Fifth-graders Emily Ortiz and Colby Street sit side-by-side in their elementary school class, coloring pictures of an owl.

They’re part of a 10-member “Inclusion Squad” at Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle School that meets every Wednesday for group activities, combining students with disabilities with their general education peers. The school is the first in the Baltimore City public school system to receive national recognition as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School for its inclusion efforts.

“To be the only Baltimore City public school to have this achievement speaks volumes when you consider the resources andwhat-not in other districts,” said school psychologist Jennifer Kelly, who helps run the club. “It speaks to our kids and our staff and our programming.”

From left, fou

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