Tryon Elementary School’s EC Department has incorporated a program know as “Project Unify” this school year.  Project Unify is a program designed to help regular education students interact and become “buddies” to our EC students here at TES.  This program has brought awareness to students with disabilities and created some great friendships along the way.  Our goal for Project Unify was to create leadership opportunities for our fifth grade students while creating a community of acceptance for all.  Project Unify has allowed our students to read, have lunch, play at recess, and join our EC students at their related arts classes. Last month our Project Unify students helped lead the campaign for third through fifth grade students to make a pledge by signing our Project Unify Banner to stamp out the “R” word.  This was a campaign done nationwide to bring awareness to students with disabilities. They were also able to go with their EC buddies to Special Olympics on April 25 at Polk County High School.  The students participated in several of the events with EC students and had as much fun as the athletes.  It was a rewarding day for everyone!

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