Concord Middle School Welcomes The Bionic Project for Inclusive Learning Day

Sixth graders at the Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School participated in an adaptive physical education class as part of a program with The Bionic Project. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)

CONCORD — Sixth graders at the Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School recently spent a day learning, asking questions and seeing ability in a new way when they welcomed educators and adaptive athletes from The Bionic Project.

The visit connected to the grade-wide reading of “The Insignificant Life of a Cactus” by Dusti Bowling, a novel about a girl born without arms, who navigates a new life at a rundown western theme park and a new school.

The full-day residency began with a 6th-grade assembly, continued with classroom conversations in every English class and concluded with an adaptive physical education session where students had the opportunity to participate and watch adaptive sports in action.

Led by elite adaptive athletes and trained educators, The Bionic Project focuses on dismantling disability bias through education, storytelling and adaptive sports. One in four adults in the United States has a disability, yet conversations about disability are often limited or avoided. The program encourages students to talk openly, ask questions and gain understanding in a respectful and supportive setting.

“Our students learned about resilience, teamwork and the importance of seeing every person for their strengths,” said Concord Middle School Principal Justin Cameron. “The Bionic Project showed our sixth graders what it looks like to meet challenges with creativity and to support one another. Experiences like this help shape thoughtful, empathetic young people.”

“The Concord Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where students build strong social and emotional skills,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “The Bionic Project program strengthens that work and gives our students a meaningful hands-on learning opportunity.”

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The Bionic Project, a Massachusetts nonprofit, led an adaptive physical education class at the Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)