School Highlights October 2019

In This Issue Change The Game Conference Arthur L. Johnson High School...... 4 Berkeley Township...... 4 “Inclusivity: Dream it, Build it, Achieve it!” On October 16, 2019, Burlington City High School...... 3 more than 150 Game Changers, representing over 80 schools in 70 districts from across New Jersey, Burnet Middle School...... 3 attended the 2019 SONJ Change the Central Elementary School (East Hanover Twp)...5 Game Conference in Monroe. Change The Game Conference...... 1 Superintendent of Sayreville Public Clayton High School...... 20 Schools, Dr. Richard Labbe, kicked off Crossroads South Middle School...... 6 the conference with a powerful and Delsea High School...... 17 inspirational keynote address. A peer- Delsea Regional Middle School...... 21 to-peer panel, “From Unified Clubs to Unified Sports to a Unified School: How East Hanover Middle School...... 2 and Why UCS Works in Our School,” fol- Elizabeth Avenue School...... 19 lowed. Afterwards, Assistant Principal Fountain Woods Elementary School...... 11 and UCS Team Leader from Voorhees High School, Kelly Ann Gloucester City High School...... 12 Kieffer, led the group through her “Ten Tips to Becoming a Uni- Grant Elementary School...... 3 fied Champion School.” (These tips can be found on page 22.) Hillcrest Elementary School...... 22 The highlight of the day Jefferson Township High School...... 6 came with a lunchtime Kingsway Regional High School...... 19 presentation by Unified Lyndhurst Public School District...... 7 Youth Leaders from the Mainland Regional High School...... 2 Monroe Township Unified Mendham High School...... 20 Club. Their Superintendent, Dr. Dori Alvich, spoke about Metuchen High School...... 8 how the UCS activities and Millburn High School...... 12 culture of inclusion has Monroe Township...... 10 allowed students to form Newton High School...... 18 lifelong friendships and North Hunterdon High School...... 9 become community leaders and role models for younger Overbrook High School...... 14 students. Pond Road Middle School...... 21 Randolph High School...... 22 Following lunch, the school Ridge High School...... 22 leadership team members Roxbury High School...... 14 came together in breakout sessions. Each left with Rutherford High School...... 13 new ideas and a draft plan Sharon Elementary School...... 21 for working with their stu- Somerville High School...... 12 dents to build and achieve Top 10 Tips to Becoming a UCS...... 22 their dream for inclusion in Union City High School...... 18 their schools. Union High School...... 20 Click here for the complete Woodrow Wilson Middle School (Clifton)...... 22 article. Click here for more Woodrow Wilson School (New Brunswick)...... 15 photos that are on Flickr.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 1 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Mainland Regional High School

The biannual Unified Soccer game between The West Gym was rocking and the Mustangs Cedar Creek and Mainland was played on 10/22 held on for a 6-5 victory, but per usual, every- at Mainland. The poor weather outside did not body wins in this game! Cheerleaders cheered “rain” on the participants, as the game moved both teams and the support from the fans was indoors. It was an intense affair - but the official outstanding. did an outstanding job, keeping both teams focused on the most important aspect of this day Congratulations to both schools, staff, and play- - sportsmanship. ers! Most importantly they had fun!

East Hanover Middle School On October 7th, East Ha- tions to answer. Partners as- ent colors. They picked songs nover Middle School had sisted athletes with all tasks, to sing as they walked, and all various activities/stations and they enjoyed moving students worked together to that were rotated every from station to station. find leaves of red, orange, yel- 10 minutes. Athletes and low, green, and brown. Then, partners were stationed at On October 21st, the weather they came back inside and one of the following: kinetic was beautiful, so East Hanover athletes and partners shared sand, sidewalk chalk, color MS took their Play Unified BINGO boards to play Hallow- by number, Candyland game, Club outside for the first 40 een BINGO. Athletes called exercise cards to follow and minutes. Athletes and part- out names of pictures with act out, and play catch with ners walked the track while assistance from partners. words on the ball with ques- looking for leaves of all differ-

Office of Special Education Programs Page 2 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Burlington City High School Burnet Middle School Burlington City High School practiced hard for the Unified Burnet Middle School is off to a great Soccer Cup and had an influx of attention from around start. Every Wednesday they host the school. Unfortunately, they didn’t get the chance to buddy lunches. participate due to the Cup being canceled. So that being said, in order to give the athletes a chance to show off the Students came after school on Oc- skills they have learned over the past two months, instead tober 18th and planned a Halloween of practice, they had a mock game following the Unified Party. They also created a permission Cup guidelines with a few students from the Unified Club slip for students on social media, coming out to participate. Overall they had a lot of fun. since they will be having an Instagram account for Play Unified. The Unified Club was excited to receive the t-shirts they designed. They talked about the upcoming Pep Rally and Burnet’s T-shirts arrived for practice, the Youth summit they will be attending. They stressed which are donated from the NJEA. the importance of getting permission slips signed and They started practice for Unified ensuring that the teachers in the building are aware that Sports. Students are excited and the they will absent the day of the Summit. word is spreading. They expect the club to grow!

Grant Elementary School Unified “Self Portrait” Bulletin Board

Office of Special Education Programs Page 3 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Berkeley Township Arthur L. Johnson High School “Happy Unified Kids” Arthur L. Johnson High School had a busy October. From soccer to handball to socializing, here’s a day-by-day rundown of their activities. 10/1/19: Practiced warming up, passing, stopping the ball, and throwing it in, corner kicks. 10/3/19: Unified gym: practiced warming up and practiced all skills. 10/8/19: Game day at Summit. They won by 2 points but the students did really well passing and shooting the ball. 10/9/19: Unified Gym: practiced positioning, warming up, and stamina (running). 10/11/19: Unified Gym: practiced positioning, warming up, and stamina (running). 10/14/19: Unified Gym: practiced teamwork and passing the ball, dribbling, and names for plays. 10/15/19: Game against Summit at home. They won by 6 points. Students worked more on defen- sive practices and learning teamwork. 10/17/19: Unified Gym: started hand ball, learning rules, practicing with different partners, warm ups. 10/21/19: Practiced warming up, stretching, passing and dribbling, and corner kicks and positioning. 10/23/19: Last game against North Hunterdon home. Played on turf and won by 6 points. The students worked on kick off and worked with different general education students on the field. 10/24/19: Unified Gym: practiced skills they learned last week about handball. Worked on throwing the ball and catching it. 10/24/19: Activity period and lunch: Unified watched a movie and had snacks together. Social activity. 10/28/19: Unified Gym: Practiced the same skills and scrimmaged at the last 15 minutes. 10/30/19: Unified Gym: Games all day. Students played with different colored pinnies. The general education students did really great keeping up with the kids during the games and feeding the ball to their special education population.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 4 U.S. Department of Education

BE A BUCKET FILLER We learned that a bucket filler is someone who fills someone else “up” with kindness!

This craft is centered on the book During one of our sessions, we Have you Filled a Bucket Today?: A made visible buckets for ourselves. guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Then, after getting to know each “Thank you for SchoolCarol McCloud Highlights and David Messing. other, we wrote compliment This book teaches children that we tickets to each one of our club making the world a th October 2019 all carry around an imaginary member in an attempt to fill their better place”- 5 Play Unified Club bucket with us. WeOctober learn that 2019buckets. This put a fun spin on the grade club member, kindness fills these buckets and work we can do every day to fill Sophie Dong to her Central Elementary School meanness empties them. As we our “imaginary buckets”. Pictured Play U club mate interact with others, we can choose below is an example of one of our to fill their buckets and in return compliment ticket sheets as well as Central Elementary School (East Hanover Twp) we fill our own! We learned that some club members participating

just by being a Play Unified in the act of bucket filling. October 2019 Check out Central Elementary School’s member, we are choosing to open Play Unified Club Unifiedthe Club opportunity Newsletter! of filling someone’s Central Elementary School bucket.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION Play Unified Club is held at Central Our favorite ‘foundation building’ Elementary School on two session is whe n we learned about SOCIAL Wednesdays a month. This stationed play! Stationed play is October, the sessions were when stations of activities are set EMOTIONAL dedicated to fostering strong up in order to adhere to the BrelationshipsUILDIN betweenG A group FO UNDAdifferentTIO interestsN and abilities of LEARNING members. We believe that before the club. Club members explore Playwe Unifiedspread Clubour teachingsis held at Central to our Our favoritedifferent ‘foundation stationsBE building’ with A club B UCKStudentsET F IareL LgivenER a yoga Elementary School on two session is when we learned about entire school, we must build a members as Wethey learnedobserve each thatS O aC bucketIAposeL atfiller the beginningis someone of who fills someone Wednesdaysstrong foundation a month. withinThis the club.stationed other’s play! playStationeding habits play is and form October, the sessions were when stations of activities are set the session in order to During these October sessions, natural bonds.else Pictured “up” belowwithE iskindness!M OTIO NAL dedicated to fostering strong up in order to adhere to the promote mindfulness. students participated in ice our club member Angelo at our relationships between group different interests and abilities of LEARNStudentsING know that in breakers, team building exercises, October-themedThis sensorycraft is station!centered on the book During one of our sessions, we members. We believe that before the club. Club members explore order to connect with weand spread crafts our that teachings supported to our the differentWe stations learned with Havethat club this you station Filled is Studentsa a Bucket are Today?: given aA yoga made visible buckets for ourselves. entiremessages school, of we kindness must build and a membersbig as hit! they observeguide each to Daily Happinesspose at theothers, for beginning Kids they by of mustThen, first after getting to know each stronginclusion. foundation within the club. other’s playing habitsCarol and form McCloud theand session Davidconnect in Messing. order withto themselves.other, we wrote compliment “Thank you for During these October sessions, natural bonds. Pictured below is promote mindfulness. making the world a students participated in ice our club member AngeloThis at book our teaches children that we tickets to each one of our club Students know that in th breakers, team building exercises, October-themed sensoryall carry station! around an imaginary member in an attempt to fill their better place”- 5 order to connect with and crafts that supported the We learned that this station is a grade club member, bucket with us.others, We learn they that must first buckets. This put a fun spin on the messages of kindness and big hit! kindness fills these buckets and work we can do every day to fill Sophie Dong to her inclusion. connect with themselves. meanness empties them. As we our “imaginary buckets”. Pictured Play U club mate interact with others, we can choose below is an example of one of our to fill their buckets and in return compliment ticket sheets as well as we fill our own! We learned that some club members participating

just by being a Play Unified in the act of bucket filling. member, we are choosing to open the opportunity of filling someone’s bucket.

BE A BUCKET FILLER We learned that a bucket filler is someone who fills someone else “up” with kindness!

This craft is centered on the book During one of our sessions, we Have you Filled a Bucket Today?: A made visible buckets for ourselves. guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Then, after getting to know each Carol McCloud and David Messing. other, we wrote compliment “Thank you for This book teaches children that we tickets to each one of our club making the world a th all carry around an imaginary member in an attempt to fill their better place”- 5 bucket with us. We learn that buckets. This put a fun spin on the grade club member, kindness fills these buckets and work we can do every day to fill Sophie Dong to her meanness empties them. As we our “imaginary buckets”. Pictured Play U club mate interact with others, we can choose below is an example of one of our to fill their buckets and in return compliment ticket sheets as well as we fill our own! We learned that some club members participating

just by being a Play Unified in the act of bucket filling. member, we are choosing to open the opportunity of filling someone’s bucket.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 5 U.S. Department of Education

School Highlights October 2019

Crossroads South Middle School This month Crossroads South Middle School began their Lunch Buddies program and it was a huge success! The students have been looking forward to its beginning for weeks. The program lived up to the hype because the students had a blast!

They shared a google document with the school staff members to sign up to eat lunch with the students on Lunch Buddies dates. The self-contained teachers were beyond humbled at the willingness that the staff showed to support their students in such a meaningful way.

The students and staff members ate their lunch together and then had time to play fun games at the end of the lunch period. Everyone is looking forward to creating more fun memories at Lunch Buddies this trimester.

Jefferson Township High School Following is Jefferson Township High School’s agenda from their October meeting.

Notes: Nice mnm'ing you

● Take attendance

● Hand out Calendar ● Talk about google classroom.

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● Plans for the year: Unified Basketball add-on ● Home Track Meet: Thursday, May 21st Pick out a M&M and tell a story or answer Activities: ● M&M Activity (get to know each other) the question. Every color represents its own ● Scavenger Hunt for Halloween Items story/question. Go around in a circle until all ○ SAMPLE PLATE ○ Students will be given a plate and they need to M&M's/stories are told. find the following items within the school. Mark plate with items they need to find…. ○ 6 teams Orange- Food you like ■ Black Cat ■ Pumpkin Red- Place you have traveled ■ Candy Yellow - Fact about your family or self ■ Hat ■ Ghost Green- A time when you were happy ■ Bat Blue- Hobbie (something you like to do) ■ Spider Brown- A smell you do not like ■ Skull ■ Cauldron ■ Candle Mummy Wrapping! *M&Ms are not meant for eating!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 6 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Lyndhurst Public School District This month, Lyndhurst focused on the first Uni- The Leadership Committee planned, advertised fied Club meetings in all five buildings. The Lynd- and facilitated the activities Lyndhurst’s first Open hurst Unified Clubs are up and running with high Rec event. They created shirts to wear during the involvement in all schools. event so that other members are easily able to identify the people leading each activity. Washington School (grades K-2): On the first day of Unified Club students enjoyed dancing, play- Lyndhurst unites at Open Rec. Unified Club mem- ing games and competing in relay races. bers in grades four through twelve participated in a fun-filled hour of games and activities led by the Roosevelt (grades 4-5): Club members began the Unified Club Leadership Committee. The activities first meeting with relay races. Afterwards, they in the gym and outdoor area were kickball, bas- played steal the bacon and rainbow tag. Students ketball, football, soccer, tie-dying, poster designs had a great time playing games and having a and relay races. Students had a blast making new good time with their peers. friends and having a good time with their peers. Lincoln (grades 4-5): Unified Club Students were able to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. Students played soccer and four square during their first Unified Club meeting. Jefferson (grades 4-5): Unified Club students used the field for a fun filled game of kickball. Roosevelt, Lincoln and Jefferson (grades 6/7/8): Unified Club members took a bus to Jefferson School for their first Unified Club meeting. The Middle School students preferred meeting together at one location. This was the first year they were able to use a Lyndhurst bus to make this hap- pen! Students enjoyed playing kickball, soccer and basketball outside while others created posters to advertise social inclusion, kindness, and respect in their buildings. Lyndhurst High School. Students participated in ice-breaker and team building activities in the school cafeteria during Unified Club. They are using an application called BAND to contact Club members about meetings and other updates.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 7 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Metuchen High School During October at Metuchen High School (MHS) , Unified Physical Education included: • Muscular endurance and flexibility assess- ments • MHS “Mudless” Run challenge course • Soccer drills, relays and games • Cooperative games • Field trip to the local park to do a fall scavenger hunt • Fitness walks, practice timing short sprints • Apparel fundraiser

Unified Club members were active, too. They: • Decorated two scarecrows for “Haunted Downtown” on Main Street • Watched an MHS field hockey and football game • Put together a 3D Halloween Puzzle • Organized a Purple Day for Epilepsy Aware- ness Month in November

Office of Special Education Programs Page 8 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

North Hunterdon High School The North Hunterdon High The team had a lot of fun this ers can’t wait to show off the School Unified soccer team season! Their Unified Club finished logo! had a very busy October. They leadership team is up and run- At the Halloween event the played three games in a little ning. They planned a success- Unified Club member’s social- over a week, thanks to a few ful Unified Club Halloween ized, played games such as Hal- rain make up games. event and created an Unified loween Pictionary, and made logo for this year! The lead- mummy’s out of toilet paper.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 9 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Monroe Township Monroe Township High School’s and rules and how to read a meetings in October preparing (MTHS) Unified PE had a Soccer map and find their way to each for the Haunted House. They Unit and a Hiking Unit. During hole in Thompson Park. hosted over 1400 children Soccer, they learned the lines from the community at the HS. on the field and terminology Their CBF leaders and Uni- Their station featured “Every- while working on areas of fit- fied team leaders shared their thing Disney.”They had several ness, how to sequence through experiences in the MTHS unified games and activities for the soccer drills, played fun, com- programs with administrators children to participate. Their petitive lead up games and had and teachers from throughout club members worked and had a round robin tournament. The the state of NJ at the SONJ UCS fun! students love the hiking unit “Change the Game Conference.” At UP Fitness Club the students where they used their imagina- Monroe Township Middle tions while hiking. They took started with their Thursday School (MTMS) Unified PE is off Unified Partnership Fitness pictures and created a picture to a great start. They planned story on Power Point. Groups Classes. They had Zumba, Yoga an amazing day of Halloween and Strength training. then did an oral presentation to festivities. Students created their classmates. games, danced and enjoyed Their Unified Soccer team had Monroe Township’s Commu- each other’s company in a an amazing season. They prac- nity Based Fitness (CBF) for 18 spooky gym. ticed hard on Mondays and yr old-21 yr. old, included disc Wednesdays and hosted Ewing MTHS PROJECT F.U.N. (Fal- HS and Hamilton West HS in golfing in Thompson park. They cons Unified Now) spent their learned disc golf terminology two very competitive matches.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 10 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Fountain Woods Elementary School Fountain Woods Elementary School fourth grade students made a “Friendship Fruit Salad.” The students were divided into groups of six. Each group was a different fruit and each fruit had a purpose. The students interacted as they worked together in groups to brainstorm about what being different fruits would look like in their school. Then they discussed the rotten banana and how it would act if it was in class. Finally they made the “fruit salad” and discussed how it “tastes” when mixed together with all of the other fruit. The teachers explained how the fruit salad is like their classroom.

Other classes also learned about being different. They were taught a lesson based on the book “Spookily the Square Pumpkin.” The book is about a square pumpkin who was made fun of for being a different shape, until he saves his friends from rolling into the ocean during a storm. The book was shown on Youtube. The students discussed the book and made pumpkins that were displayed as a pumpkin patch outside of the classroom. This lesson gave the student a chance to get to know each other and taught them about accepting others who are different.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 11 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Somerville High School Gloucester City Although Somerville High School’s Unified Bowling team has not started High School the season, they were as busy as ever during October. Membership in Just starting, Gloucester the Unified Club increased from 111 members to 160. Attendance at City High School’s athletic meetings has also grown, and for the third time, they are looking for a director plans to launch new location to accommodate everyone. Unified Bowling, Unified Somerville HS held a fundraiser for the Unified Club by selling Peer2Peer Track and Unified Club. Spirit Wear. They were overwhelmed by the response from both stu- So far, she has attend two dents and staff with over 100 items sold. UCS seminars/workshops and has hired the bowling On October 12, members of Peer2Peer volunteered at a Parents’ Day coach, track coach, and Out event. The students were paired with special needs children and most recently the club ad- helped to entertain them with activities and crafts while their parents visor for the Unified Club. were able to enjoy some time out on their own. Goals for Gloucester City On October 23rd, they stayed after school and painted pumpkins for HS in November are to their school garden area. Students sat together in the courtyard, sharing plan a strategy for recruit- apple cider and creating beautiful pumpkins. They then used the pump- ment, create a roster for kins to create a Peer2Peer pumpkin patch. the bowling team (both athletes and partners), On October 30, they had a meeting for all Club members interested in set the bowling practice joining Unified Bowling as partners. In this meeting, they covered the and competitive schedule, purpose of Unified Sports and expectations of partners. Each candidate and identify expectations completed an application to be reviewed by coach, advisors, and a stu- for their Unified Club. dent committee.

Millburn High School Millburn High School had a very and Chatham. The enthusiasm students to pledge to be re- good soccer season! They had was high and the students were spectful of all. It’s been great to multiple practices and com- really great! They participated see the students interact with peted in games against Ridge in Respect week by getting all each other and gain confidence.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 12 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Rutherford High School A meeting was held for the entire Rutherford High School Club (50 students) on October 16. The students discussed upcoming events and volunteered to chair certain committees/groups. It was decided that one of the groups would be re- sponsible for efforts to raise funds for a filtered water fountain for one of the elementary schools in town. After they fundraise, the water fountain will be donated by the Uni- fied Club. Another group is running a “lunch group” where students sign up to eat lunch together in the cafeteria. A third group signed up to get a team together and make ar- rangements to host a kickball game with Lyndhurst’s Unified Club.

On October 18, about 20 students got together to carve pumpkins for Halloween. The special ed students were each given a pumpkin to carve and chose a design with a buddy. They each carved their pumpkin together on long tables in the cafeteria and talked to one another while they worked. It was a great experience, because many of the students had not carved pumpkins before, so they learned how to do it together. Everyone had candy afterwards and took pictures of their pumpkins.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 13 U.S. Department of Education

School Highlights RHS Bowling ClubOctober 2019 21 OCTOBER 2019 / 2:30 PM / C121

Attendees Overbrook High School RoxburyCORLISS, HANCOC KHigh School Justin Cordeiro,Jonathan Novillo,Filip Lazaroshi,Chris Hao,James Winter,Amy Storback,Keyur RoxburyPatel,Justine C Highatherine ,CSchoolaitlyn Bran chash,Erin Caon detailedndly,Ms.Ryall ,M agendars.Henricksen ,forErin C otheirnnelly

Jim Connelly bowling club.

RHS Bowling Club 21 OCTOBER 2019 / 2:30 PM / C121 Agenda Attendees Unified Bowling Club CORLISS, HANCOCK 1. Grant Funded (MeansJ wustein hCoarvdeeir or,Juonleatsh atno N ofvoillolo,Fiwlip Lfaozarr o$sh$i,)C hris Hao,James Winter,Amy Storback,Keyur Patel,Justine Catherine,Caitlyn Branch,Erin Conndly,Ms.Ryall ,Mrs.Henricksen,Erin Connelly ○ USDOE, NJDOJiEm, C o&nn SelOly NJ

○ Purpose to create school climate of inclusion, acceptance, respect, and human dignity for all sAtugdenednats through offering sports & leisure activities. 2. 3 Requirements Unified Bowling Club 1. Grant Funded (Means we have rules to follow for $$)

○ Inclusive Activities ○ USDOE, NJDOE, & SONJ ○ Purpose to create school climate of inclusion, acceptance, respect, and human ■ Winter Bowling daigtn Cityi frocr alell s Ltuadennetss th 1ro1ug/h4 o;f f1er1ing/ 1sp8or;t s1 &1 le/is2ur5e ;a c1ti2vit/ie2s.; 12/9; 12/16; 1/6; 1/13 2. 3 Requirements Inclusive Activities ■ Spring Bocce?○ ■ Winter Bowling at Circle Lanes 11/4; 11/18; 11/25; 12/2; 12/9; 12/16; 1/6; ■ Lunch Games (Uno, D1o/1m3 inoes, Chess, Frisbee Golf, Slam Can, Corn Hole, etc) ■ Spring Bocce? ■ Lunch Games (Uno, Dominoes, Chess, Frisbee Golf, Slam Can, Corn Hole, ○ Youth Leadership Activities etc) ○ Youth Leadership Activities ■ Youth Leadership S■umYoumthi Lte adership Summit ■ Justin, Jackie- ■ Justin, Jackie- ■ J.P, Chris-Treasure ■ J.P, Chris-Treasure ● November 21 @ College St. Elizabeth (6-8 Students) ■ Fundraising ● November 21 @● CAoslblueryg Pea rSk tT.u rEkeliyz Saplbaseh t&h D a(s6h -8 Students)

School Community Awareness Campaigns ■ Fundraising ○ 2 ● Asbury Park Turkey Splash & Dash

○ School Community Awareness Campaigns ■ Choose to Include ■ Disability Awareness Weeks ■ Fans in Stands 3. Club Shirts

○ Pick a design/logo-Team is a beautiful thing-Blue ○ Large:I I I I ○ Medium I I I I I ○ Small: During their October meeting, the 4. Baker Format for Club Bowling

Overbrook High School Unified club ○ Usually there are 7 bowlers, but you can have up to 10 on a team was voted to select their new president ○ The baker format is a team oriented concept where 5 bowlers bowl 2 frames each, examples as follows: 1st bowler – frames 1 and 6; 2nd bowler – frames 2 and 7; 3rd and vice-president. The two presi- bowler – frames 3 and 8 4th bowler – frames 4 and 9; 5th bowler – frames 5 and 10 dential candidates stood in front of Substituting is allowed during the match and with a frame. ○ Next year we hope to have a Bowling Team and compete against other high school their peers and stated what they love teams. This is the format that is used by the NJSIAA for high school bowling. about Unified, why they wanted to be ■ If anyone is interested in being on the Bowling Team next year, let us know! president, and what their goals for Next Week’s Business Unified were for the year. These two 5. Halloween themed snacks & drinks. best friends ran against each other and 6. Wii Bowling in C121 & C123 shook hands and hugged when the win- ○ We need your shoe size and transportation needs confirmed. ner was announced. They also picked Notes their new Unified t-shirts. The students ● Check Google Classroom for announcements and calendar of events. voted on the slogan, color, and style ● Start brainstorming for fun activities to do in January-March. and are super excited to receive them! ● Snacks & Drinks-Let’s all pitch in... ○ Phasellus vehicula nonummy nunc.

Action Items Office of Special Education Programs Page 14 U.S. Department of Education 1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetuer adipiscing elit. 2. Suspendisse scelerisque mi a mi School Highlights October 2019

Woodrow Wilson School (New Brunswick) In October, Woodrow Wilson School students commit to choose acceptance, choose respect, choose kindness and Play Unified!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 15 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Sayreville War Memorial High School In October, the Unified soc- The Unified Soccer team was round of applause! It was cer season was well under- selected, and was fortunate obvious to see their enjoy- way at Sayreville War Memo- enough to participate in the ment during the pep rally. rial High School. Four of the fall pep rally with all the Most had never been a part six practices were completed other fall sports teams. Once of something so big that and the students really en- again, the Unified students involved the whole school joyed themselves. and players got the largest body! They all had a blast!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 16 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Delsea High School October was a busy month for Delsea High School! Much busier than September as October was full of events.

In the beginning of the month, they had a meeting and held elections for officers. The elected officers were both a person with a disability and without, so they have two presidents, two vice- presidents and eight executive officers. Also at this meeting, they socialized and discussed upcoming events.

Delsea HS Unified Club started a Unified Homeroom. This has been very successful as students have lean on each other for getting announcements, locker help and socialization. They participated in Jeepers Creepers, a community- wide event where over 1,000 trick or treaters are served by different organizations throughout the school. The next event that took place was their Unified dinner that was outside of school, in the evening, where their Unified Club met and had a social experience outside of school walls.

Their main goal for their Uni- fied Club is to continue to create events throughout the school day and outside of school for their students with and without disabilities. Creating these social opportunities allows for their students with disabilities to feel more confident and inclusive to the school environment.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 17 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Newton High School Newton High School Play Uni- meeting. Students worked winners of the scavenger fied hosted three different together to complete a Fall hunt, hoping to build excite- “Fans in the Stands” events to scavenger hunt outside. ment for their participation show support for their sports They had at least five new in that event again later this teams. Students made a sign students join their group for year. They also played a Fall to display in order to increase this meeting, and the scaven- bingo game with partners, awareness of their group. ger hunt helped small groups which was a lot of fun. It is get to know one another bet- exciting to see their meeting On October 18, Newton HS ter. They gave Special Olym- numbers growing! hosted a very successful Club pics Torch Run t-shirts to the

Union City High School October was a month filled with Unified Soccer for Union City High School. Their team trained for months leading up to the Unified Cup. They currently have about 25 students who participate in their soccer practices. The team is made up of the 12 most dedicated members. They had help from the varsity soccer players at Union City High School, who have been coming to their practices. Unfor- tunately, the weather did not cooperate and the Unified Cup was cancelled. Their team practiced later that night and had a great time once the rain stopped. The Union City HS Club president has been attending weekly Student Leader meetings and has been able to recruit new members and spread the word about their club. Their regular Friday after school club meetings/wii parties will now resume and they hope to increase their numbers. The theme of their meetings in November is how to develop fundraising ideas.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 18 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Kingsway Regional High School Elizabeth Avenue The Kingsway Regional High School School Unified Club and The Elizabeth Avenue School P.E. were in full swing at held its official “UCS Kick Kingsway for the month of Off Meeting” with their staff October. They started with committee. They reviewed the “Circle of Friends” clubs what UCS is and determined scarecrow building activity the school’s purpose/vision during the week of the 7th. and goals for general edu- The scarecrows turned out cation students, for special awesome! The Kingsway education students, for staff, Regional HS Unified P.E. and for the community. They class was well represented also discussed future short at the Fall pep rally on the and long term ideas. 11th and they also supported their cross country Elizabeth Avenue School has representative! Their Unified decided to start small with Club enjoyed playing basket- two “pilot” classes and then ball and making Halloween expanding to the remaining gift bags that were shared four. These two classes have with Kingsway staff (guid- partnered with two general ance, secretaries, teachers education classes. They have custodians and more) to a morning meeting with spread Halloween happiness partner class Mon/Wed/ and the Unified message Fri and an Inclusive PE with throughout the school. They partner class one time per had a fun October! six day cycle. Future plans include: weekly morning announcement with peer buddy, accompanying video for morning meetings sent along with coffee cart email (coffee cart is worked by students to raise funds for community outings), expanding inclusive gym, fur- ther involvement of partner classes with leadership, Abili- ties Awareness Week/Month in April in conjunction with Ravioli Dinner fundraiser (raise funds for community outings and SONJ) and to work with guidance coun- selor for Kindness Week.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 19 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Mendham High School Clayton High School As the soccer season came to a close this month, The Clayton High School Unified PE Mendham High School advisers reflect on where their classes are planning a “Unified Night” program is both now, and at the end of the season on November 20, and have invited other last year. schools in the Tri-County Conference that have Unified programs. They plan Mendham High School had a fantastic soccer season. to have small group games and art and Their team came together and formed a bond in a way craft activities. The students are planning which was impressive. In addition, it saw returning the evening to include the strengths of athletes make significant progress in their abilities. all their classmates. They are creating This season closed with a winning record, which was invitations to invite family and friends to a product both of team cohesion and hard work in participate in the evening activities. practice. As Mendham HS looks ahead to basketball, they already have more new members interested in Clayton HS will continue to have a Uni- the team than they had for soccer, and double what fied Bowling team that will compete they had at this time last year. against other team in their conference. The Unified PE classes will continue Unified Sports at Mendham has come a long way. Soc- to grow the program and continue to cer last year was their first competitive sport and they spread the word of Inclusion. were nervous and excited to get the program off the ground. The players rose to the challenge, and went into every match with their best effort. While they had a successful season where students learned a lot Union High School and made amazing connections, soccer served more as a team building opportunity which would set us up for basketball and track.

This year; however, Mendham’s soccer team quickly bonded and became a group which was ready to hone their skills as athletes and as teammates. The result was a season which saw the team begin to truly func- tion as one. Players were actively implementing what they worked on in practice and victories on the field started to come together. In addition to this, their place within the Mendham athletic community began to take shape. As their team bonded and the season progressed, the school as a whole came to know the Unified team and their schedule.

Compared to last year, the establishment of Unified as a part of the Mendham HS culture, both athletic and academic, is where they have made the most significant progress. Their team feels that they are representatives and ambassadors for their peers, and more importantly, feel an equitable sense of inclusivity within their school community.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 20 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Delsea Regional Middle Sharon Elementary School School Students had a fun and busy October at Delsea Regional Middle School! They participated in a “Brain Break” of their choice with students with and without disabilities. They also had a Unified Club meeting where students got to meet their new members with a fun “Getting to Know You” game. Their Unified Club had a pizza night at a local pizzeria where students met and socialized outside of school. They are excited to see what the month of No- Sharon Elementary School’s first meeting of the school year vember brings. was held on October 23rd before school. The new advisor for Play Unified was greatly impressed by the number of students interested in joining their school club. They received interest from just over 100 students, and almost all of them were able Pond Road Middle to attend. Due to the size of their club, they chose to have School students sign up for one of five committees, with each com- The Pond Road Middle School mittee focused on a different aspect/strategy of promoting Club met on October 15. They inclusion in their school. The Sharon ES committees include took attendance and were a recess committee, lunch committee, PR (Public Relations) so happy to realize that they committee, art/bulletin board committee, and fundraising have 55 students that have committee. Each committee was filled after their first meet- joined Play Unified. They ing, and they are looking forward to a wonderful year! talked about the expectations Two days later, Sharon ES had their first district-wide Play of the Club and watched a Unified event, their “Pink Out Tailgate.” The students from short film on inclusion. After- elementary, middle, and high school join for an hour and a half wards, they discussed the film of games, snacks, friendship, and fun. Students from grades and their plans for the year. three through twelve all played different games together, They then played a couple of ranging from informal football tosses, to inflatable yard bowl- games: On the River On the ing, to cornhole, to Connect Four. Students were able to join Bank and Doctor Pepper. Pond for all or part of the tailgate, and all students in attendance Road MS is looking forward to were given free entry to the Pink Out football game that this year. night. They all had a great time!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 21 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights October 2019

Ridge High School Randolph High School Ridge High School had soccer games vs. Mendham, Millburn, and attended a tournament in Chatham for two games. Their Club now meets three times weekly after school for games, music and cooking. Ridge HS is now collecting physicals and set- ting up games and tournaments for their basketball season.

Woodrow Wilson Middle School (Clifton) The Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton Play Unify Club held a slogan competition for their theme for the 2019-2020 school year. The students worked in small groups to brainstorm goals, events, fundraiser ideas and then what they would like the theme or hash tag for this school year to be. They then created a Google form and put it out to the entire school to vote on. Overwhelming the slogan: See Top 10 Tips to Becoming a UCS the Able, not the label won. This slogan was created buy one of 1. Identify your Unified staff their eighth grade students. 2. Inform your parents & community 3. Administrators set the example 4. Start with something simple Hillcrest Elementary 5. Mirror overall school expectations School 6. Consistently set a Unified example Students at Hillcrest Elementary 7. Marketing School expressed their mutual respect and commitment to be- 8. Create a social media footprint ing unified by creating pinwheels 9. Add something new each year and decorating the front of the 10. Believe in the objective school with a “wind garden of peace.” This was a culminating You have the power to lead the next generation! Dedicate to activity for Respect week. the movement – Unify your school!

Office of Special Education Programs Page 22 U.S. Department of Education