NHS Special Education program fosters independence and acceptance

At Niwot High School, the Special Education Department is dedicated to fostering growth, independence, and inclusion for students with disabilities. Serving students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the department offers a robust range of specialized classes designed to prepare students for life beyond high school.

By embracing inclusion both in the classroom and beyond, Niwot High School's Special Education Department and Unified programs are shaping a community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

These classes go beyond academics, incorporating essential life skills that promote self-sufficiency. From learning about disability awareness and self-advocacy to mastering communication, social interaction, and personal finance, students are equipped to face the challenges of adulthood.

Courses also provide practical instruction about obtaining and maintaining jobs, exploring post-secondary options, and creating realistic plans for life after graduation. Whether a student's next step is district programming, college, or a career, Niwot High School's Special Education Department ensures they are prepared for success.

Niwot High School has seen remarkable growth in its Unified programming, which emphasizes the importance of inclusion through sports and activities. Unified sports bring together students with and without disabilities, allowing everyone to shine while fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Unified sports at Niwot began seven years ago with a collaboration with Silver Creek High School's Unified Basketball team. At the time, Niwot didn't have enough participants to form its own team. By 2019, the school proudly launched Unified Bowling, and after navigating the disruptions of COVID-19, the team gained momentum in 2021. Today, it's a beloved part of Niwot's culture, with students bowling weekly throughout the fall and competing at regional and state events.

Building on the success of bowling, the school introduced its own Unified Basketball team in the winter of 2021. This program has become so popular that it attracts more general education students eager to participate than can be accommodated. Unified Basketball offers a short yet spirited season in January and February, culminating in a district-wide tournament that highlights the power of teamwork and inclusion.

Niwot's Unified programming also extends beyond sports. In the spring of 2023, the school launched Unified Theater, spearheaded by drama teacher Amanda Foust. The debut production, "The Descendants," received widespread acclaim, and excitement is building for the upcoming performance of "High School Musical" on Dec. 6.

Unified programming at Niwot High School exemplifies the belief that inclusion is a two-way street. Students with disabilities gain opportunities to participate in activities alongside their peers, while students without disabilities learn valuable lessons about empathy, acceptance, and the strength found in diversity.