Inclusion at Bishop O’Connell High School is about creating a community of belonging for all students. It began 10 years ago with a choice to accept and include students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a commitment to provide modified instruction to meet students’ individual needs. Inclusion extends far beyond academic support. It is grounded in countless relationships between students and teachers, coaches, club moderators and most notably peer mentors.
Trained peer mentors who work 1:1 with a student receiving expanded services in a specific class for the year, grow in authentic friendship and learn from one another. Peer mentors are the foundation of Bishop O’Connell’s inclusive approach, facilitating their mentee’s support in school and modeling the joy of friendship among their peers.