Spring Branch ISD Featured News

SWHS Life Skills student: “I am a real football player now!”

November 18, 2019 3:03 PM

The smiles could not have been bigger. The joy in the stadium was palpable as Life Skills students at Spring Woods High School took the field next to the campus on a bright, crisp November afternoon.

Along with assistance from their Life Skills peers, the band played, the cheerleaders cheered, the Tigerettes dance team performed, the Tiger Spirit Team got the crowd excited, and sideline athletes and coaches guided SWHS Life Skills athletes through two abbreviated halves of a touch football game—white jerseys against the black jerseys.

Everyone was a winner.

The high school student body, teachers and parents applauded and encouraged the Life Skills students during their time to shine. School administrators sported SWHS branded T-shirts with “All means all” messaging printed on the back.

Students from the Future Officials Academy refereed the game.

There are more than 50 kids in the SWHS Life Skills program. “We want them to be involved in our school,” said campus Principal Jennifer Collier.

The students in the Special Education program chose whether they wanted to be in the band, cheerleaders, dancers, spirit team members or football players. They practiced with their “teams” for about two weeks prior to the afternoon event.

“They are so excited to be included with other students,” Life Skills teacher Vanessa Stuckey said.

Students in the stands enjoyed the event. Comments from several students include:

“I know they appreciate everyone watching them.”
“Since football season is over, it was one last time to see the cheerleaders, hear the band, watch the dancers and enjoy football.”
“I like that this is community-oriented. It will bring people together a lot more.”
“I like how this treats special people like they are not special.”
“The [Life Skills] kids feel awesome. It is a good experience for them.”
This event “makes them feel like they’re our own.”

SBISD’s regular season football game announcer (and former SWHS principal), Wayne Schaper Jr., announced the names of the participating SWHS Life Skills students in a pre-game ceremony that included the teams running through a giant team spirit poster. He also called the game on the field’s PA system.

Paige Hershey, SBISD’s executive director of athletics, explained that UIL Legislative Council is seeking ways to promote unified sports opportunities, where Special Education students participate in sports with athletes from the regular population of students.

“This is a great start,” said Hershey. “This kind of event develops great cohesiveness, empathy and a greater understanding of each other.”

Principals from other SBISD high schools attended the afternoon football game, and already have ideas of how to include their Life Skills students in future sporting events.

A win-win-win.