Photo: Westside Community Schools
(Omaha, NE) -- All 12 schools at Westside Community Schools are being named National Banner Unified Champion Schools.
The honor recognizes an organization's commitment to inclusion by connecting with its students with and without intellectual disabilities. Westside is the first multi-school district in the state to receive the honor.
"It is exciting, humbling, and affirming that the work we are doing is setting a precedent for what is possible in public education, allowing all learners to thrive and belong," says Dr. Kami Jessop, Westside Community Schools Director of Special Services. "This is evidence of the literally hundreds of dedicated people, working together every day, to research and implement things we know will improve not only the achievement and independence of our students with unique needs, but our entire community’s acceptance and celebration of all learners."
Westside offers unified activities that partner students with and without disabilities, including fishing, bowling, cheerleading, movie nights, and more. Westside will formally celebrate the honor by recognizing students from each of its 12 schools at the 2022 Homecoming Pep Rally of Friday, October 7th.
"We hope this celebration will allow our entire Westside community to take part in this achievement and recognize its importance and impact on students and families," says Dr. Jessop in a press release. "This is truly something our entire community should be proud of."