They are hooked! Building on recent success and support, the Elm Street Middle School Unified Athletic Team is about to go fishing!

It began In the fall of 2019 when Matt Kobs, a school psychologist at Elm Street Middle School, was attending a Unified Basketball Team game at Nashua High School North when the vision and the need hit him.

After meeting with Athletic Director Lisa Gingras, he hatched a plan to develop a Unified Athletic Program at Elm Street Middle School. When asked why he began the Unified Program, Mr. Kobs shared that “there was a need to be part of something bigger than oneself.” He wanted to make sure all of our students felt ‘connected’ and part of the school community.

After doing some research and meeting with the Unified coaches at the high school level, the Elm Street Middle School Unified Sports Team kicked off participation in late 2019. More than 60 students competed against the students from Fairgrounds Middle School in basketball, as well as a halftime showcase at a Nashua High School North Basketball game. In addition, the Elm Street Middle School Unified Athletes also partnered with Special Olympics of New Hampshire to support the annual “Winn Dip.” During this event, staff get ‘dunked’ in water over a course set up with Unified Team athletes providing water obstacles staff have to navigate.

Although the pandemic may have impacted the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, participation in the Winni Dip has not wavered, with Elm Street constantly being one of the top fundraisers and participants over the course of the past three years.

During the 2020-2021 school year, the pandemic protocols limited what could occur. This did not deter the Elm Street Unified athletes and their coaches from participation. Approximately 25 students competed in intramural sports, including basketball, floor hockey, ultimate Frisbee, wiffle ball, and crab soccer over the course of the school year. To further support the program, several students volunteered to participate and work with the Unified Athletes. This truly defines an inclusive learning experience for all of our students.

This school year has seen a continuation of many of the intramural events that began last year. One of the additions has been the involvement of other Elm Street Middle School athletic teams and coaches during the intramural games. Their dedication and enthusiasm has made a positive impact on the Unified athletes and their experience. During basketball season, the team practiced twice a week with the Nashua High School North Unified Basketball Team. These experiences have allowed the athletes to develop their skills, as well as make connections and build relationships.

For the first time this spring, the Elm Street Unified Athletic Team will be participating in fishing, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Jeff Pelletier, Nashua High School South Fishing Coach and EMS Special Education Teacher. Both Mr. Pelletier and Mr. Kobs have reached out to Bass Pro Shops and Club National in Nashua. Each of these organizations has generously supported the Unified Program with monetary donations and supplies to make this fishing club a reality. With the weather getting ready to turn warmer, our Unified athletes will be out on the water doing some catching!

Many staff have volunteered generously for these events over the past three years, and Mr. Kobs is quick to share that it is because of the efforts of many that the Elm Street Unified Athletic Program has been able to flourish. Planning is moving forward to try to expand the opportunities for the athletes during the 2022-2023 school year. Yet, the premise and the vision will remain the same – make connections, provide inclusive experiences, build skills, and have fun!

Matthew Poska is principal at Elm Street Middle School. He may be reached at poskam@nashua.edu.