Beckwith Middle School Receives National Banner Recognition

Beckwith Middle School is one of the 19 schools in Massachusetts and one of 202 schools nationwide to receive National Banner recognition for providing

Special Olympics Unified Champion School programming.

At an all school assembly held on February 26, a group of students raised the banner in the gymnasium to the cheers of their classmates, teachers, and members of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.

The honor reflects Beckwith Middle School’s success in meeting 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.

The Unified Champion Schools model is a strategic framework for schools Pre-K through university that intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments, utilizing three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

In Massachusetts, more than 369 schools are involved in Unified Champion Schools programming, and across the United States, 10,000 schools, including those in the 49 states, the District Columbia, and Puerto Rico, are engaged in this initiative.

School Superintendent Bill Runey praised the Beckwith staff, noting they “empower our efforts to make all our students feel valued and included.”

Beckwith Principal Stephen Donovan said the banner recognition was a “testament to the passion and dedication of our students.”

“You are making the world a better place,” said Denise Larrabee, Manager of the Inclusive Schools program for Special Olympics.

Larrabee encouraged the students to “bring inclusion with you” and praised

Carol Jerauld, the Beckwith Middle School Unified Coordinator, for creating “a culture of respect and inclusion.”

Jerauld, a coach for 35 years, began the program in the 2017-2018 school year with teacher Jennifer Enos.

“I never knew how much it would change my life,” Jerauld noted. “Coaching unified sports is in a league of its own. Not only do the players improve, but they help me become a better coach and person.”