Copeland Middle School launches Unified Sports pilot with $3,000 Special Olympics grant

Copeland Middle School introduced a Unified Sports after-school program that pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities, the school announced at the Rockaway Township Board of Education meeting.

Principal Dustin Baer told the board that staff began planning the program in April, secured a $3,000 grant from Special Olympics after a proposal submitted Aug. 16, and started the pilot on Feb. 19 with weekly sessions on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; transportation is provided by the Rockaway Township School District.

Baer said the pilot roster includes 15 student athletes and that activities in the first year have focused on skill-building, teamwork and inclusion. “Unified Sports is not just about athletics. It is about inclusion. It’s about creating opportunities for every student to be seen, to belong, and to contribute,” Baer said.

Baer and Dr. Richard Corbett, the district superintendent, described the program as part of a broader effort to expand student leadership and service initiatives at Copeland. The school identified coaches and assistants and credited staff who wrote the grant and coordinated recruitment: Rose Heath (coordinator/grant lead), Kelly McAvoy (grant support), Katie Pietrowski (director of special services) and business administrator Megan Slam.

Coaches listed by Baer included Alexis Simpson, Ken Fuchs and Scott Cardidio; staff assistants named were Eileen Quinn, Gina Fico, Lisa Rossetti, Luba McCullough, Phil Saverin and Rupal Chowdhury. Baer said the program has already run a “Spread the Word” spirit week and plans to expand into formalized sports, local competition with other Unified programs and, ultimately, hosting a Special Olympics–affiliated event at Copeland.

The presentation asked the board and community to consider future partnerships, including Rotary-sponsored Interact and local service clubs, to support Unified Sports’ growth. Baer said the pilot’s immediate next steps are formalizing the club within the district’s after-school offerings and recruiting additional peer partners and volunteer coaches.

Supporters in the room included the students and staff who participated in the program; Baer invited student athletes and staff to receive certificates and posed for photographs with board members following the presentation.

District and program leaders described the initiative as a pilot still in development, with goals for expansion but no new district policy or formal competitive schedule yet.