The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District's recent board meeting highlighted an exciting new initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and teamwork among students. Danielle Martens, the life skills support teacher at Chadds Ford Elementary, presented the district's newly established unified bocce ball team, which brings together students with and without disabilities to learn and play the sport.

Martens expressed her enthusiasm for the program, noting that Chadds Ford is now the second elementary school in Chester County to implement a unified bocce ball team, following Hillandale Elementary. This initiative not only introduces students to a new sport but also encourages meaningful relationships among peers. The team consists of six students with disabilities and 14 fifth-grade partners, all of whom expressed a strong desire to participate by submitting essays detailing their qualities as potential bocce ball partners.

The students recently attended a high school bocce match, which served as both an educational experience and a bonding opportunity. Many of the fifth graders are eager to continue playing bocce in middle school and high school, thanks to this early exposure.

Martens also shared that the unified bocce ball program has fostered collaboration between Chadds Ford and Hillandale, with both schools participating in fundraisers to support the Special Olympics of Chester County. These efforts include creating and selling Valentine's Day Tic Tac Toe awards and promotional posters for World Down Syndrome Day, with all proceeds benefiting the unified bocce ball teams.

The meeting underscored the positive impact of the bocce ball initiative, which not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens community ties and inclusivity among students. As the program continues to grow, both schools are looking forward to upcoming events, including a round-robin play day at Patton Middle School, further enhancing the students' experience and camaraderie.