Members of McHenry High School’s Warrior Buddies and Special Olympics clubs are preparing for a week celebrating inclusion with a variety of school-wide activities such as an Inclusion Garden and a photo activity with a “KIND” wall.
In addition to Warrior Buddies and Special Olympics, the school’s Leadership in Action students are also helping with activities all week. It all starts Monday, March 2 with an Inclusion Garden during lunches at both campuses.
Students will be invited to write their thoughts on inclusion on flowers and then all of the flowers will make a huge garden on the wall. On Tuesday, students in Warrior Buddies and Special Olympics will be handing out stickers, bracelets and other giveaways during some passing periods.
On Wednesday, students will be invited to make posters after early release to support Special Olympics athletes. On Thursday, everyone is encouraged to wear blue.
On Friday during lunch periods, there will be a photo backdrop with the letters K, N, and D. Students will be able to be the “I” in KIND.
The goal of the week is to draw attention celebrating everyone regardless of differences. “I feel that inclusion is important because it teaches kindness and belonging,” said Jennifer Beattie, PE division chair and Special Olympics coach.
Several years ago, MCHS teachers started a “Spread the Word: Inclusion” campaign to encourage people to use nice language. It soon turned into a weeklong effort to celebrate everyone’s humanity, regardless of differences.
