~ Boston, MA - Special Olympics Massachusetts has announced that the Curley K-8 School and the Mattahunt Elementary School have been recognized with National Banner status for their efforts in promoting inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities. This prestigious recognition is awarded to schools that meet 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. These standards were developed by a panel of leaders from the Special Olympics and the education community.

The primary activities within these standards include Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. In order to receive National Banner status, schools must also demonstrate sustainability or have a plan in place to sustain these activities in the future.

"We are incredibly proud of the Curley K-8 School and the Mattahunt Elementary School for achieving their well-deserved National Banner recognition from Special Olympics," stated Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. "These schools have shown the power of inclusivity by creating spaces where students of all abilities can come together, thrive, and support one another. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of educators, staff, and students who continue to champion acceptance and unity."

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The Boston Public Schools (BPS) has been implementing its landmark Inclusive Education Plan since October 2023. This plan aims to close opportunity gaps and provide every student with access to rigorous and culturally affirming instruction. By transforming learning outcomes for all students, BPS upholds every student's right to be educated in the least-restrictive environment.

"At the Curley K-8 School, inclusion is not just a place but a mindset," said Principal Katie Grassa, Ed.D. "Our inclusive community extends beyond the walls of our classrooms through Unified Sports during physical education classes as well as participation in Unified Soccer and Basketball leagues outside of school hours. Our student government also puts their efforts into action by promoting daily announcements and hosting spirit weeks centered around inclusion and respect."

The Unified Champion Schools® model is a strategy for schools from Pre-K to university that promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without disabilities. This is achieved through three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. Currently, 16 million young people are participating in inclusive experiences through Special Olympics.

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"We are thrilled and honored to receive National Banner recognition," said Mattahunt Elementary School Principal Walter Henderson, Ed.D. "This is a testament to the progress made by our teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, and school administration in building an inclusive community. Our students have formed strong bonds with each other, supporting one another and embracing their differences. The Mattahunt truly feels like a family."

In Massachusetts alone, 369 schools are currently participating in Unified Champion Schools® programming as part of the 10,000 schools across the country involved in the program. The goal is to expand this number to 20,000 schools by 2030.

The Unified Champion Schools® model is supported by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Research has shown that this model is an effective means of providing students with and without disabilities the opportunity to form positive social relationships and promote a socially inclusive school climate.

With their dedication to inclusivity and commitment to creating accepting school environments, the Curley K-8 School and Mattahunt Elementary School have set an example for other schools across the country to follow. Their efforts have not only been recognized by Special Olympics Massachusetts but also serve as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity in education for all students.

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