Throughout St. Vrain Valley Schools, there is a commitment to unity that is demonstrated through the Unified program by bringing students from both general education and special education together to form a supportive team. St. Vrain offers Unified basketball, bowling, theater, and percussion – with opportunities throughout every grade level, – creating a community where students of all abilities blend harmoniously.
On the annual Unified Day of Champions, students, staff, and families come together in celebration, creating a scene filled with sportsmanship, friendship, and shared achievements. Approximately 135 Unified athletes from St. Vrain’s eight traditional high schools and Main Street School participate in this event where they take part in outdoor bowling, kickball, tennis, basketball, and 50-meter run, to name a few.
New this school year, Frederick High School and Niwot High School introduced Unified Theater – an initiative designed to provide students with diverse abilities with a platform to showcase their talents and foster meaningful connections. “Unified Theater is an incredible addition to our fine arts offerings,” shared Kendle Butterworth, Drama Teacher at Frederick High School. “We aim to create an environment where every student, regardless of ability, feels welcome and confident to participate in any theater production.”
Unified Theater goes beyond the traditional classroom settings. It’s a platform that celebrates and embraces the unique talents of all individuals. This innovative approach aligns with the district’s commitment to providing opportunities that create an empowering and engaging environment for all students. As the curtain rises on Unified Theater, it also sets the stage for the introduction of Unified Gymnastics.
On November 4, 2023, Sofia Kernon, a senior at Niwot High School, made history by being the first ever to participate and compete in one-handed cartwheels, straddle jumps, and wolf jumps at the state level in Unified Gymnastics. Sofia's incredible achievement showcases the power of inclusion in sports. "I love Unified sports because it means making friends," shared Sofia. “I love being part of a team.”
“Having Sofia on the Niwot High Gymnastics team and competing speaks volumes about the culture of our district and commitment to the success of our students,” shared Joe Brown, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal at Niwot High School. “Our school community is about providing as many opportunities as possible for our students; we are champions of everyone and inclusive to everyone.”
Sofia’s journey into Unified Gymnastics not only leaves a mark on Niwot High but echoes across the entire St. Vrain Valley community. “The unique part of our gymnastics program is that we have students from multiple St. Vrain high schools and surrounding districts,” stated Brown. As Sofia competed and showcased her talents, she also served as inspiration for others.
“I am hopeful that we gave others an example of what could be if we just see everyone as people who deserve opportunities and work towards a day when this is not a special news story, but an expectation of inclusion for everyone,” expressed Brown.
Expanding beyond Niwot High, the commitment to Unified opportunities resonates throughout the district, exemplified by the Trail Ridge Middle School and Mead Middle School, both recently named Special Olympics National Unified Champion Schools.
To achieve the distinction of being recognized as a Special Olympics National Unified Champion, a school is required to meet the 10 standards of excellence established by a national panel of leaders from the Special Olympics and education community. Additionally, schools must participate in the three main components: Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and School-Wide Engagement. This prestigious recognition is reserved for schools that exhibit a determined commitment to inclusion.
“We are fortunate to not only have dedicated teachers and staff who recognize the importance of this program and fully support our efforts, but we also have an absolutely amazing student body who are the key for this to be successful,” shared Eddie Cloke, Principal at Trail Ridge Middle School. “Our students volunteer their time and provide the energy needed for our Unified program and all the facets that come with it.”
Delaney Daniels, who is a general education eighth grade student at Trail Ridge, and who actively participates in Unified, shares her enthusiasm, expressing, “Unified sports have not only positively impacted the friendships I’ve formed, but they have also shown me how enjoyable collaboration and teamwork can be with anyone. The students in Unified are truly remarkable, they are some of the most special and kind individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.”
Mead Middle School's dedication to offering programs that actively incorporate and embrace students with disabilities is evident in their initiatives such as Unified basketball and bowling. “This recognition shows the positivity and kindness of our students and reflects their commitment to good citizenship,” shared Josh Barnett, Principal at Mead Middle School. “It aligns perfectly with our existing school mission.”
St. Vrain Valley Schools continues to create an environment where every student is championed, and every achievement is celebrated – a testament to the district's enduring commitment to providing opportunities that transcend limitations and cultivate a community where everyone is valued and included.
