“Understanding” and “Acceptance” are two mindsets that can have a hard time finding their place in the hallways of a bustling public elementary school. But at Royal View Elementary, a “Spirit of Inclusion,” as Building Principal Kirk Pavelich puts it, is simply the cultural norm.
A program called “Petty’s Pals” recruits fourth grade students to assist those with disabilities during the school day. Pals do everything from playing games with their buddy to helping them with their morning routines. Membership in the “Petty’s Pals” volunteer program continues to grow every school year, and this year 60 students have signed on to be advocates for their new friends.
Named for longtime Intervention Specialist Jennifer Petty, “Petty’s Pals” got its start 11 years ago and was, impressively, the brainchild of two students in the general education setting. The students were curious about the day-to-day programming in a multiple disabilities classroom, Petty explained, and wanted to come in and help individuals with special needs.
“It started with two students and it just kept growing every year,” Petty said. “The students are gaining leadership skills, learning from their Pals and are really becoming ambassadors in the greater community as well.”
Pavelich discussed the program last month in a district-wide email, in which he read a book by Fred “Mister” Rogers called “Extraordinary Friends” and further explained Royal View’s inclusive building culture. Royal View is the only elementary school in the district with a special education multiple disabilities unit. Students in the multiple disabilities unit split their time and go assisted into the general education setting during the school day.
“We’ve always been proud of the qualities of acceptance that distinguish our building from other schools,” Pavelich said. “As the only elementary school in the district with units for students with multiple disabilities, we make a concerted effort to include all of our special education students in the general education setting, whether they have mild to moderate disabilities or those that would be characterized as severe or intensive. We are proud of the fact that our general education students feel so empowered to serve as advocates for the multiple disabilities population, as they are truly instrumental in helping these students have every opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Sometimes, Pavelich noted, those students who are new to the building and not yet familiar with special education inclusion, have questions that come across as insensitive. The video message, which got more than 200 views, was created to foster open conversation and reinforce Royal View’s expectations and beliefs on inclusion and interaction among fellow students.
Petty continues to be proud of the “Petty’s Pals” program and its success and impact.
“I’ve seen some really amazing things,” Petty noted of her time in the district. “Our kids are part of the school. They’re not simply here. They are getting the same opportunities and they truly get friendships (out of ‘Petty’s Pals’). They get advocates. These kids really do fight for them. My kids really look forward to the consistency each day and this program really shows what they are capable of.”
Fourth grader Sophia Koukios is a member of “Petty’s Pals” and said she enjoys learning from her Pal and helping her with puzzles. Koukios’s brother also served previously as a member of “Petty’s Pals” which prompted her to join.
“I also wanted to get a chance to see what it was like and to help the students with special needs,” she said. “I think it’s fun and you get to help the students with special needs and it’s important because it shows you what it’s like to help them. I would encourage other kids to do it because it’s an opportunity you only get at Royal View.”
By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer