UNIFIED P.E. OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS

MEMBERS OF THE UNIFIED P.E. TEAM; PHOTO BY HOLLY ATKINSON

We all have to take gym one semester every year. But what some of you did not know is that there is a small fraction of students who sign up for Unified P.E. It may seem weird to take a gym class that is really laid back, but Unified P.E is more about helping those around you. Mrs. Miller has been working for CCA for 7 years now. Currently, she teaches Health, Unified PE, and Cardio Fitness. Unified P.E wasn’t a class that was offered, or even a class that was thought about until Miller came up with the idea. “I created a Unified PE class 5 years ago when I saw there was a need to include students who were not in our other PE classes. These students needed some more modifications in order to be successful, and I heard about Unified PE at a workshop.” This workshop was all the insertion that Miller needed. “Shortly after, I went to administration and they gladly helped me get this class started. It has been a huge benefit to all of our students and I am so happy everyone in the whole school can be in a PE class that is the best for them.” 

Over the last 5 years Miller has learned more about students, and ways to make the school better. Miller has so many favorite memories, from beginning to end. “It's so hard to choose just one memory. I think the top of the list though is the very first day after summer break when all students were back together again.” The first day of school for Miller is more about the students than starting another school year. “Seeing smiles on everyone's faces and the eagerness to work out and play games together makes me smile. Also, our Unified PE basketball game at halftime during one of the varsity basketball games is a memory that I will hold in my heart forever”

As someone who has done Unified P.E since the beginning, it brings a lot of emotions. This year so many of us were lucky enough to learn that Unified P.E had grown into more than one class. Since Miller has started teaching at the Highschool she was not really teaching Unified P.E, but this year is her first year actually teaching a class. “I am so excited that Unified PE has two sections now! We were able to get two sections the semester that the pandemic happened, and it was tough to build the program back up after we had to go a year and a half of not offering Unified PE.” Thinking about how much the class has grown brings a lot of emotions to Miller. “I think some people are nervous to try it out since it's new to them, but once you get in the gym and get working, the vast majority of kids love it. I'm glad we have the interest to offer two sections and I'm hopeful that continues in the future.”

While talking to Miller and getting to know her better, she was also willing to tell me what she has personally gained from being a part of Unified P.E. Even though she is the teacher, she acts like a student and actively joins in games, and conversations. “Unified PE has made me a better teacher, leader, and just a better person overall. I usually have a personality where my mind goes a million miles a minute.” Talking about this can be emotional as you see how much you have changed as a person. “Unified PE has taught me more patience and that it's usually better to slow down and think things through to come up with ideas and adaptations. Teaching Unified PE has also made me more assertive and proactive to promote inclusion in our building and community. The list goes on and on. It's just a great place to be!”

Another teacher that has been a part of Unified P.E is Mrs. K, this is her third year at CCA. Mrs. K teaches Unified P.E and Health here at the High School. Before Mrs. K came to CCA and taught Unified P.E., she had grown up helping those in needs. “Prior to starting teaching at CCA, I spent over 10 years working with children and adults with disabilities and I absolutely love it.” Mrs. K has always had a passion to help others, and is willing to share her story with others. “I have a huge passion and heart for them and I wanted to be an advocate and teach others about inclusion in hopes of building connections for the students who do not get as much social interaction on a day-to-day basis with peers.” When Mrs. K first started out at CCA, she was teaching health and gym classes, but never thought she would get the opportunity she was given. “So, when asked if I would like to teach this class, I was so excited! I was also excited about the opportunity to be able teach the students different types of exercise and activities so that when they graduate, they are able to find enjoyment in exercise and stay physically active.” Mrs. K, and Mrs. Miller are the same. Over the years seeing others help those who need help brings so much joy to them. So, asking “what is their favorite part?” is like asking a bookworm what their favorite book is. “It is so hard to just pick one! Some of my favorite memories are the little things like watching a student give their partner a high five after completing a workout, or coming alongside and just being a friend on a hard day.” While Mrs. K has so many memories, she will always cherish the bonding between students. “One of my favorite events was the Unified PE Scrimmage that was played during halftime at a girls’ basketball game this winter. The experience was truly one of the coolest things to see. The way the crowd and student section interacted and cheered on the students was simply amazing.” Mrs. K believes that one day there will be school wide inclusion and not just a small group of people who are willing to help.

“The smiles on all of our students' faces said it all. It was just another step in the right direction to fostering a school wide attitude of inclusion at CCA. Although not all of the students were able to make it that night, we also had our own scrimmage during class the following day, where all the students participated and it was just as fun to see all their smiles as they ran up and down the court and made a basket.” Mrs. K got to now so many students last year, and this year she gets to meet and interact with a new group of students. “I am so happy we have enough interest in the class to have had two sections of Unified P.E both semesters this year. It makes me so excited to see the class growing and students recommending the class to their friends.” Mrs. K cares just as much about her students as anyone else. “The students that have signed up to take this class are simply amazing, they have huge hearts, and help make this class an amazing atmosphere. I appreciate all of them so much! I hope the class continues to grow and that the friendships that are made can go beyond just the PE setting!” Mrs. K understand everything that Miller has done to get the ball rowling and will forever be grateful. “A special shout out to Ms. Miller, who started the Unified P.E. program years back and helped our school become a Unified Champion school. I love getting to co-teach this class with her and bounce ideas off each other!” What personally have you learned from Gym classes. Mrs. K has been able to learn more about herself as a person thanks to Unified P.E “I have learned so much thanks to the amazing associates, teachers and GWAEA staff. We work as a team and I could not do it without all of them. In addition, all of my students have taught me how to be a better version of myself.” The students have also played role in who Mrs. K had become over the last few years. “They have taught me perseverance, kindness, patience, compassion, happiness, and much more. They teach me to see the joy in little things, to keep trying new things, and to not give up. It is such a rewarding experience seeing my students try new things and watching the peer partners take on a leadership role and make connections with the students while incorporating physical activity.” Mrs. K understands the need for kindness and respect towards all people. While she is a very cheerful person nothing brings her more joy then seeing students in gym class bonding. 

“Seeing the friendships that have been made in this class, and seeing inclusion spread beyond the classroom has been the most rewarding thing. Unified P.E. truly is the best part of my day and I am thankful for the opportunity to get to teach a section here at CCA!” So you may not care about lifting, and your not a very active person, but Unified P.E is something that takes a lot of care and passion for the people around you.