Choose to Include Week 2025 happened March 21 through 28. We kicked off with National Down Syndrome Awareness Day; everyone wore their best crazy socks! The following Monday was pajama day, and we cozied up to get ready for the busy week ahead. Tuesday called for twinning, everyone twinned with their besties or wore their best buddies shirt. During the day, we held our pep rally for the entire student body where our athletes and Rising Star choir previewed what students could experience at the upcoming Unified Game Night. Mayor Paul Tenhaken and the district’s assistant superintendents were present, along with representatives from the South Dakota Special Olympics. At the assembly, Jefferson was recognized as a National Unified School by ESPN. Our high school was nominated for the award by the South Dakota Special Olympics. That day we had our monthly best buddies meeting where we played SINGO and had a blast with all of our buddies. On Wednesday, we dressed as our favorite book or movie characters; my favorites were our Harry Potter and Ghostbuster fans. Thursday found students dressed in hopes for summer to arrive soon when they dressed in beach/hawaiian gear, and we our Thursday Best Buddies groups met during lunch to play SINGO. Friday, we finished our week with jersey day in preparation for our big Unified Games at Lincoln High School that night. Our Unified basketball team headed to Lincoln at 5:30 for a pregame Pizza Ranch meal. We played a total of four games against Lincoln and Washington High Schools. Between the games, we recognized Trudy Johnson for our “Friend of Best Buddies” award. At the end of the night, our unified show choir Rising Stars performed for the last time this season. They sang and danced to Zero to Hero from the Disney movie Hercules. Overall, we had a fantastic week and are happy to see how inclusion spread throughout the week. Never forget, inclusion is always in style!
