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f ox c hapel a r ea s chool d is tr ict | s tat e of t he s chools
High School Recognized For Inclusion
Fox Chapel Area High School was selected as a 2019 National
Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics. This
prestigious honor is given by the international headquarters of
Special Olympics to a small number of schools that demonstrate
a commitment to meaningful inclusion and Unified Champion
Schools programming. These schools demonstrate a commitment
to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence. Those
standards are centered around inclusion, acceptance, and respect,
and were developed by Special Olympics and educators.
Approximately 125 schools throughout the country were
honored with this recognition for 2019, and only two are from
Pennsylvania. Fox Chapel Area High School is the first school in Allegheny County to receive this designation.
According to the President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Matthew Aaron, the recognition is a “testament of what each of you,
the coaches, staff, and your students, do in your school community every day. … Your high school has an enriching and nurturing climate
which exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff.”
Additionally, Fox Chapel Area High School was named to the Special Olympics – ESPN Honor Roll
for 2019. This is a list of the top 34 schools from across the country, chosen as part of ESPN’s Special
Olympics Unified Champion Schools National Recognition Program.
According to Fox Chapel Area School District’s Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Tim
Mahoney, the award is a tribute to the entire school community.
“I am so incredibly excited and proud of this designation,” he said. “This is another example of how
inclusive our students, staff, and community are, and how collaboration enables us to provide the best
experiences for our Fox Chapel Area families.”
Of note, Fox Chapel Area is the first high school in Allegheny County to have a Unified Track & Field
team, which was established during the 2018-2019 school year. The high school also has had a
Unified Bocce team since the 2017-2018 school year. These teams include students with and without
disabilities, and these athletes work side-by-side in both training and competition.
FOX CHAPEL AREA
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FALL 2019
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