Post by title1parent on Dec 31, 2010 10:46:17 GMT -5
napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/schools/2848801-418/students-program-special-district-olympics.html
I often talk with teachers and other staff members about the importance of focusing on each child in our district. I am so proud of the Indian Prairie School District 204 staff as they continue to keep our students their top priority. Our students come to us with all levels of abilities, and it’s our job to make sure each student reaches his or her full potential.
The district has 63 students in its STEPS program. STEPS is an acronym for Supported Training Experiences Post Secondary. This program helps students with disabilities transition from high school to their post-high school life. Students are eligible to participate in the program until they are 22 years old.
The program provides support in the areas of education/training, employment skills and independent living, if appropriate. Related services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, are also available to the students.
Most students in the STEPS program are in work-training sites or competitively employed at more than 30 locations throughout the area. The program helps students gain real world experience where they live. We are fortunate to live in a community that is so supportive of our students and their futures.
In the continuum of services, many students in the STEPS program also participate in Special Olympics as part of the Alumni Eagles Team. Special Olympics have been part of District 204 for more than 20 years. Recently, I was honored to be a celebrity server at a fundraising dinner for Special Olympics Illinois where hungry and generous guests helped me to raise money for this worthy organization. Our district’s Special Olympics coordinator is Joy Pierson Nebergall, and she has been a leader in promoting the program. Joy was instrumental in District 204 recently serving as the pilot site for the Special Olympics Illinois Unified Soccer Event. Each team was made up of Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners.
The Unified Partners, who do not have disabilities, play a critical role in the program. Bringing together students of all abilities reinforces one of our district’s guiding principles, which is for our students to value and respect self and others in a diverse society. Special Olympics changes the lives of all who participate, whether it is as an athlete, volunteer, coach, Unified Partner or family member. Studies show that Special Olympians have higher self-advocacy, social and job skills.
There are plans to expand the Special Olympics program in our district by offering pilot sites at the elementary level for young athletes. We’re proud of our Special Olympics student-athletes, and the newest pilot program reinforces that it’s never too early to empower our students to succeed.
The mission of Indian Prairie School District 204 is to inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential.
We believe our educational programs, such as the STEPS program, and extracurricular activities, such as Special Olympics, help achieve this mission.
Dr. Kathy Birkett is superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204, which serves 29,500 students attending 33 schools
I often talk with teachers and other staff members about the importance of focusing on each child in our district. I am so proud of the Indian Prairie School District 204 staff as they continue to keep our students their top priority. Our students come to us with all levels of abilities, and it’s our job to make sure each student reaches his or her full potential.
The district has 63 students in its STEPS program. STEPS is an acronym for Supported Training Experiences Post Secondary. This program helps students with disabilities transition from high school to their post-high school life. Students are eligible to participate in the program until they are 22 years old.
The program provides support in the areas of education/training, employment skills and independent living, if appropriate. Related services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, are also available to the students.
Most students in the STEPS program are in work-training sites or competitively employed at more than 30 locations throughout the area. The program helps students gain real world experience where they live. We are fortunate to live in a community that is so supportive of our students and their futures.
In the continuum of services, many students in the STEPS program also participate in Special Olympics as part of the Alumni Eagles Team. Special Olympics have been part of District 204 for more than 20 years. Recently, I was honored to be a celebrity server at a fundraising dinner for Special Olympics Illinois where hungry and generous guests helped me to raise money for this worthy organization. Our district’s Special Olympics coordinator is Joy Pierson Nebergall, and she has been a leader in promoting the program. Joy was instrumental in District 204 recently serving as the pilot site for the Special Olympics Illinois Unified Soccer Event. Each team was made up of Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners.
The Unified Partners, who do not have disabilities, play a critical role in the program. Bringing together students of all abilities reinforces one of our district’s guiding principles, which is for our students to value and respect self and others in a diverse society. Special Olympics changes the lives of all who participate, whether it is as an athlete, volunteer, coach, Unified Partner or family member. Studies show that Special Olympians have higher self-advocacy, social and job skills.
There are plans to expand the Special Olympics program in our district by offering pilot sites at the elementary level for young athletes. We’re proud of our Special Olympics student-athletes, and the newest pilot program reinforces that it’s never too early to empower our students to succeed.
The mission of Indian Prairie School District 204 is to inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential.
We believe our educational programs, such as the STEPS program, and extracurricular activities, such as Special Olympics, help achieve this mission.
Dr. Kathy Birkett is superintendent of Indian Prairie School District 204, which serves 29,500 students attending 33 schools