Elementary Programs
SCHOOL HUB
Welcome to the Elementary Schools Hub, your ultimate resource centre for all things Special Olympics!
Welcome!
Whether you're an educator, board rep, coach, or team member, this hub is designed to provide you with easy access to essential information and support to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Explore our comprehensive sections below to stay informed, prepared, and engaged throughout the exciting journey to creating inclusive school spaces.
Updates
Welcome back to the SOO family, everyone! Start by checking out what’s in store for you this year. Explore our attached booklet filled with exciting new events, initiatives, and programs.
Communications
Emails
SOO Announcements – Monthly
Schools will receive province-wide email announcements and reminders on the second Monday of each month.
Regional Communications – Monthly
Schools will receive an invitation email from their regional contact for each local event, followed by a reminder email approximately 10 days prior. After registration, a participant email with event details will be sent 5-6 days before the event. Additional communications may occur for special events and programs available in the community.
Newsletters
Stay updated on all things Special Olympics by subscribing to our bi-monthly newsletter. Click Here to subscribe and keep informed about School Championships, award winners, qualifications, news, and opportunities. (Please check your “Other” mailbox or junk folder if you don’t see it.)
Join our official WhatsApp group for educators to connect with teachers across the province. This platform promotes collaboration, engagement, and communication within the Special Olympics community. It’s where SOO shares updates, resources, and news, and gathers feedback.
Click here to join the Special Olympics Educator WhatsApp Community
The Community Includes:
- General Announcements (One-Way) – Key updates from SOO.
- Regional/District Chats (Two-Way) – Connect with fellow teachers in specific areas; check descriptions for city details.
- Connective Space for Parents – A dedicated area for parent engagement.
Facebook Group
Connect and share stories with the SOO community through our Special Olympics Educator Facebook Group. Click here to join.
Registration
Special Olympics Ontario has introduced a temporary registration process for this school year, with plans to implement a streamlined system next fall. All schools must complete their team and coach intake registration forms before participating in any SOO events. Following the initial registration, schools will need to complete additional event-specific forms as required. Please follow the steps below to register for the 2024/25 school year:
2024/2025 Registration Instructions
Note this process varies slightly between new and returning schools. New schools will be sent a blank form link. Returning schools will be sent a form with partial information to verify.
Unified Resources
Becoming a Unified Champion School
Unified Sport & Coaching Resources
Active Start & FUNdamentals
Active Start & FUNdamentals focuses on the progressive development of foundational movement, sport, and teamwork skills, providing students with essential building blocks for future success.
To support new schools, SOO will supply Active Start & FUNdamentals booklets and shirts, helping educators integrate these valuable programs into their curriculum. These resources can be seamlessly incorporated into classroom activities, allowing students to engage in physical education while also fostering teamwork and cooperation.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in local community programs that run these activities in select areas. For further support, a series of online resources and activities are available, ensuring that educators have a wealth of materials at their disposal to enhance their teaching and engage their students.
Sport Festivals
Sport Festivals serve as an introduction to Special Olympics for our youngest athletes, emphasizing the development of physical literacy and movement confidence. These events are specifically designed for students in the Active Start and FUNdamentals stages of the Long-Term Development Model, offering a day filled with opportunities to explore and engage in a variety of sport and activity stations.
Below is an outline of the day’s schedule and potential activity stations to give participants a clear idea of what to expect.
Special Olympics Ontario now offers sport development progression programming for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
In select regions, SOO hosts basketball and bocce events that focus on skill development and gameplay. These events are designed to help students build essential sport skills, foster teamwork, and experience competition in a fun and supportive environment, preparing them for participation in SOO high school sports.
Hosting & Resources
This school year, we are excited to offer more health programs and resources to students than ever before. Health programs are designed to enhance the physical health, social skills, and emotional well-being of Special Olympics athletes. Through the SOFitNow app, athletes can engage in fun challenges, track their progress, and work towards personalized fitness goals.
Program Highlights:
- Physical Health: Focus on nutritious eating, improving fitness, and adopting active lifestyles.
- Social & Emotional Well-being: Strengthen social skills and overall mental health.
- Challenges: Participate in exciting challenges like the Fit5 and Step Challenges, designed to keep athletes motivated.
Mentorship Program
SOO will launch its new educator mentorship program later this year. The program is centered around creating a sustainable foundation for inclusive schools, cultures, and Special Olympics programming in schools.
Prospective mentors can indicate their interest in mentoring a fellow teacher on the intake form. Educators who wish to get some support building up their program, are looking for a colleague to bounce ideas off, or if you are new to Special Olympics, you can indicate your interest in having a peer mentor on the form as well.
Special Olympics will pair mentors with mentees in the same region where possible. Mentors are given a great deal of flexibility in how they choose to support their peers. The only requirement is that mentors arrange quarterly check-in meetings and be available to answer questions throughout the school year. SOO will provide a mentorship package with some suggested material to cover; however, this is at the mentor's discretion. Mentors will be provided a $100 gift card (Sobeys or Tim Hortons) annually for their support.
In cases where there is no local mentor, SOO staff will take on a mentorship role.
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Community Programs
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