The Indian Hill School District celebrates Indian Hill Middle School (IHMS) for being named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. IHMS is the only middle school in Ohio to earn this recognition. Special Olympics Ohio joined the Braves Friday, September 29 for a special presentation to surprise students.
“This is a moment to celebrate,” said Indian Hill Middle School Principal Lauren Gentene. “Our students have innovated ideas for our building to be more inclusive not only within athletic opportunities but also through social and learning events, and their work, always supported by our amazing educators, deserves this recognition.”
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. Unified Champion Schools have climates in which students with disabilities are welcomed and included in all facets of the school community. To be given the distinction of UCS, a school must implement a Unified Sports program, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole-school engagement.
“Our team has been working toward increased inclusion for years,” said Indian Hill Director of Pupil Services Erica Leppert. “Our Unified Sports started in 2019 with Unified Track and Field. This debut inclusion program has expanded to include Unified Bowling and will also include Unified Corn Hole for the first time this year.”
“Our focus on Learners as the Whole Child is an integral part of the Indian Hill School District’s #IHPromise strategic plan, and we are thrilled to see our innovative efforts toward inclusion to be recognized in such an elite way,” said Indian Hill CEO/Superintendent Kirk Koennecke. “We celebrate the accomplishments so far, and we continue to look for new opportunities for inclusion in the future.”
Photo caption: Special Olympics Ohio joined Indian Hill Middle School on Friday, September 29 for a special presentation to surprise students on being named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School.