Foundation 205’s commitment to expanding opportunities for every learner came to life this year through a 2025 Thiems Grant that brought “It’s All About Inclusion: PE Takeover Day” to District 205 elementary schools. Thanks to a $4,480 grant written by Jackson Elementary’s Tammy Henderson and Colleen Peterson, the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association visited each school to transform PE classes into a full day of adaptive sports, teamwork, and powerful conversation.
Throughout the day, students rotated through hands-on stations led by adults with developmental or physical disabilities who shared not only the activities, but also their personal stories and lived experiences. These mentors invited students to try adaptive sports, ask questions, and learn what inclusion truly looks like in action. The result was a schoolwide celebration of empathy, accessibility, and the understanding that every person brings unique strengths to a team.
PE Takeover Day didn’t just introduce students to adaptive activities. It created meaningful connections, opened minds, and strengthened the culture of belonging that Foundation 205 works to support across the district. This grant exemplifies how Thiems funding empowers educators to bring innovative, inclusive programming to life for all students.