July 2021 - Schools Newsletter

Unified Champion Schools

We are thankful for all of your efforts this year.

We appreciate all that you have accomplished this year. What a feat of unusual proportions. Everyone was faced a whole new landscape for the school year that was very dynamic and fluid. The Unified sports seasons were successful; 82% of Unified Basketball and 83% of Unified Track and Field Teams were able to participate in some way. Additionally, we piloted a new Strength & Conditioning season as well.

We learned a great deal about how we learn best when we are connecting with others. The importance of connection fuels our mission and our commitment to every student to feel included in high school activities.

Thank you for working tirelessly in often times what seemed to be the unending year. Respectfully, we hope that everyone gets to step away for a segment of time to rest, rebuild, renew your spirit and strength reserves. We are looking forward to a very bright new school year.

High School

Unified Sports

Sportsmanship Awards!

We are excited to share that 3 schools received the Sportsmanship Award for Unified Track and Field this season.

Teams were nominated by other schools that exemplified the tenets of good sportsmanship to the highest degree. Criteria included: teamwork, fair play/respect for opponents, ethics and citizenship.

Congratulations Chicopee HS, Franklin HS, and Plymouth North HS.

Chicopee High School

Franklin High School

Plymouth North High School

Unified Track and Field

Glad to be back on the Track!

Unified Track and Field season was a great success despite all the challenges.

Thank you coaches for supporting all team members this spring. Students were thrilled to participate this year year and celebrate with a season ending sectional meet experience.

Thank you to our generous hosts;

Bourne HS
Chicopee Comprehensive HS
Methuen HS
Middleborough HS
Milford HS
Millbury HS
Walpole HS

And the outstanding volunteers!

We could not provide these experiences with out your support.

Unified Basketball

Unified Basketball - Applications for next school year due

In preparation for a return to our regularly scheduled season of Unified Basketball this fall 2021, applications are due NOW!

Unified Basketball Application 21-22

General Timeline;

Late August - coaches meetings

Mid Sept. - practices begin

October - Games begin

November - 15-19 Jamborees

If you have questions regarding the season please contact [email protected]

USA Games Stay Tuned

We are excited to share that more information will be coming soon regarding the opportunity for a High School Unified Basketball team to participate in USA Games, June 5-12.

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

Youth Leadership

Come and join our YAC!

Become a YAC member!

Leadership Opportunities!!!

The YAC meets regularly to plan our Youth Summit, work on inclusion campaigns, advocate and inform about our Unified Champion School Program across the state.

There are a few spots left on our YAC! Please forward this leadership opportunity to empower an athlete/partner pair to represent your school. The ideal athlete and partner pair candidates are Freshmen, and Sophomores.

YAC Application

If you have questions regarding the season please contact [email protected]

Whole School Engagement

Calling all Liaisons

Please fill out the required survey that best describes what you were able to accomplish this year. We thank the liaisons at all of our Unified Champion Schools for all that they endured this challenging year.

End of Year Survey link

Due Now

Unified Champion Schools programming available at Pre-K and Elementary levels!

Do you know any administrator or teacher in your school district that might be interested in implementing the Unified Champion Schools strategy at the pre-k or elementary level? Please send them our way!

We can set them up on a path for success to create greater climates on inclusion at their school.

Please reach out to eric.archambault@

specialolympicsma.org

Middle School

Big Plans for Unified Basketball at the Middle School Level!

For the 21-22 school year we will be rolling out Unified Basketball at the Middle School level with the season taking place in March. We will continue to share information about the planning of the season. Stay tuned.