Music filled the multi-purpose room as Monte Vista Elementary students and teachers cheered and formed a tunnel for students with disabilities and their partners, who carried homemade Olympic torches, toward the stage. It wasn’t a competition, but a celebration of a school culture where everyone belongs.

At the recent school assembly, Monte Vista Elementary was recognized as a national Unified Champion school for creating an inclusive environment for students of all abilities. After showing a highlight video of their unified program, Special Olympics Utah’s Sophia Schmidt spoke about inclusion before the banner was revealed. 

“Simply put,” school psychologist Lisa Stillman said, “I told them we got the banner because of how awesome we are at being good friends with everyone.”

Monte Vista’s Unified Champions Program, now in its second year, was developed for all students, including those in the school’s STAR (support) classes.

“We started the program to provide an opportunity for students in the support class to feel like they’re part of the Monte Vista community,” she said. “It’s been rewarding seeing kids naturally connect with each other. Personally, I have two kids on the spectrum and it was hard as a mom seeing them coming home from elementary school not feeling connected, not having friends. I want to make sure every kid has a chance to belong.”

The program is led by Stillman, school counselor Melissa Guiterrez and wellness specialist Erin Nester. Last year, students met twice per month and participated in activities ranging from music to unified sports.

“At the beginning of the program last year, kids would come back and say, ‘I don’t know how to talk to them’ or ‘I don’t know how to play with them,’” Stillman said. “By the end of the year, it was, ‘He’s my best friend’ or they’d walk in ask, ‘Can today be buddy day?’”

Ambassadors are selected in part from teacher recommendations and include students who are naturally inclusive, those stepping outside their comfort zone and some who have differing abilities themselves.

“The beautiful thing about the program is when you see some of our ambassadors who themselves have a hard time socially are with someone who is excited to see them, and they become besties. It’s good for both kids,” she said.

Ambassadors learn skills, such as adaptive play, reading body language and knowing when to seek adult help. 

“They learn social problem-solving,” Stillman said. “If their approach doesn’t work out the first time, they try to find another way.”

That’s what fifth-grader Lucy Sellers learned after becoming an ambassador.

“I’ve learned how to play with people who play differently from me,” she said.

Fifth-grader Harley Bushnell likes to play with toys with the buddies.

“I like to play with them and just getting to be with them makes me happy,” Harley said.

Spending time with his buddy is a favorite part of school for sixth-grader Andy Corea.

“I like doing music rotation with my buddy and I do LEGO with him. It’s fun being with him and playing ball together,” he said.

Sixth-grade ambassador Lorenzo Mayer Pepe said inclusion motivates him.

“I like making people feel like they want to be part of something; it’s what makes school a better place,” he said.

His classmate, Graham Howell, said the experience has been meaningful.

“Everyone needs a friend,” he said. “Making others feel good makes me feel good. When I come and see my buddy smile, it’s really cool.”

Sixth-grader Ande Stowe added: “Monte Vista has become a great school; we try to include everyone.” 

The program is growing. Participation increased from about 60 students and ambassadors last year to 99 ambassadors this year, giving each student two buddies. 

Plans include adding Junior Ambassadors for younger students and to create Playground Ambassadors to promote inclusion and conflict-resolution during recesses.

Stillman said the national recognition affirms their work, but it goes beyond the banner.

“We’re wanting to change the whole culture of the school,” she said. “It’s about connecting kids and giving them a chance to belong. Every kid has it in them to be kind, aware and inclusive, but now they’re learning how to take action. We welcome everyone and that’s what I love.”

With much excitement, Monte Vista was presented a banner as a national Unified Champion school. (Kraig Williams/Jordan School District)