Integrated PE is a program designed to unite students of all abilities and give them a break from the academic day. In this class, they develop physical strength, flexibility, and endurance, while further adding new learning experiences in their average PE class. Lauren Mackey, the teacher of the integrated PE class, shares her insight on the main goal of the program.
“The Integrated PE program is like a regular gym class, except we have all the students that are in the life skills class with peer leaders. They are juniors and seniors that apply for it, and the goal is to then teach them skills, games, and socialization,” Mackey said. “The overall goal is to build friendships and relationships, learn how to get along with each other, and realize the impact we have when we work with different people.”
This program provides an opportunity for students to engage in an engaging form of physical exercise and allows them to create connections and provide inclusion within the school. Alexandra Goldenstein, senior peer leader, shares why she enjoys this collaborative program.
“It is fun for me to hang out […] with them, [… and it] helps every single person at school feel […] like they are also a part of something,” Goldenstein said. “It allows us to connect with them because they are in their separate classes all day and it lets us to create unusual bonds.”
The connection that the students create not only strengthens their communication skills, but also creates an environment where the special education students can feel free to be themselves.
“It is honestly my favorite class of my day,” Mackey said. “They get to be their true selves, and I think that’s good for all students to feel.”
By creating a space where all students feel comfortable and included, the program also inspires participants to make an impact through the connections they make. Kobi Kaufmann, senior peer leader, enjoys the program for multiple reasons, and making a difference is one of them.
“I was interested in joining because I really want to make a difference on kids with special needs lives, and I think it is really important that people are able to do physical education no matter who they are,” Kaufmann said. “We really focus on modifying our PE class to make sure it is accessible for all the kids. [… And, since] we are friends with them, every day we get to see them be so excited to see us, which makes my day.”
These daily interactions with the special education students give both the peer leaders and the students the opportunity to get to know each other and develop strong friendships that grow over time, which they would not likely have otherwise.
“After two years of being in the class, we are all really close. I like how all the people in my grade that I did this with last year are close to me now and I feel like we have a bond,” Goldenstein said.
Many special education students have classes with the same people all day, so their chances of socializing with the larger student body is scarce; this is why Kaufmann encourages students to be a part of this program and give them the ability to connect across different groups and be more involved within the school community.
“I recommend this because many students don’t have experience working with kids with special needs,” Kaufmann said. “You will experience that throughout your life, and you might as well start experiencing it in high school to get a sense of what it’s going to be like in your future.”