Balloons, bubbles and pom-poms were part of the celebration on April 2 to mark Beverly Woods Elementary School’s National Banner recognition for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. Beverly Woods is one of only eight schools statewide to receive the award.

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program recognizes schools that meet 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of advocacy and respect. The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to foster welcoming school environments that form positive social relationships and promote a socially inclusive school climate.

“One of the things I love most about elementary students and our school in general is how much joy they have for each other and their accomplishments,” said Principal Andrew Bell. “This represents that inclusion, that every child matters, and we make a lot of conscious efforts in all the things we do to make sure every child feels loved and supported for who they are so they can focus on learning and growing every day.”

The celebration began with breakfast where everyone could mingle with the Extensions students, Bear Buddies and staff from Special Olympics and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. It was followed by a parade with cheerleaders from Carmel Middle School and a ceremony outdoors.

Heather Lemmons, executive director for Exceptional Children Services, said banner recognitions show that the inclusivity of schools is alive and well. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools build a culture of kindness and caring, and allow students to foster wonderful friendships that can last forever.

“This district makes me proud. This is a huge district to be so open to Special Olympics and to the time and energy it takes, but we believe in the idea that all kids deserve opportunities that meet their needs,” Lemmons said. “Our students get culture, climate and family, so when you are able to bring all of that into a schoolhouse, you go past just learning academics, you go into learning how to be a well-rounded person. To see these events popping up all over CMS shows that CMS is invested in the whole child. Grades are important, but they’re also wrapping around with relationship skills, peer interactions and social well-being. Moments like this will be lifetime learning for all our kids.”