DRRSD Named Unified Champion District by Special Olympics

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District (DRRSD) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Unified Champion District by Special Olympics Massachusetts, celebrating the District's commitment to creating inclusive school communities where students of all abilities learn, compete, lead, and belong together.

The recognition, presented on Friday, October 23, 2026, reflects the collective efforts of students, educators, families, and community partners across all five district schools to make inclusion a defining part of the Dighton-Rehoboth experience.

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is a nationally recognized initiative built around three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. Together, these elements create opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to develop meaningful friendships, demonstrate leadership, and contribute to school communities grounded in acceptance, respect, and belonging.

"This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it speaks to who we are becoming as a school district," said Superintendent Bill Runey. "We've worked hard to build a culture where every student feels valued, connected, and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves. One of my priorities for this school year has been to strengthen Unified programming throughout our District, and thanks in large part to Carol Jerauld, our Unified Programming Coordinator, and her passion, leadership, and tireless advocacy, that vision continues to become a reality. When you see students supporting one another, competing as teammates, celebrating each other's successes, and forming genuine friendships, you understand that this is about so much more than sports. It's about belonging. And I couldn't be prouder that all five of our schools have embraced that commitment."

The District's Unified journey has been marked by significant milestones, including D.L. Beckwith Middle School's achievement of National Unified Champion School banner recognition in 2024. More recently, Dighton Elementary School, Palmer River Elementary School, and Dighton Middle School have celebrated their own Unified Champion School recognitions, reflecting the expansion of inclusive opportunities throughout the District. Building on these accomplishments, DRRSD has established a broader vision for Unified programming extending from preschool through high school and beyond. Under the theme "From Inclusion to Belonging," the District is working to strengthen connections among its schools, expand opportunities for meaningful student participation, and establish a sustainable culture of inclusion that reaches every corner of the school community. Carol's longstanding commitment to Unified programming has helped create opportunities for students to connect through athletics, leadership, and shared experiences. "Unified is about creating opportunities for students to see one another for who they are, recognize each other's strengths, and build friendships that might not otherwise happen," said Carol Jerauld. "What makes this recognition so special is that it belongs to everyone. Our students bring the energy; our coaches and liaisons create the opportunities, and our families and staff help make those connections meaningful. To see Unified grow from individual programs into something embraced throughout the entire district is incredibly rewarding. We're building something that will continue to make a difference for students for years to come."
The District credits much of this success to the dedication of its Unified Liaisons and Coaches, whose commitment, creativity, and enthusiasm have expanded opportunities for students to participate in inclusive athletics, school activities, and leadership experiences. Their work has helped make Unified programming an increasingly visible and meaningful part of school life.

DRRSD also recognizes the leadership and support of its District Leadership Team, whose collaborative efforts have helped establish Unified programming as a districtwide priority, and the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee, whose continued support has helped provide the foundation for the program's growth and sustainability.

The District extends particular appreciation to the Dighton-Rehoboth Special Education Parent Advisory Council (DR SEPAC) for its ongoing partnership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening inclusive opportunities for students and families. The engagement of families and community partners remains an essential part of building a school culture where every student has opportunities to participate and thrive. "One of the things I appreciate most about this recognition is that it truly belongs to our entire school community," Runey added. "Our Unified Liaisons and Coaches have been extraordinary.

Our District Leadership Team has embraced this work, our School Committee has supported it, and our DR SEPAC continues to be an important partner and advocate. But perhaps most importantly, our students have shown us what inclusion looks like when it becomes a natural part of everyday life. They're not simply participating in a program. They're helping shape the culture of our schools." While the Unified Champion District designation represents an important milestone, district leaders view it as a foundation for continued growth rather than a finish line. Plans for the 2026–2027 school year include further strengthening Unified programming across grade levels, expanding opportunities for student leadership and engagement, and bringing the district community together for a culminating Unified celebration in June 2027.

As Dighton-Rehoboth continues its work under the DRiving Toward 2030 strategic plan, the recognition reinforces a central commitment: empowering students, igniting connections, and shaping school communities where everyone belongs.

Five schools. Two communities. One District. All Falcons.
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