School Highlights September 2018

In This Issue Arthur L. Johnson High School...... 2 Berkeley Township School District ...... 5 Burnet Middle School...... 14 Chatham High School...... 11 Clayton High School...... 16 Valley Regional High School...... 13 East Hanover Middle School...... 9 Fountain Woods Elementary School...... 12 Hamilton High School West...... 7 Hillsborough High School...... 16 Holmdel...... 11 Lyndhurst Public School District...... 3 Special Olympics National Banner Recipients ...... 8 Congratulations to the eight Unified Champion Schools Montgomery High School...... 8 receiving national banner recognition! They are: ...... 5 • Burnet Middle School • Union City High School • Hamilton High School West • New Milford...... 14 • Monroe Township High School • Woodrow Wilson Middle ...... 6 • Old Bridge High School School - Clifton • Rowan University Old Bridge High School...... 12 These schools have demonstrated commitment to inclusion by achieving Overbrook High School...... 2 ten standards based on the three over-arching components that include Pond Road Middle School...... 2 Special Olympics Unified Sports®, Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole School Engagement. They also demonstrated that they are self- Randolph High School...... 15 sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities in the future. Rutherford High School...... 4 UCS National Banner Standards Rutherford High School...... 15 1 The school offers Unified Sports in at least 2 seasons throughout the school year. Sayreville War Memorial High School...... 6 2 Unified Sports participation occurs regularly over the course of each sport season or school term and includes competition. Somerville High School...... 2 3 An adult coach for each sport who has received training on Special Olympics Unified Sports. Special Olympics National Banner Recipients.....1 4 Unified Sports is officially recognized by the school in a similar style as other athlet- – East...... 10 ics/activities. 5 A Unified Club or student group that offers leadership opportunities/training for Union City High School...... 5 students with and without intellectual disabilities. Voorhees High School...... 6 6 The inclusive club/group meets at least once per month throughout the school year. 7 The inclusive club/group has an adult liaison and is officially recognized by the school Voorhees High School...... 12 in a similar style as other clubs/activities. Washington Township High School...... 9 8 At least two whole school engagement activities per school year. West Morris Mendham High School...... 14 9 Students with and without disabilities are involved with planning and leading the awareness activities. Woodlynne Public School...... 9 10 Is currently self-sustainable or has a plan in place to sustain the 3 components into Woodrow Wilson Middle School (Clifton)...... 11 the future.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 1 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Pond Road Middle Arthur L. Johnson High School School Arthur L. Johnson High School started off September by teaching The Pond Road Middle the students the game of soccer. They were taught how to dribble School students talked the ball, pass using the inside of their foot, throw in, shoot and about Play Unified at their trap the ball for control. They also worked on some plays. The stu- first meeting. Afterwards, dents are doing really great even though they haven’t played soc- they did an icebreaker. It cer in the past. Their teamwork skills are improving immensely and was like BINGO, trying to they are having fun while doing it. Their first game of the season find other members who did specific things over the was September 30th. They played . Players were summer. They then played swapped during the game, so that everyone could participate. Builders and Bulldozers – knocking down and putting up cones. They also played Keepers of the Castle. Four Overbrook High School teams collected as many On 9/12, Overbrook High School had their first club meeting. They balls from the other team distributed forms that needed to be completed and provided club into their hoola-hoop. leader applications.

Somerville High School On September 13, 2018 to the students and mentors Instagram page. Twitter and Somerville High School had the importance of inclusion. He Instagram have become vital their first “Peer 2 Peer” has a son with special needs platforms for announcements meeting of the year with all and heads an organization and encouraging new mem- mentors and students in at- called Teamwork Unlimited. bers to become more active. tendance. They discussed the With many of their students The students are fond of this purpose of the club, fundrais- and mentors being athletes new means of communication ing opportunities, activities (Unified Bowling and other and it allows the students for the year and encouraged varsity athletics), their guest in class to have some fun mentor participation. Prior to wants to express the impact as well. the 9/13 meeting they had an that inclusion through sports officers meeting discussing can have on special needs Their club members have the aforementioned topics youth. Along with this they shown their devotion and ea- and expectations for the club have arranged for their club to gerness despite it only being throughout the year. Septem- support club members at some a month into the school year. ber was designated to plan- of their athletic competitions. They aim to set high stan- ning for the year and appoint- dards for participation in club ing officer positions. Further, their Peer2Peer events, activities and daily Unified Club has expanded life. Their primary goal is to Somerville High School has the use of social media. They promote “Choose to Include” arranged a guest speaker for take advantage of photo op- ideals through recruitment early October. On October 9th, portunities and share them in their community during the speaker will communicate with the students on their future months.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 2 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Lyndhurst Public School District In September, teachers were recruited to facilitate the Lyndhurst Public School District Unified Clubs. They will have two teachers at each of the following schools: Memorial, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt. A permission slip was prepared (see below) and they started planning meeting dates for the school year. The Board of Education and their new superintendent approved the facility use for Unified Club. They are fortunate that one school has a large gym. However, the other three schools have minimal indoor space for Unified Club. They plan the start of Unified Club at the end of October. In the meantime, it was great to see students walk the hallways of each school wearing the Lyndhurst Unified Club shirts and asking when Unified Club will begin this year. They are expecting even more participants this school year for grades three through eight. The Lyndhurst Public School District is very excited to begin Unified Club for the 2018-2019 school year.

Play Unified Club Permission Slip 2018-2019 School Year

Student Name______Grade______Homeroom ______

Dear Parent/Guardian, Contact Phone # ______

Roosevelt School will be participating in the Unified Schools initiative in partnership with the US Parent Name______Department of Education and Special Olympics New Jersey. The Play Unified School Partnership aims to build a society of acceptance and inclusion for all people. We know that students, with their energy, Signature______idealism, and creativity, can be not only participants but leaders in this mission.

The Play Unified Club will give young people the tools, platform and empowerment to be the change

makers in helping us reach this vision. In this program, students will have the opportunity to interact ------through sports, competition, social, academic, and recreational activities. The Play Unified Club will build character, increase acceptance of others, develop leadership skills, and enhance the school community. It is a program that teaches beyond the classroom and expands a students’ social horizons. Authorization for my child to walk home.

The Play Unified Club will meet at Roosevelt School once a month on Tuesdays from 2:50 to 3:50 p.m. Below are the dates for Grades 4-5 and Grades 6-7-8. My child ______has permission to leave Unified Club

Grades 4-5 Grades 6-7-8 and walk home without adult supervision. I understand that Unified Club staff are

October 30 October 30 not responsible for my child’s safety after this time. Walkers are not to leave

November 13 November 20 Unified Club before 3:50pm unless a signed note has been sent by the parent. December 4 December 11

January 8 January 15 Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______February 5 February 12

March 5 March 12 ------

April 2 April 9

May 7 May 14

The first meeting will be October 30, 2018. If interested, please fill out the permission slip attached or online on the Roosevelt School Webpage by Friday October 26, 2018. We look forward to a great year with Unified Club!!!

Sincerely, Ms. Lott

Office of Special Education Programs Page 3 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Rutherford High School During September, Rutherford High School implemented a peer lunch program where the students ate for 25 minutes then played games for 25 minutes. Also, their football team presented the Play Unified students with jerseys to wear at the pep rally.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 4 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Berkeley Township School District The Berkeley Township El- The halls are filled with and staff are in place working ementary School has adopted “Respect” shirts from the on dates and times for Uni- its “Hand Rule” for their fifth graders who are now fied Clubs. school rules, which are post- sixth graders and the Berke- ed in each hallway for every ley Township “Play Unified” The excitement is being felt student and faculty member shirts are worn with pride! throughout the district and to see. The culture has truly Each Friday they do a “Week the students, as young as in changed and they are Unified in Review” to highlight great pre-K*, are involved in the in and out of the classroom. things done during the week Unified movement. It is both and get everyone ready for fun and rewarding to see all Also, they started a new the week ahead. They are schools on board sharing this initiative during recess. With excited for October, for their incredible philosophy and their upcoming Unified Club Respect Week and also the truly practicing what they focusing on soccer, it was beginning of their Unified preach. As a district, they important to build the excite- Clubs. look forward to many more ment not only for the sport, programs throughout the but for working together as a Clara B. Worth, Bayville and year and making this the best team. Teams were set up and H&M Potter, all three of the year yet for all the students schedules were set for games lower elementary schools, and faculty. to take place during recess. have begun sharing their This structure was important Unified goals and objectives * The district has now added to the kids participating and for the year. Each school did multiple preschool programs the adults supervising the a Respect Walk and will also that allow any child, who is 4 activity. The teams are having participate in Respect Week years old as of October 1st, a blast and each team keeps during the month of October. to participate in free pre- checking in on their records The schools have chosen Uni- school. They will incorporate and when they play next. fied student representatives the Unified approach in these programs as well.

Union City High School Moorestown High The Union City High School (UCHS) club has started this school year, School and UCHS continued their soccer program from the summer. They have around 20 athletes and partners that come out to play each The Unified team Sunday. Players from the boys and girls teams from UCHS have been from Moorestown High coming to help as partners. School represented New Their first club meeting was on 9/21 and they reviewed what they did Jersey as it captured the last year. The club highlight from last year was earning National Ban- gold medal at the Special ner Recognition. The club is currently planning a celebration for this Olympic Games in Seattle in prestigious honor. July. Click here to read the For the third year in a row they had a table set up at the club fair article on the “Moorestown where they were able to reach a lot of students. Many of the new students expressed interest in joining their club. Patch” website.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 5 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Old Bridge High School Sayreville War Unified scavenger hunt Memorial High School

The Unified Soccer season got underway at Sayreville War Memorial High School. Players were selected and they will hold their first of six practices on Octo- ber 18th. This will be the third Bomber World Cup for Sayreville and they are very excited to get every- one back into the gym and working together.

Voorhees High School North Hunterdon High School and West Morris Mendham. The team is registered for the Unified The Voorhees High School Unified Club held an Cup and they look forward to a great season. interest meeting on September 6. The purpose of this meeting was to see who would like to The Unified Soccer team was recognized at the join the Unified Social Club for the 2018-2019 Fall Sports Pep Rally on Friday, September 7th. school year. There were about 30 students at This was a whole school pep rally where each fall the meeting. The president of the club did a sport was announced and the captains went to presentation showing what the Unified Club is the center of the gym floor to speak about their all about. They introduced the club officers who season. After the Unified Soccer captains spoke, are a combination of students with and without the whole school cheered them on and wished disabilities. them luck for the season.

Unified Soccer practices began on Monday, Scheduling for the Unified Basketball 2018-2019 August 27th with over 25 students. The first season has also started. game is against Arthur L. Johnson on October All three Unified Sports: Unified Soccer, Unified 2nd. The team continues to practice their skills Basketball, and Unified Track and Field were and prepare for another match against Arthur registered through the Interscholastic Unified L. Johnson, as well as other games against Sports® Registration link.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 6 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Hamilton High School West The Unified Club at Hamilton High School West participated in float decorating for their homecoming parade. “50’s Drive In” was their theme.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 7 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Metuchen High School Students in Unified PE at Metuchen High School the skills of their choice. They switched equip- have been working hard getting to know each ment throughout the class. These activities other as classmates in this new course start- gave them all the opportunity to make choices ing at Metuchen High School. One of their and exhibit leadership in an environment with most recent classes was a “Fun Friday.” Various no stress. activities that they have done thus far include Metuchen High School also had their first Play Uni- throwing footballs, throwing Frisbees, practic- fied Club meeting. There was a tremendous amount ing various soccer skills, hula hooping, and play- of interest. They will be having their first “official” ing volleyball. Each student and their partners club meeting and first fundraiser in October. selected a piece of equipment and worked on

Montgomery High School

Office of Special Education Programs Page 8 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

East Hanover Middle School Woodlynne Public School Activities of the East Hanover Middle School Student helping at the Book Fair. 2018-2019 Play Unified Club were primarily introductory during the month of September. The club advisor sought recommendations for participants with special needs from special education case managers and for participants without special needs to serve as peer helpers from school administration, guidance staff, and teachers. An information session was held for students identified as potential participants to present them with the philosophy of Play Uni- fied, invite them to participate, share logistical information, and plan membership based on student interest/availability. Parents of inter- ested students were provided with information- al flyers explaining the purpose of the Club and permission forms documenting their consent.

Their first Play Unified Club meeting was held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 after school. They had eight students with special needs and twelve peer helpers representing grades 6th, 7th and 8th. The meeting began with a brief discussion of the meaning of Unified Sports and Washington Township High School how the club fits into that initiative, guidelines Washington Township High School has a for fun and respectful participation, and a view- Unified Homeroom this year. The Life Skills class has become the Play Unified Executive ing of “The Moment” video from Special Olym- Board, with nine students with special needs pics’ GenerationUnified.org website. Click( here and seven gen ed students. They meet every to find the video.) Students then participated day to brainstorm and plan activities. The in icebreaker activities in which they cheered Executive Board participated in the dual selfie to show when they identified with introductory yearbook contest and their freshmen won a statements made by others. The group then Wawa gift card! broke up into small groups shooting On Sept. 5, Washington Township High School or doing a hula hoop-passing group challenge. started the school year off with a Unified The next meeting of the EHMS Play Unified Club Welcome Wednesday. The Play Unified and will take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Peer Outreach Club were the originators of and will include designing club t-shirts as well as the Welcome Wednesday all school greeting. Now, many school clubs and sports teams sign playing adaptive, cooperative gym games. up for Welcome Wednesday.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 9 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Steinert High School – East September has been a great kick off to Unified Club and Unified Sports at Steinert High School – East. Students filled out applications to participate in the Unified Club and they had their first meeting on September 14th. The teacher reviewed the applications and asked the students questions. They also promoted Unified Sports: soccer, bowling, basketball and track & field. They practiced for Unified Soccer, and they had fun Fridays where they played games during lunch.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 10 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Chatham High School Woodrow Wilson There has been a lot of excitement around the Chatham High Middle School School (CHS) Unified Club this month. They had a table at the activ- (Clifton) ity fair and Back to School night and held several interest meetings. The interest shown by the students has been incredible. Currently, On September 27th the they have 220 CHS students and 60 from ECLC who have officially Woodrow Wilson Unified club held its first 2018- joined their club! 2019 meeting. They were The Unified Club had the opportunity to present at an ECLC board pleasantly surprised by meeting. There was an outpouring of support from the board and such a large turnout. At their student leaders from both schools presented to the adult this point they had not audience. yet held their school-wide presentation, but word had In addition, their club finished a video titled “Born to Love” that was gotten around regarding shown to the student body. It was created with the hope of spread- their amazing program. ing the message of love and acceptance for all, and it also does a They are very pleased to nice job highlighting their Unified Club. have so many returning members and are looking They are looking forward to October when they will begin soccer forward to having many and activity nights. new members join them.

Holmdel The Holmdel School District announced their partnership with SONJ and recruited students to participate in their Unified Sports intramural program. The Unified Club worked on creating a bulletin board for the hallway and discussed future goals for the rest of the year including out of school activities and taking a Team Unified yearbook picture. The students practiced soccer skills: dribbling, passing and shooting.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 11 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Fountain Woods Elementary School Starting the second week in the month during morning announcements, the Fountain Woods Elementary School (Woods Elementary) students are going to read the themes and ideas listed in the binder from Unified.

To practice social skills and inclusion, the two self-contained classes joined a 4th grade class on Friday, 9/14 while they rotated through five stations. The students all had a blast and look forward to many more opportunities throughout the year.

On Friday, 9/28 Woods Elementary made a “Friendship Fruit Salad” with a 4th grade class. They grouped students in six groups. Each group was a different fruit and each fruit had a purpose. They brainstormed what this would look like in their school. Next, they discussed Voorhees High School the rotten banana. How would a rotten banana act if they were in class? Then they made the Check this out from Voorhees High School! fruit salad and discussed how it tastes when NJ.com posted: mixed together with all of the other fruit. They explained how their fruit salad is like their “Voorhees High School students, staff classroom. members and visitors will see a new mascot at the home football games and at Having the self-contained students included various school events this year. on making announcements on their morning A professionally-made Vikings newscast was discussed as an idea for October. costume was donated to the high school through the Voorhees Unified program. The students, along with another class, will make The mascot costume was unveiled at the “Kindness Rocks” and start hiding them in and around the school. fall sports pep rally on Sept. 7 to rousing applause from the student body. Following a poll on Twitter, the new mascot now also has a name - Meet Viktor Old Bridge High School the Viking.” “Recognized for being a unified, all inclusive Such an amazing story! It appeared front school.” Click here to read the Newspaper Media page of the Sunday Democrat Region Section Group (NMG) article that announces Old Bridge (Section 2 of the paper), and will be printed in High School as an official Special Olympics the Hunterdon Review as well! NJ.com posted national banner Unified Champion School. first. Click here for full article.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 12 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Delaware Valley Regional High School Photos from Unified Gym class Invite to Homecoming Dance

Meet and Greet

T-shirt designed by the Leadership group – placed orders as a fundraiser

Scavenger Hunt

Office of Special Education Programs Page 13 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Burnet Middle West Morris Mendham High School School This was the first full month fied, this year saw students Burnet Middle School (BMS) back for Unified Sports at of varying levels of leader- has nine new students in West Morris Mendham High ship experience wanting to their MD class this year. School (Mendham). They be involved in some way. They spent most of Sep- enjoyed a successful year The result is that their Uni- tember calling parents to explain the program and to previously, and was hopeful fied Sports program has be- help them to understand to see the students return come an entity rooted in the how it operates. Permis- this year. During the first school culture. It is no lon- sion slips for club and after meeting, it was apparent ger a club that people have school sports and physical that Unified had exploded to ask about, as its visibility forms were sent home. while school was not in ses- is abundant. The students A Unified Club meeting took sion. They had so many new should be congratulated for place on Thursday Septem- members that they split cementing the club within ber 21st. Over 75 Gen Ed the meeting in half just to the school. Unified t-shirts students attended. BMS set accommodate all of the new can always be seen in the up their intramural sched- ule, as well as transporta- students. This advertising halls, and students’ genu- tion for the students to get was done purely organically, ine friendships have carried home. They are working on as they had yet to prepare through the summer and rebuilding their club after for the Organization Fair back into the school year. many special education and in which they expose new general education students Heartwarming relationships students to the program. have graduated. BMS plans are being formed through Instead, the students had to have a buddy lunch every the program. So many new Wednesday starting Oc- spoken so highly of the members want to be a part tober 24th. They are also organization that students, of this awesome group of establishing a Polar Plunge who did not even know a students. They were tasked team for November 3rd. member on the team, want- with establishing Unified Unified Sports practices will ed to get involved. as a recognizable and ac- start October 22nd. They are excited to get started. This exciting growth like- cepted aspect of the school wise carried over to Mend- climate. In this, they were ham’s officer application more than successful. The New Milford process. Last year, as a new club is flourishing, and club, students were ap- with it, so are their athletic During the month of Sep- tember New Milford identi- prehensive about getting teams. It will be amazing fied liaisons and planned for involved in leadership roles. to see what these young the school year. No formal After becoming accustomed people will do next! club activities began. to the atmosphere of Uni-

Office of Special Education Programs Page 14 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Randolph High School Randolph High School had an organizational meeting in August in the form of dinner club. The students used this as an opportunity to re-acclimate with the building and their peers before the school year started. In September, they had a sports club meeting where the students were able to stay after and play basketball.

Rutherford High School The Rutherford High and one administrator. It was discussed as the first event School Unified Club met on decided that the club will to be scheduled. Relay races 9/27/2018. In attendance meet once a month. Agenda is also an option. November were: six students (two items included the types of Sports: Flag Football and special education and four activities they would like to basketball were discussed. general education students); have this year with the goal Members will look on two teacher assistants; two of having one event/activity a YouTube for field day events general education teachers month. A cooking event was to be held in the spring.

Office of Special Education Programs Page 15 U.S. Department of Education School Highlights September 2018

Clayton High School The Clayton High School ment. One student stated, The High School Student Unified class is off to a great “I like how the class is a Council has voted unanimous- start. This year they opened mixture of seniors, juniors, ly to approve the forming of a the HS Unified PE class to all sophomores, and freshmen.” Unified Club for this year. The grades 9-12. The class is most- Another student stated, “My Unified Club will be presented ly seniors, but they have eight first impression is that it’s to the Clayton School Board underclassmen that chose to more welcoming than other at this month’s meeting for join the class this year. classes. That I would not be approval. Clayton HS hopes to judged for a little mistake I have the club up and running The first impression of the make while playing a sport.” by the end of October. class is a welcoming environ-

Hillsborough High School Meet & Greet Party

Office of Special Education Programs Page 16 U.S. Department of Education