Open Doors Inclusion Program in the News
Open doors, open hearts: St. Mary CC launches unique inclusion program for special learners - Detroit Catholic (December 20, 2018)
New SMCC program opens doors to all types of learners - Monroe News (February 10, 2019)
SMCC's inclusion to produce first graduate - Monroe News (April 21, 2021)
St. Mary Catholic Central high school senior inspires peers with his path to graduation - ABC 13 Toledo News (May 1, 2021)
Detroit Stories: Episode 13: The Making of a Falcon - The Detroit Catholic; Detroit Stories Podcast (May 6, 2021)
SMCC's Inclusion Students Thriving, Graduating - The Monroe News (May 16, 2022)
New SMCC program opens doors to all types of learners - Monroe News (February 10, 2019)
SMCC's inclusion to produce first graduate - Monroe News (April 21, 2021)
St. Mary Catholic Central high school senior inspires peers with his path to graduation - ABC 13 Toledo News (May 1, 2021)
Detroit Stories: Episode 13: The Making of a Falcon - The Detroit Catholic; Detroit Stories Podcast (May 6, 2021)
SMCC's Inclusion Students Thriving, Graduating - The Monroe News (May 16, 2022)
AMAZING "EXTRA" EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES!
In addition to all extra-curricular activities in which any other SMCC student may participate, students in the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program have the opportunity to participate in Monroe County Special Olympics and Area 34 Unified Sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and bowling, just like their respective public school counterparts. The Unified Sports team on which our inclusion students currently participate also includes peer mentors who volunteer their time just to build a relationship with their students outside of the classroom and is coached by SMCC varsity softball coach Danielle Williams.
Our inclusion students also have the opportunity to participate in a special football-focused event in the fall hosted in Monroe County called Victory Day (see above photo). Victory Day is a football experience that provides individuals with cognitive impairments and other disabilities their "moment in the sun" via an opportunity to experience the game of football through various stations and the ability to score a touchdown against a defense. An announcer calls out each participant's name; the cheerleaders are present; the band is playing; and the crowd is cheering on all participants! In addition, participants are paired with varsity football players to be their "football buddy" for the day and accompany them around the field through various stations, such as throwing the football through nets, "tackling" football dummies, playing catch, trying on football shoulder pads and helmets, kicking footballs through the goalposts, and more. At the end of the day, all participants receive a medal and have their picture taken with their "football buddy." SMCC will eventually be hosting its own version of Victory Day, called "One Team Day," that will take some of the best parts of the original program and combine them with other community organizations to provide resources for area families who have a child/children with disabilities.
Due to current MDHHS COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be able to offer the full "One Team Day" experience in the summer of 2021 or 2022, the SMCC football program is in conversations to hold some sort of interactive event with individuals with cognitive disabilities and other challenges this summer. Please stay tuned to our webpage in addition to the SMCC website at http://www.smccmonroe.com and the various SMCC social media outlets for more information.
In addition to "One Team Day", members of the St. Mary Catholic Central administration and inclusion program have been working on collaboration with the Monroe Knights of Columbus Council #1266 by participating in the annual tootsie rolls sale. The students at S.M.C.C. have also volunteered their time to help with the Knights of Columbus #1266 Lenten Fish Fries as well. The administration at St. Mary Catholic Central in addition to Director of Inclusion, Mr. Kyle McElvany spoke at the April meeting of the Knights and have begun discussions towards more collaborative opportunities between the K of C #1266, the Inclusion Program, and the SMCC community as a whole. We are striving to expand and strengthen our relationships in the community, especially those organizations who support groups that support individuals with disabilities.
For more information on "One Team Day" and other events, or how you and/or your organization may be able to partner with the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program at S.M.C.C., please e-mail Mr. McElvany at kmcelvany@smccmonroe.com.
In addition to all extra-curricular activities in which any other SMCC student may participate, students in the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program have the opportunity to participate in Monroe County Special Olympics and Area 34 Unified Sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and bowling, just like their respective public school counterparts. The Unified Sports team on which our inclusion students currently participate also includes peer mentors who volunteer their time just to build a relationship with their students outside of the classroom and is coached by SMCC varsity softball coach Danielle Williams.
Our inclusion students also have the opportunity to participate in a special football-focused event in the fall hosted in Monroe County called Victory Day (see above photo). Victory Day is a football experience that provides individuals with cognitive impairments and other disabilities their "moment in the sun" via an opportunity to experience the game of football through various stations and the ability to score a touchdown against a defense. An announcer calls out each participant's name; the cheerleaders are present; the band is playing; and the crowd is cheering on all participants! In addition, participants are paired with varsity football players to be their "football buddy" for the day and accompany them around the field through various stations, such as throwing the football through nets, "tackling" football dummies, playing catch, trying on football shoulder pads and helmets, kicking footballs through the goalposts, and more. At the end of the day, all participants receive a medal and have their picture taken with their "football buddy." SMCC will eventually be hosting its own version of Victory Day, called "One Team Day," that will take some of the best parts of the original program and combine them with other community organizations to provide resources for area families who have a child/children with disabilities.
Due to current MDHHS COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be able to offer the full "One Team Day" experience in the summer of 2021 or 2022, the SMCC football program is in conversations to hold some sort of interactive event with individuals with cognitive disabilities and other challenges this summer. Please stay tuned to our webpage in addition to the SMCC website at http://www.smccmonroe.com and the various SMCC social media outlets for more information.
In addition to "One Team Day", members of the St. Mary Catholic Central administration and inclusion program have been working on collaboration with the Monroe Knights of Columbus Council #1266 by participating in the annual tootsie rolls sale. The students at S.M.C.C. have also volunteered their time to help with the Knights of Columbus #1266 Lenten Fish Fries as well. The administration at St. Mary Catholic Central in addition to Director of Inclusion, Mr. Kyle McElvany spoke at the April meeting of the Knights and have begun discussions towards more collaborative opportunities between the K of C #1266, the Inclusion Program, and the SMCC community as a whole. We are striving to expand and strengthen our relationships in the community, especially those organizations who support groups that support individuals with disabilities.
For more information on "One Team Day" and other events, or how you and/or your organization may be able to partner with the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program at S.M.C.C., please e-mail Mr. McElvany at kmcelvany@smccmonroe.com.
Above: Jacob Goda (Class of 2021), manager for the Varsity Softball Team
Below: Jacob Goda (Class of 2021) celebrates his announcement of acceptance to the University of Toledo "T2'' Transition Program (inclusive college program) along with his fellow classmates who will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall of 2021
Below: Jacob Goda (Class of 2021) celebrates his announcement of acceptance to the University of Toledo "T2'' Transition Program (inclusive college program) along with his fellow classmates who will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall of 2021
Above: All members of the graduating class of 2021 from St. Mary Catholic Central who will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall of 2021 including Jacob
Below: Jacob (Class of 2021) and School President, Sean Jorgensen , Jacob and the class of 2021 varsity Softball Seniors, Zack (Class of 2022) going on a walk with our school therapy dog, Marius (photo credit to Detroit Catholic)
Below: Jacob (Class of 2021) and School President, Sean Jorgensen , Jacob and the class of 2021 varsity Softball Seniors, Zack (Class of 2022) going on a walk with our school therapy dog, Marius (photo credit to Detroit Catholic)
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