Event was designed to bring together students from the Special Education program and their General Education peers to create a spirit of sportsmanship and unity

Woodland High School recently hosted its first-ever Unified Basketball game, an event designed to bring together students from the Special Education (SPED) program and their General Education (GenEd) peers to create a spirit of sportsmanship and unity. Students at Woodland High School gathered to cheer on the inaugural unified basketball game during a schoolwide assembly.

Studies show that inclusion of students with disabilities with their general education peers helps develop social skills and improve academics. For students in GenEd, such activities help foster respect and empathy. Catherine Pulliam, a counselor at Woodland High School and a passionate advocate for inclusion, came up with the idea after watching a video showcasing a similar unified basketball game at her uncle’s school. “The concept immediately resonated with me and ignited a spark of inspiration,” she said. “I wondered, ‘Could we create something similar here?’” So began the journey toward an extraordinary event that would unite students from diverse backgrounds. “The concept of a unified basketball game transcends mere sport; it symbolizes equality, diversity, and unity,” said Pulliam.

Pulliam wasted no time. The same day she watched the video, she started investigating how to introduce a similar event in Woodland. Pulliam sought out Alex Onslow, one of the Woodland High School’s Diverse Support Program (DSP) teachers, about her idea. They began discussing important steps, people to contact, and things to include for the big day. From there, Pulliam and Onslow turned to Shari Conditt, one of the high school’s government teachers and an expert in event planning, to discuss logistics. “I also approached school administrators and pitched my vision,” said Pulliam. Despite challenges which included a past lack of interest and limited participation, Pulliam remained undeterred. Armed with determination, Onslow compiled a comprehensive list of tasks, and Pulliam was ready to hit the ground running.

All DSP students were offered the opportunity to participate. Some eagerly embraced it while others hesitated. As for students from the GenEd population, students who participated in the school’s Unified Physical Education (PE) class – where students without disabilities organize and participate in PE activities with students who have disabilities – were given priority. “Word of mouth also played a role,” said Pulliam. “This drew in volunteers who wanted to be part of this groundbreaking event.”

Unified Fitness was a club introduced at Woodland Public Schools by Onslow in 2021. She helped develop the club into the Unified PE class after proposing the new course to administration in 2022. Justin McDonald, Woodland High School’s basketball coach who also has a special education and physical education background, took on the opportunity to teach the course during the 2023-24 school year. With guidance from DSP teachers Alex Onslow and Ryan Balara, the Washington Special Olympics Player Coordinator in the Columbia River Region, McDonald made this a memorable and inclusive course for all involved.

“Catherine’s enthusiasm was contagious,” said Onslow. “Catherine flooded the school with commercials, posters, and flyers announcing the upcoming unified basketball game.” Onslow organized extensive game day checklists, team rosters, teacher coaches, and game day schedules. Additionally, Pulliam coordinated jersey plans, the preparation and meeting plans, scheduled practices and marketing efforts. She enlisted the high school’s band, cheerleaders, Beaver Broadcast and the school mascot to add flair to the event. 

The Unified Basketball game was a first for Woodland High School, and it was a testament to the power of teamwork and the spirit of inclusivity. All The game was held during a schoolwide assembly, featuring students from both the SPED and GenEd programs as well as staff members who served as referees. “The Unified Basketball game was more than just a sports event; it was a celebration of the unique talents and abilities of every student,” said Onslow. “By bringing together students from different backgrounds and abilities, the game promoted a sense of unity and understanding among the school community.”

Students and teachers alike raved about the event. “As part of the Special Olympics, I’ve seen dozens, if not hundreds, of Unified Sports games across the state, and the crowd and enthusiasm in Woodland was the best I’ve seen at any event,” said Ryan Balara, a staff member in the Diverse Support Program. Jeff Bockert, a school counselor, agreed with Balara, sharing, “This was quite possibly the best assembly I’ve seen in twenty years of working in education.”

Bryana Steck, the school’s band teacher, remarked how some of her students were impacted by witnessing the schoolwide support for the game. “This was the most wholesome, fun assembly that we have participated in this year, if not ever,” she said. “Several of my students actually became pretty emotional as we watched the entire school support our Unified Basketball team.”

Unified PE isn’t the only avenue for inclusion. Students in DSP also deliver weekly newspapers, participate in GenEd classrooms, recycle, and actively engage in GRIT 101 courses where students learn the importance of inclusion and respect. Woodland Public Schools aims to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported, regardless of differences.

Onslow and her DSP team plan to bring Unified Soccer to Woodland High School in the fall of 2024, marking the school’s first-ever outdoor assembly. Additionally, Onslow and her team hope to organize and facilitate the school’s first-ever Special Education Prom which would also include neighboring school districts.

Learn more about how Woodland Public Schools educates students and serves the community by visiting the dedicated news webpage at https://www.woodlandschools.org/news/wsd

Information provided by the Woodland School District.