Unified Sports program expands across Davis schools; students, coaches recognized

District staff and coaches told the Davis School District board that Unified Sports — an inclusive athletics effort — has grown significantly and now touches elementary through high school programs.

"All in together" was the phrase Tim Best used to describe cooperation across departments, volunteers and sponsors that support unified events. Presenters thanked the Burton family, the Murdoch Family Foundation, and the Coleman family/Big O Tires for sponsoring events and helping keep participation free for students.

Principal Kapitanov and coach Haley Lowry described what qualifies a school as a national banner school for unified inclusion and credited broad school buy-in, inclusion week activities and a large pep rally for building culture. A coach described taking players to snowshoeing and a polar plunge to build team cohesion; school leaders said the program provides social connections that carry into classrooms and hallways.

Students from several schools were recognized on the dais. A student identified as Ruby said the event "was everything," highlighting the friendships formed and sustained by unified activities. District presenters encouraged board members and the public to attend upcoming events, including a unified track meet at Northridge High on May 2 at 10 a.m. and a Unified Golf kickoff on May 16 at Valley View Golf Course.

BDO and district staff also noted plans to pilot an adapted nontraditional PE course in junior highs next year using a state UCOR grant; the course will include canoeing, hiking and other outdoor activities. The board praised the program and said it appreciated the community and foundation support that made expansion possible.

No formal board action was taken at the workshop; staff said the district will continue to grow unified offerings across elementary, junior high and high schools and will share calendar dates with board staff.