Carleton Place High School creates special education gym class to help students build skills, confidence

Carleton Place High School (CPHS) is helping students with special needs step out of their comfort zones and develop leadership skills through a new Special Education Physical Education class.

The class combines students from the school’s special education program, and students from the Power Up Program, a UCDSB press release details, issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The teachers leading the class, Andrea Edmonds-Read and Melanie Phillips, have adapted activities to suit each student’s abilities.

“In traditional gym class settings, participation can become overly competitive, which may not align with the needs of all students,” said Edmonds-Read.

“Smaller group settings allow for a more individualized focus on skill development.”

The special education program supports students with a variety of physical and developmental abilities, and the Power Up Program supports students requiring intensive academic support and alternative programming, notes the release.

“Some students have physical needs; others have developmental disabilities,” said Phillips. “Having a gym class where everyone is included and can work at their own level ensures all students can participate.”

Each class begins with learning new skills from stretching to focusing on gross motor skills to game development and teamwork.

“They are finding a space where they can be leaders,” said Phillips. “They’re able to gain independence and participate without direct support.”

Educational Assistants also participate fully in the class, helping reinforce an inclusive and supportive environment for the small group of learners.

“To watch them step out of their comfort zones, they celebrate each other’s successes,” said Edmonds-Read.

“They’ll stop and high five each other, and it really helps their self-confidence and the confidence of others. It’s very humbling to watch them, because for maybe the first time in their schooling, they feel included – seen and heard.”

Both teachers say their students are engaged and participating to the best of their abilities in an environment that allows them to succeed and build skills confidently in a safe, supportive space, the release shares.

“I think it’s just a great opportunity to bridge that connection between high school and intermediate students, as well as provide independence for our students,” said Phillips.

“It’s inspiring to see the impact this program is having on students,” said CPHS Principal Don Hickey. “They are engaged, supported, and gaining confidence in ways that extend well beyond the gym.”