awareness Month gave us a chance to advocate not only for our students, but also for dyslexic individuals around the world. Most importantly, it reminded us that dyslexic learners bring incredible creativity, problem-solving, and resilience to everything they do.

Thank you to everyone who ran, cheered, donated, and showed up this month. Together, we are blowing away the stigma and ensuring dyslexic students feel seen and valued every day.

About Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia

Roberts Academy is Georgia’s only school for dyslexic students outside of Metro Atlanta; it’s also the most affordable school of its kind in the state.Serving students in grades 2-6, the Academy uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach – an evidence-based way of teaching designed specifically for students with dyslexia.

Want to learn more? Visit our website or schedule a tour.

Blowing Away the Stigma: How Roberts Academy Celebrated Dyslexia Awareness Month