In 2023, EEF granted the district $8,000 to purchase adaptive PE equipment and develop a Unified PE and Sports program within 4J. Unified PE and Sports allows students with varying levels of physical and cognitive ability to move and play together, learning essential motor and life skills while building character and confidence as peers.
Through this program four unified basketball games and one kickball game were organized for high school athletes and a pilot of Unified PE was started at Sheldon High School, bringing the total number of schools offering Unified PE programs up to four. Program organizers observed an increase in attendance both in the PE classes and the sports games, indicating an overwhelming support for opportunities for students of all abilities to practice skills and grow together.
“Unified Sports benefits students, school members, and community members at large with increased joy, happiness, and togetherness for care and connection in sports.”
-Michelle Dunn, 4J Adaptive Physical Education Specialist
The long-term goal of this program is to expand into every school, serving every grade level through activities appropriate to age and skill level. Achieving this goal would mean that students with disabilities would receive an adequate level of physical education equivalent to state standards.