Culture Of Inclusion At Croce Elementary Honored

From LVJUSD: Making the effort to include just one more voice, one more mind, one more contributor to a community has the power to transform everything. Croce Elementary School has long made a conscious effort toward inclusion on its campus and was recently awarded the distinction of being nationally recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. Croce was selected for its commitment to include all students by hosting specific events, promoting disability awareness and education, and developing student leaders who model inclusion at their school.

By working to engage every student in activities, Croce can effect change through its actions, and produce in its students a natural inclination toward inclusiveness and support for their peers. “Our school has had a longstanding, ongoing commitment to inclusion, student leadership, and a culture of equitable access,” said Kendra Helsley, principal at Croce. “I especially want to recognize Sarah Peacock - an Adapted PE teacher at the District - who has been a driving force behind our school being honored with this distinction.”

Helsley shared examples of activities at Croce that foster inclusion and access in which students take a leadership role. Student volunteers take part in an education component before they begin working with other students, participating in diversity awareness trainings. Junior Special Olympics has been a longstanding activity several times a year at Croce for the preschool students in its Special Education program. Students in fourth and fifth grades play games with the younger students, lead activities, and ensure all are engaged and included throughout the games.

Third graders at Croce have the opportunity to volunteer to be “lunch buddies” with students in the Language and Social Skills program. “It’s a volunteer position, and we’ve found some students who end up having a special knack for this work,” said Helsley. “The response has been amazing. We have whole groups of students who really shine when they have the opportunity to be a role model and a helper.”

Another student has taken a leadership role in Croce’s valet program, escorting kindergarteners from their cars to the playground in the morning. The student ended up flourishing in that duty, opening up with the younger students and displaying impressive, warm communication skills. “Kids naturally want to interact with other kids,” Helsley said. “Older students are their peers, but also like superheroes to our younger students. Engaging in activities where they share time and attention with each other is so valuable.”

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools are identified by a climate where all students are welcome - particularly students with disabilities - and where students are routinely included in, and feel a part of, activities, opportunities, and functions. These are qualities that Croce has always prided itself on exercising, and developing a student body that shares those values wholeheartedly. “It’s great to have our efforts to be an inclusive school validated by a national organization,” said Helsley. “This recognition reflects who we are.”

Images via LVJUSD