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Montgomery Township schools recognized for Unified inclusion programs; student leaders speak
Summary
Montgomery Township School District celebrated Unified inclusion programs across its schools Dec. 16, 2025, announcing national recognition and highlighting student leaders and fundraising that support Special Olympics programs.
Superintendent McBride announced Dec. 16 that Montgomery Township School District’s Unified programs received recent recognition and showcased student leaders from multiple schools.
At Montgomery High School, Special Education teacher Meredith Strahlba introduced student leaders Grace Krauske and Kyla Coosie, who described how Unified programming — including co-taught Unified PE classes, Unified Basketball and youth leadership — fosters friendships and inclusion. Grace Krauske said, “I love being a part of Unified at Montgomery High School because I like staying connected with friends and teachers.” Kyla Coosie described competitive and leadership experiences, noting she served as a co‑captain and that the team won the 2025 Unified Cup Basketball Competition at Princeton University.
Strahlba told the board that Montgomery High applied for and received national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America after meeting required standards; the school also was named one of 33 honored on ESPN’s Unified Champion School honor roll. The district plans a banner ceremony in spring 2026 to celebrate the achievement.
Representatives from the middle and lower middle schools underscored that Unified offerings extend beyond athletics. UMS school psychologist Erica Paulo said UMS runs Unified PE and electives in art and music; student speaker Grayson said more than 30 seventh- and eighth-graders participate and that the school raised $3,235 through the Jingle All the Way event to benefit UMS programming and Special Olympics New Jersey. LMS student leaders described Unified morning meetings, a weekly Unified Club and whole-school engagement; the LMS presentation said the school’s Jingle All the Way 3K raised over $10,000, with part of those funds earmarked for the LMS certified program.
Superintendent McBride and board members thanked staff, coaches and students for the work on inclusion and fundraising. The presentations highlighted how the district connects athletic opportunities with leadership and schoolwide activities, and noted that recognition from Special Olympics and ESPN reflects sustained program development across multiple Montgomery schools.
The district will follow up with details of a planned spring banner ceremony and invited board members and the community to attend.
