Last school year, I did something I never thought I’d do…

I got my coaching certification!

I’m not an athlete, besides my anxiety-induced running addiction, so I felt totally out of my element, but I had an awesome co-coach who is also our life skills teacher, so we made it happen.

First, I’ve volunteered before with Unified Sports, but took on a leadership role this year. To get the ball rolling, I contacted other Unified coaches in my district, gotten my Principal on board, and reached out to our state’s Unified Liason. Everyone was supportive in getting the program going.

Initially, we were able to get a grant to start the program. With this, we were able to buy our banner, shirts, and some materials. Once we had the funding secured, we decided to start the program small, in order to give our students the best experience possible.

We started out with inviting peers, “partners” to our adapted PE class once a month. Each of our life skills students, “athletes” had one or two peers who came and helped facilitate a game we played each week. Prior to starting, I met with the partners on their role, and got parent permission.

After a few months, we were ready to roll out our after school program. For 6 weeks, we had about 24 students total. We followed the elementary model, which is non-competative and non-team based. Each we week set up stations for one sport: basketball, soccer, track & field, volleyball, baseball & bowling. We started and ended each week with a greeting or share, and had some of our athletes lead warm ups.

At the end, we hosted a Unified Sports Day with two other schools in town, and invited parents so show off our sportsmanship, complete with an opening ceremony, torch lighting, and medal ceremony. It ended up downpouring, but the kids had a blast.

In the end, starting and coaching this program is a highlight of my career as a School Psychologist. Watching my students become leaders, make friends, and enjoy themselves is something I will not take for granted.

Here’s a great resource to get started, and if you are in CT, let me know!