Palmer River Recognized as a Unified Champion School

Palmer River Elementary School has been recognized by Special Olympics Massachusetts as a 2025–2026 Unified Champion School.

“Palmer River Elementary School’s recognition as a Unified Champion School is a tremendous source of pride for the entire Dighton-Rehoboth community,” Superintendent Bill Runey said Thursday. “It reflects the intentional work of the PRES Unified Team, staff, students, and families to create a school where every child is welcomed, valued, and knows that they belong. What makes this especially meaningful is that all five Dighton-Rehoboth schools have now earned this designation.”

“That districtwide achievement provides a powerful foundation for one of my leader goals this year: From Inclusion to Belonging - Building a Unified DR,” Runey continued. “Our vision extends well beyond individual teams or after-school programs. We are building an intentional Pre-K–12+ culture in which students with and without disabilities develop relationships, participate together, and experience a genuine sense of belonging throughout their school journey. By empowering students of all abilities to participate, lead, and connect, we ignite possibilities for every learner and help shape a district where belonging is simply part of who we are. This reinforces that together, we are DR.”