George Hall Elementary pilots 'Inclusion Leaders' peer program for grades 3–5

District staff on April 25 presented a new peer inclusion leaders pilot at George Hall Elementary aimed at increasing awareness of neurodiversity and creating leadership opportunities for third- through fifth-grade students.

Jessica Murphy, a language and literacy TOSA, introduced the program and said staff nominated 20 peer leaders based on kindness and leadership. School psychologist Summer Letcher Smith said the program’s goals are threefold: increase peer awareness about neurodiversity, cultivate advocates and allies for students with unique learning needs, and support George Hall’s mission of inclusive classrooms.

Three student peer leaders described why inclusion matters. "It's important to celebrate neurodiversity because everybody has good qualities," one student said, explaining the program encourages acceptance and offers concrete strategies for working together. Staff said early activities include lunchtime sessions and reverse-inclusion play opportunities where peers and special day classroom students engage together.

Murphy and Letcher Smith said the pilot will expand based on data and feedback from staff, families and students.