Winona Area Public Schools
Students in the Unified Physical Education class raise their hands let out a cheer.
Can a phy ed class change the world?
The teachers and students in the Unified Physical Education Class at Winona Senior High School would like to think so.
Unified PE brings together students of all abilities to foster authentic relationships and promote inclusion — not just for one period a day in one classroom, but throughout the school and into the larger community.
WSHS is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. The Unified model is designed to weave inclusion throughout school programming to foster a school culture and environment that welcomes and uplifts all students.
“Unified exemplifies that disabilities are something to be celebrated in society,” said Kellie Fihn, a high school teacher who works with students with autism and developmental disabilities. “Inclusion should reach farther than our classrooms. Our hope is to empower this generation to create a more inclusive world."
It starts small.
One day, students are throwing bean bags near a mark. The team with the closest bag gets a point. There are smiles, high-fives, lots of encouragement and yes, a little friendly banter between the teams.
The next week, the students are taking the canoes out onto Lake Winona, an activity that requires lots of teamwork and trust.
During another period, it’s free play in the gym. Students can pick their activity. Some kick a ball back and forth. Others play basketball. Some just like to walk.
The important thing? They aren’t doing it alone.
Adriana Brenengen, right, and Amanda Chesher participate together in an activity in the Unified Physical Education class.
In Unified PE, students work together to reach their class fitness goals, high school teacher Bill Jacobs said.
“The students develop leadership skills,” Jacobs said. “They are challenged in this class in ways that will not only benefit them as students, but in ways that will benefit them as people. All students are capable of becoming leaders, and this class empowers them to do so.”
On the first day of class, Jacobs gave a presentation about the expectations for the class for all students. A few days later, Fihn and fellow teacher Molly Rossbach gave a presentation on disability as an identity, how to combat ableism, and being a supportive partner.
“Unified allows students to see how we all experience life uniquely,” Rossbach said. “Disability is part of humanity.”
High school physical education teacher Bill Jacobs, right, bounces on an exercise ball with Graciemae Call.
Activities are adapted so all students can participate. The students without disabilities are taught ways to include and support their classmates with disabilities, which could be different depending on the disability. They are encouraged to ask if their classmate would like help and not just assume they need help, and if their classmate is upset or anxious, to remain calm and supportive. Some students with disabilities may need additional accommodations, and the students without disabilities learn about those accommodations.
The result is a classroom where the individuals see one another as people regardless of whether or not they have a disability.
“My favorite part is seeing students' connections grow even outside of Unified class and the positive change in our school culture,” Rossbach said.
Fihn said she’s noticed students in the Unified class support their partner’s participation in other events, like the Special Athletic Competition and adapted sports.
In November, the Unified PE class hopes others will join them in their quest to positively impact school culture by taking part in a fundraiser. Winona Senior High School will host a Cool School Mobile Plunge event at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. Some of the proceeds raised will go toward the Unified program.