Unified 

 

What is Unified?

Unified is an incredible program designed to connect our site-based special education students with their general education peers. Countryside is home to one of the district's Special Education Site-Based programs, which provides support for children with higher levels of need.

 

The goal of Unified is to foster genuine, lifelong friendships that not only bridge connections between site-based students and their general education peers, but also extends far beyond their time in Edina Public Schools. Unified opportunities are also available at the middle school and high school levels! 

 

2024 field trip visit to a pumpkin patch

 

In 2021, Countryside started having Unified Developmental Adaptive Physical Education also known as Unified DAPE.  We now have two sessions of Unified DAPE per week. 4th and 5th grade general education students are able to sign up and join in the Unified DAPE and create friendships with their special needs peers. There are other Unified opportunities where Unified leaders/buddies come into the Site-Based classroom:

  • Wednesdays from 8:15AM-8:40AM — Morning Meeting/Music Therapy/Fine Motor
  • Daily from 1:00PM-1:30PM — Play Centers
  • Fridays from 2:00PM-2:20PM — Microphone Friday

 

Here are a few Unified opportunities that have taken place this year:

  • Unified presentations to all 4th & 5th grade classes, search for Unified buddies (123 students were interested!)
  • Unified educational presentation to all K-2 classes (including SDL)
  • Unified field trip to the pumpkin patch with twelve 5th grade Unified buddies

There are many upcoming plans to extend Unified throughout Countryside, including: 

  • A Unified page in the Yearbook
  • More Unified Playdates at Countryside Playground
  • PACER puppet show offered to all K-3 classes
  • Books for the Countryside library about disabilities and inclusion
  • Unified field trips with Unified buddy leaders at the children’s museum

 Want to get involved? Here are a few ways: