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St. Vrain board hears students, staff highlight growth of Unified programs
Summary
District staff and students described expansion of Unified Athletics, theater and other inclusion programs across more than 25 schools, attributing growth to district support and partnerships between athletics and special education.
Laura Hess, the district’s assistant superintendent of special education, and Chase McBride, executive director of athletics and activities, told the St. Vrain Valley School District No. Re1J Board of Education that the district’s Unified programs have expanded to more than 25 schools and involve more than 70 staff members.
The presentation, given during the board’s regular meeting, featured short remarks by students from Frederick, Mead and Silver Creek high schools and a video compiled by a district staff member. ‘‘Unified Athletics is a program that brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete as teammates,’’ Hess said, adding that the programs promote social inclusion, skill development and a sense of belonging.
Student speakers described how Unified theater, percussion and bowling have affected their lives. Joey Summers, a junior at Frederick High School and president of its theater department, said Unified Theater ‘‘is a space where every student has the ability and the comfort, and the space to express themselves.’’ Ethan Elmore, a sophomore at Mead High School, said Unified Percussion ‘‘opened me to want to volunteer in all these kids’ classes’’ and inspired him to consider starting a foundation.
McBride and Hess outlined program offerings at different levels: high school activities include bowling, basketball, ‘‘Day of Champions’’ events, drumline/percussion and theater; middle and elementary offerings include basketball, theater, PE, bowling and robotics. Hess said Silver Creek began the district’s Unified work around 2016 and that three schools have been recognized as ‘‘Unified Champion Schools’’ for strong implementation.
Board members and Superintendent Don Haddad also praised the presentations, noting the programs’ role in building school culture and community. Haddad said the district’s 33,000 students each have talents the district aims to cultivate and called Unified an important example of inclusion.
The presentation concluded with a short video showcasing activities across the district and a brief question-and-answer exchange with board members.
