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Students describe Connecting and Unified programs, Polar Plunge fundraising at Saline Area Schools meeting

Saline Area Schools Board of Education · October 29, 2025

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Summary

Students and their connecting teacher presented the Connecting/Unified program, describing placements, Unified PE/Club/Lunch groups, leadership roles and the Polar Plunge fundraiser (the district raised more than $20,000 last year), and answered board questions about expanding Unified sports.

Students from Saline High School’s Connecting and Unified programs described how the programs pair general-education students with peers who have disabilities to build social and leadership skills and increase inclusion.

"It helps everyone feel safe, accepted, and respected," a student said, summarizing the program’s goal of building belonging. Teacher Sophie O'Connor introduced the students and walked the board through Connecting 1 and 2, which place students at local partner sites (Pleasant Ridge, Wyndham Meadows, Harvest, Heritage, Liberty School and others) Monday through Thursday and focus on in-class preparation and leadership on Fridays.

Students described Unified activities that include Unified PE, Unified Club and lunch groups that let general-education students join peers with disabilities for activities such as painting, attending football games and playing on shared teams. They said Unified sports currently include basketball and track, with plans to explore soccer and volleyball.

The group highlighted the Polar Plunge as a major fundraiser that connects the school to the wider community; "the high school and the community raised well over $20,000 last year," one student said. Board members asked about additional Unified sports and expressed thanks; a trustee suggested bringing more students to future meetings for recognition.

The presentation culminated in applause and brief comments from board members praising the students’ leadership and inclusion work. The board requested follow-up and encouraged the students to continue outreach to peer clubs and team organizers.