In a traditional Physical Education class, there is a lot going on: dodgeballs flying, people yelling and loud noises. For some students with special needs, this can be overwhelming and stressful, which is why Unified PE was created to be a more welcoming environment for those students.

Unified PE pairs students with special needs with peers. Who play modified games that are safe for students with all abilities, this allows students with special needs to get active in a PE class that is modified for their needs. Unified PE teacher Amy McClure has help in the classroom from multiple paraprofessionals.

McClure helped create the class so students with special needs have the opportunity to feel more safe in a physical environment.

“You’re still throwing and catching, but it’s creating a safe space,” McClure said. “I had to change or create activities for these students that are more safe and within their skill set, or within their level of doing a skill that other kids of their age can do in a way that’s safe for them.”

District Adaptive PE teacher Kathy Mayer helps make PE classes more accessible and found that making these spaces for students with all needs can be simple.

“I just want all the kids to be able to enjoy recreation and have a chance to have a good time. Sometimes, it’s the equipment that needs to be adapted so that they can play with their friends,” Mayer said.

McClure sees the class as a way for students to build bonds with others and meet new people.

“I love seeing the connection that the students make with their peers and their partner,” McClure said. “I also love the interaction of the students from the connections classroom, they don’t necessarily spend a lot of time outside of that classroom, but in unified PE, it’s like they’re in school with everyone, and it’s so fun to watch them interact with students that they may have not met the entire four years that they were here.”

Junior Ava Lucht works as a peer in the class and finds joy in working with the students in the classroom. She also enjoys seeing the students she’s built bonds with.

“I work with a student named Robin, and she’s such a joy to work with. She always puts a smile on my face, and I look forward to working with her every single day in that class,” Lucht said. “It’s a friendship you can’t find anywhere else, I’d say the connection that I have with Robin is something that I’ve never had.”