During the school day at Westside, students in regular classes will often times work with students in the special education program.
Many different programs throughout the district promote inclusion in our school. Outside of class, there are many different clubs and activities, such as Project Unify and Sparkles Cheer, that lessen the divide between mainstream students and special education students.

Recently during the Senior Night basketball game, Wyatt Washburn was allowed to suit up to be  a part of the team.

“I felt supported by the whole school. Everyone was yelling my name,” said Washburn.

Many students feel that this is a common occurance each day throughout school. They are used to seeing special education students in classrooms and in the hallways.

“I like being able to interact with the other students during school and get the chance to spend time with them. I wouldn’t be able to do this if they were in different classrooms all day,” said senior Hana Maaiah.

Many teachers feel that inclusion makes Westside a better school environment for everyone.

“We are the only modularly scheduled inclusion based high school in the country. When general education teachers are interviewed they are told that we are an inclusion based school and that they will have kids with special needs in their classroom. Even the teachers who only teach the higher level classes, we try to get the special education kids in their homerooms because we want it to be a whole welcoming community,” said Special Services Department Chair Jenny Brockman.

For years, Westside has been a role model for other schools to design their programs after. Westside sets an example for high schools all over the country to become more inclusion based

For a closer look at how the theater department promotes an inclusive classroom, you can read Kellie Wasikowski’s article in the newest edition of the Lance.