Lincoln Southwest is currently piloting the first Unified Physical Education class.

The program aims at bringing students of all physical abilities together along with peers to participate in fun physical activities and games.

LSW previously had a class called Adaptive PE, so when physical education curriculum specialist Dr. Matt Avey asked if Southwest could pilot the class, they jumped at the chance.

Ms. Lis Brenden is the brains behind this idea.

“It’s just a peaceful class. Some of the other classes are fast paced but this class is so fun and positive,” Brenden said. “These guys just make you happy.”

The class is structured as any other physical education course. Activities have certain adjustments made to accommodate all students.

Peers serve as mentors to their classmates while they encourage each other to try their best and work hard in class.

“Unified PE has helped me a lot,” senior Mia Klingelhoefer said. “It’s taught me patience and how to work around kids’ specific needs. Even though we may be different, we still have a lot in common.”

Students enjoy spending time and helping each other out. Each student is partnered with another to tackle the day’s activities. They work together to participate in entertaining drills and sports.

The class gives students the opportunity to get to know classmates they may have not gotten the opportunity to meet yet.

“This class has impacted how I see the kids and how much fun they can really have,” senior Jordan Pulver said.

The goal of the class is to encourage equal participation amongst all students.

“I think it’s cool that I get to be in a class where we’re all doing the same activities. I like having a good time and how we get to meet new people,” sophomore Dakota Martin said. “There’s some things that I struggle at but I always try to succeed.”

For students interested in signing up for Unified PE, more information can be obtained from the counseling center or Ms. Brenden.