Every day during 2nd hour, students in room 6 get to join other high school students for PE class all year round. Room 6 is a special needs classroom that focuses on teaching students with disabilities. Blending the two groups of students together is a great learning experience for all involved. Mia Altland expands on the importance of the Adaptive PE class, stating, “The class is important for both my students and their peers because my students get the gym class adapted to their ability and the peers in that class get a lot of knowledge and experience with kids who have disabilities. I think not just in the settings and the schools, but also a lot of kids have changed majors and gone into special education. Whether it’s teaching or physical therapy and speech therapy, it just really changes their outlook on kids with special needs.”
High school students who take Mr. Francis’s Adaptive PE class also enjoy it as it allows them to create new friendships. Freshman Beverly Miguel describes her experience by stating, “I really like the class! Mia’s students are very nice, fun, and easy to talk to. It’s especially fun during Halloween or something special because they have a party and invite the PE class [to join them].”
Staying active is an important part of everyone's day and inclusivity is always encouraged at Hart!