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Laughlin Middle School highlights 'Partners in PE' program that pairs general-education and special-education students
Summary
Laughlin Middle School principal Jane Seager and students described Partners in PE, a year-old program that pairs general-education students with special-education classmates during physical-education classes to promote inclusion, social bonds and individualized instruction.
Jane Seager, principal at Laughlin School, presented the board with details about the Partners in PE program, a year‑old initiative that pairs general‑education students with special‑education students in physical‑education classes.
"Partners in PE pairs general education students and special education students in physical education classes, fostering peer support and teaching and learning while promoting inclusion for all students," Seager said. She told trustees the program has helped create lasting relationships and allowed staff to give more individualized attention.
Coach Bonnie Brooks, the girls athletic coordinator who helped start the program at Laughlin, described how the pairing stretches beyond gym class: classmates attend birthday parties and sit together at lunch. "Although it's a PE class, there's so much more that's being done in the physical education. They foster pure relationships," Brooks said.
Students who participate spoke to the board about the program's impact. Student McKinley Simmons, identified in the presentation as a tenth grader at Auckland High School, said Partners in PE taught him empathy and gave him responsibilities supporting a partner during activities. "I've learned so much about myself and my peers while being a part of this program," Simmons said. Student Brindley Carroll echoed that the experience created "a place where everyone feels welcomed and accepted."
Seager said the program currently includes 28 general‑education students working alongside special‑education peers and credited special‑education teachers and assistant principals Emma Rogers and Kyle Snow for helping run the program. She also recognized staff members Aracella Bishop and Phil Martinez for their roles.
The presentation concluded with a short video produced by Miss Bell illustrating classroom activities and social interaction among participating students. Seager and Brooks asked the board to note the program as a successful inclusion practice on the Laughlin campus.
The board did not take formal action on the Partners in PE presentation; it was provided as part of the superintendent's campus reports.
