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“Gymbassador” program at Sand Creek Elementary connecting students

three students interacting, one student is in a wheelchair(02/02/2024) At Sand Creek Elementary School, “Gymbassadors” are third and fourth grade leaders who volunteer their time during the school day to interact and engage with kindergarten through fifth grade students in the Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD) program.

The big picture: The “Gymbassadors” give up part of their lunch and recess time to participate with the students from the DCD program in two, 30-minute physical education classes a week. The Unified Physical Education class focuses on the physical, intellectual and social growth of all students. During this time they engage in physical activities and sports to help foster important social relationships and inclusion among peers. View photos from one of the Unified PE classes

Unified Physical Education is a movement that is sponsored by the Special Olympics Minnesota. 

What they’re saying: “I wanted to be a Gymbassador because last year I helped a kid in DCD every day and every time that I did it I felt good,” said Kiera Martin, a third grade student. 

“I wanted to be a Gymbassador because I love helping out kids,” said third grader Aaron Robinson. 

“The compassion and leadership on display is truly impressive,” said Sand Creek Principal Paul Anderson. “This initiative fits so well with our equity vision of creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment in which all students are valued, have a voice, and achieve academic success. I appreciate how our staff has embraced this model, which requires flexibility, creativity, and adaptability. Everyone involved is learning and growing together.”

High interest level: Approximately 60 students completed an application to be in the program and wrote a short essay as to why they wanted to volunteer. The administrative team reviewed the applications and chose 28 “Gymbassadors” for the job.

A pilot program: The idea came about from a student ambassador program Sand Creek had started with fifth grade students. Last year, a bowling field trip paired a fifth grade student with a student in the DCD program. From this successful field trip, Cheri Sell, a physical education teacher at Sand Creek and the district physical education teaching and learning specialist talked with Anderson about the idea of bringing Unified PE to Sand Creek. With full support from Anderson, Ann Sangster,  and Mary Wolverton, associate superintendent for elementary schools, a pilot program was created for Unified PE. If the pilot is successful, it will be expanded next year to other schools that have DCD center based programs.

Get a peek into the “Gymbassador” program.