Unified Champion School
Discovery Middle School is proud to be a Unified Champion School.
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is a movement aimed at empowering a generation of student leaders to change their school culture to be more inclusive. With sports as the foundation, the three-component model offers activities that equip students with tools and training to create teams, classrooms and entire schools of acceptance. Unified Champion Schools are schools where students with disabilities feel welcome and are meaningfully included in all school activities, opportunities and functions.
This is accomplished by implementing three components of Unified Champion Schools: Inclusive Student Leadership, Unified Sports, and Whole School Engagement. All three areas are crucial to shift the culture of a school towards inclusion. Once the three components are active, a school is considered a Unified Champion School.
inclusive student leadership
Through our 'Unified Advisors' elective course, 8th grade students have an opportunity to develop skills to support peers with diverse abilities. Students gain valuable experience in teamwork, collaboration, and communication. Students will assist students with special needs in various activities within elective courses.
This class is designed to foster a community of acceptance and inclusion, emphasizing the physical, intellectual, and social growth of all participants.
unified sports
In Unified PE, general education students have the opportunity to learn firsthand about disabilities and to appreciate that disabilities do not define a person. Unified Leaders help facilitate activities and support positive peer interactions. For students on IEPs, Unified PE provides a welcoming space to build connections, develop friendships, and engage in physical activities alongside their peers. The class emphasizes cooperation, empathy, and community, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
whole school engagemenT
The Cool School Plunge annual event, led by the Unified Club, has become one of the biggest and most meaningful events of the year. Fifty percent (50%) of the monies raised support Special Olympics Minnesota and 50% comes back to support student activities and athletics.
Save the Date for the 2027 Cool School Plunge set for Wednesday, March 3.
