Tonganoxie Middle School celebrates Champion School designation with Unified Sports program

The Tonganoxie USD Board Meeting held on April 14, 2025, showcased the Tonganoxie Middle School's recent achievement of becoming a Unified Champion School, a designation that promotes social inclusion for students with and without intellectual disabilities. The meeting featured presentations by eighth-grade peer mentors Holland DeGeer and Reagan Thomas, along with their teachers, Miss Bates and Miss Rowland.

The peer mentors explained that the Unified Champion School initiative is part of a broader effort by Special Olympics to foster inclusive environments in schools. The program consists of three key components: whole school engagement, unified sports, and inclusive youth leadership. Tonganoxie Middle School has successfully implemented all three components, which led to their recognition as a champion school.

The Unified Sports Program at Tonganoxie Middle School includes activities such as Unified Soccer and Unified Basketball, where students with and without disabilities participate together. The peer mentors emphasized the importance of these activities in promoting teamwork and friendship among students. Additionally, they highlighted the inclusive physical education classes, where peer mentors collaborate to create lesson plans that accommodate all students.

The meeting also addressed the youth leadership opportunities available at the school, including a peer mentor program that currently has 26 participants. The mentors assist students in various general education classes and electives, such as STEM and art, fostering a sense of community and support.

Community outings and fundraising activities were also discussed, with the peer mentors sharing their experiences of engaging with students outside the classroom. They described fun activities like scavenger hunts at Walmart and field trips to local attractions, which help build relationships and enhance the overall school experience.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater participation from other middle schools in the Unified Sports Program, as Tonganoxie Middle School currently competes against high school teams. The presenters expressed hope that more schools would join the initiative, further enriching the inclusive environment they strive to create.

Overall, the board meeting highlighted the positive impact of the Unified Champion School initiative on students, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and community engagement in education.