North Middlesex Regional School District is One of Just Eight Unified Sports Champion Districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

TOWNSEND — North Middlesex Regional School District has been named by Special Olympics Massachusetts as one of just eight Unified Sports Champion School Districts statewide in 2026, as a result of the district’s ongoing comprehensive efforts to be inclusive and to support all students. 

The rare designation is earned only by districts that have Unified Champion schools at the pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school levels. Squannacook Early Childhood Center, Varnum Brook Elementary School, Nissitissit Middle School, and North Middlesex Regional High School were all named Unified Champion Schools this year. 

Leaders from all four schools and the district will be recognized at a Special Olympics Massachusetts event on October 23. 

Unified Champion schools embrace strategies and hold events that encourage youth with and without intellectual disabilities to come together as student leaders and athletes, all while promoting inclusion in their school communities. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools motivate all students to create environments full of respect, dignity, and advocacy for students with intellectual disabilities.

With sports as the program’s foundation, the Unified Champion Schools program has three main components: inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. 

Varnum Brook Elementary School was also a Unified Champion School in 2020. 

Staff involved with Unified Sports at Varnum Brook and other schools include Tammy Anderson, Allie Chartrand, Jessica Boccelli, Mandy Connor, Jennifer Kimball, Jason Rivers, Kendra Stanton, and Kristina Jarret.

“The significance of being a Unified Champion School cannot be overstated.  This designation showcases your school’s dedication to embracing diversity, promoting equity, and empowering students to be change advocates,” wrote Patti Doherty, vice president of schools and community development for Special Olympics Massachusetts. “By providing a platform for students with and without intellectual disabilities to collaborate in sports, education, and community engagement, you are creating a more accepting world that values every individual’s unique contributions.”

“I am extremely proud of our students, faculty and staff who have made North Middlesex Regional School District a champion district, and a place where all students are welcomed and encouraged to make the most of their potential,” said Superintendent Brad Morgan. “This designation is a true honor, and I am proud of our school community for being such an inclusive place.”