First Quarter Newsletter- Unified Champion Schools

First Quarter Highlights

We are so excited that your school is joining the inclusion revolution, and we can’t wait to see all of the Whole School Engagement activities, Inclusive Youth Leadership opportunities, and Unified Sports. Each year, we grow and strengthen our program.

You've got mail! All Unified Champion Schools will receive curriculum playbooks and display banners shortly after they register for the program. If your school is missing an item or need a fresh replacement, please contact: Angelo Cottman.

We’re thrilled to announce the Class of 2023 National Banner Unified Champion Schools. These 16 Florida schools listed below have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence.

Want to learn more about how to become a National Banner Unified Champion School? Watch our new video!

The application cycle for the 2023 – 2024 school year will open in April 2024. Here are the standards for your school level:

Component 1:

Whole School Engagement

This past October, we celebrated Unity Day on October 18. School campuses wore the national color of orange to promote the campaign!

Schools utilized resources from PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center so students could learn more about creative and empathetic ways to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Schools from across the state sent many photos and videos of their Unity Day. See all of the wonderfully captured moments below!

Component 2:

Inclusive Youth Leadership

Unified Clubs at every school level empower students and staff to achieve Inclusive Youth Leadership skills and commit to inclusion in their communities. Wondering how to start one at your school to fulfill this component? Check out this step-by-step guide!

For the 2023-24 school year, we have implemented a Youth Activation Committee. Mentors submitted an application nominating one Unified Pair (1 athlete, 1 Unified partner) who are leaders in their schools. These pairs go above and beyond, and with this new youth leader initiative, they will continue to learn how to be leaders in their schools and in the community. Special Olympics Florida will host quarterly meetings, and these youth leaders will help plan and attend the annual Unified Champion Schools Youth Summit.

Component 3: Unified Sports

Meet the FHSAA Teams for Fall 2023!

FHSAA Flag Football Teams - Atlantic Coast High School, Chiles High School, Coral Shores High School, Cypress Creek High School, Durant High School, Homestead Senior High School, Tavares High School, Vero Beach High School, Seabreeze High School, West Orange High School, Immokalee High School, New Smyrna Beach High School, Lehigh Senior High School, and Mt. Dora High School

FHSAA Bowling Teams - Cypress Creek High School, Cypress Lake High School, Eustis High School, Fort Myers High School, Golden Gate High School, Lehigh Senior High School, Lely High School, New Smyrna Beach High School, North Fort Myers High School, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Treasure Coast High School, Vero Beach High School, Matanzas High School, Port St. Lucie High School, Tavares High School, Mt. Dora High School, and Freedom High School

Enrollment in Young Athletes, Little ELITES, Rising Stars, Motor Activity Training Program, and competitive Unified Sports is now open! Contact us to start your required inclusive sports component. We have school-based programming for every grade and ability level!