BATH, Maine — The Unified Champion Schools Program has evolved beyond its initial focus on sports, making a significant impact on various Maine school systems.
Among these schools, Morse High School in Bath stands out, boasting one of the most robust Unified programs not only in Maine but throughout New England.
In a remarkable move to share their success, Morse High School is hosting a conference tomorrow to guide other schools in establishing their own thriving Unified programs.
Four years ago, teachers Jonathan Fisk and Dawn Lee expanded the program to include subjects like literacy, art, and science, creating a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.
"Our goal is for every content area here; there will be a Unified section," Lee said.
The expansion of the program has resulted in a decreased need for one-to-one educational technicians, with only one full-time ed tech now required in the classroom.
"Before my sophomore year, I didn't know there was a life skills program at all, and I'm kind of ashamed to say that. As this second-semester course began, I began to feel happier with who I was," Emma McCue, a Unified literacy student, said.
Morse High School's success has prompted its staff to consider how they can help other schools initiate their own Unified programs.
"We did not expect the turnout we are receiving tomorrow. We have 30 educators from across the state," Lee said.
From superintendents to teachers, all of them wanting to learn how to copy Morse's success.
"Everyone in this school has benefited from this program, even the ones who aren't directly impacted by it," Alex Pinkham, a senior in the Unified literacy class, said.