IN Plum Winter 2025 | Page 40

HAPPENINGS

PLUM SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL HONORED BY SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Plum Borough School District Plum Borough School District

PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS NEWS

Special Olympics has named Plum Senior High School a National Banner Unified Champion School. This significant honor recognizes schools that go above and beyond to create an inclusive environment where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, play, and lead together.

When a school earns national Unified Champion status, it shows that inclusion isn’ t just a buzzword; it’ s part of the school’ s culture, with empathy and integrity woven into all interactions. To qualify, schools must meet ten national standards of excellence developed by the Special Olympics. The criteria cover three focus areas: unified sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as a team; inclusive youth leadership; and whole school engagement.
Gina Dessell, Special Education Teacher for the Plum Borough School District, shared,“ To me, being named
November 20-21 Holiday Park Musical, 7 pm at PMS
December 3 High School Jazz Concert, 7 pm at PSHS
December 9 Middle School Chorus Concert, 7 pm at PSHS
December 10 High School and Holiday Park Band Concert, 7 pm at PSHS
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HAPPENINGS
December 11 Toys for Tots Stuff a Bus, 6 – 8 pm at PSHS
December 11 Middle School Orchestra Concert, 7 pm at PMS
December 17 High School and Holiday Park Chorus Concert, 7 pm at PSHS
a National Unified Champion School is about our kids: watching friendships grow, seeing barriers disappear, and ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and included. This honor is more than a title; it’ s a reflection of the kindness, acceptance, and joy that our students bring to one another and to our entire school community.”
As part of its commitment to including individuals with disabilities and fostering a culture of opportunity, leadership, and service for all students, PSHS currently offers Unified Bocce, Unified Track, participates in basketball at the Special Olympics, and more.
Add some warmth and cheer to your holiday season by attending one of our many festive concerts, performances, and events in the coming weeks!
December 18 High School and Holiday Park Orchestra Concert, 7 pm at PSHS
December 22-23 Make-A-Wish Telethon
January 8 Middle School Band Concert, 7 pm at PMS