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Upper Dublin students, staff showcase unified programs that emphasize inclusion
Summary
Students and staff presented Upper Dublin High School’s unified programs—inclusive PE, art and sports and the Wings Club—describing how the activities build confidence, friendships and schoolwide participation. Board members were invited to observe and participate in future events.
Miss Adelman and student participants told the education committee that Upper Dublin’s unified programs aim to make extracurriculars inclusive by pairing general‑education students and students with disabilities for art, physical education and unified sports.
“We bring the energy, the teamwork, and cardinal pride to every single schoolwide event,” a presenter said, adding, “Unifi means everyone plays. Everyone belongs.” Students described concrete benefits: increased confidence, new friendships and team skills. One student said unified sports “makes our bodies and minds stronger. We feel part of the school.” Another called the botchi program “fun” and said teammates help people “feel included and important.”
Presenters described program features including unified art and PE, unified sports teams (botchi, track and field), a schoolwide unified basketball game, fundraisers such as the Polar Plunge, and a student‑run Wings Club that operates the Cardinal Café. They credited family volunteers for building a botchi court and described collaboration between middle‑ and high‑school classes to grow participation.
Board members praised the presentation and asked how board members could get involved; staff invited members to future events and to an interschool botchi collaboration. There were no formal action items tied to the presentation; staff said the board’s continued support is appreciated and encouraged members to attend future program sessions.
The unified program presenters distributed an invitation to the board and encouraged members to experience the activities in action. The administration asked that staff be notified if board members wanted to join upcoming practices or games.
