Four Downey Unified schools have received national recognition for creating inclusive school communities where students of all abilities can participate, lead, build relationships and experience a sense of belonging.
Gauldin Elementary School, Doty Middle School, Griffiths Middle School and Warren High School have been named 2026 National Banner Unified Champion Schools by Special Olympics.
This national distinction recognizes Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® that demonstrate a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. The standards focus on Special Olympics Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole-School Engagement, as well as schools’ efforts to sustain this work into the future.
“This recognition reflects the values that define Downey Unified,” said Superintendent, Dr. Brossmer. “At our best, schools are places where every student feels seen, valued, and has a sense of belonging. We are incredibly proud of the students, staff, and families at Gauldin, Doty, Griffiths, and Warren for building school communities that celebrate inclusion and ensure all students have opportunities to thrive.”
Building a Culture of Inclusion Across Downey Unified
While four schools earned National Banner recognition, the achievement is part of a much larger commitment to inclusion throughout Downey Unified.
During the 2025-26 school year, 19 of the district’s 20 schools were considered Unified Champion Schools, representing significant growth of the initiative across elementary, middle and high school campuses.
Unified programming looks different at each school and extends well beyond competitive athletics.
Across Downey Unified, students have participated in Unified physical education, sports, cheer, robotics, art, dance, social activities, field days, recess and reading buddies, awareness activities and inclusive leadership opportunities. Secondary students have also participated in Unified athletic opportunities including track, flag football, cheer and swimming.
Together, these experiences create opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen a culture of belonging.
Strengthening the Partnership With Special Olympics
In February 2026, the Downey Unified Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Special Olympics Southern California for the Unified Champion Schools Program.
The agreement formalized the partnership with Special Olympics Southern California as Downey Unified continued its work toward becoming a Unified Champion School District.
“Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when students, educators and families intentionally create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected and empowered to participate,” said Christine Spino, Unified Champion Schools District Liaison for Downey Unified. “With Unified Champion Schools across nearly every campus in our district, this work has grown into something much larger than any one program or event. Earning National Banner recognition at Gauldin, Doty, Griffiths and Warren is a testament to the cultures these schools have built and to a shared commitment across Downey Unified to ensure every student belongs.”
Unified Sports in Action
Throughout the school year, Unified Sports brings students together through opportunities to compete, connect and participate alongside their peers.
Downey Unified’s annual Unified Track Meet has brought together middle and high school athletes from Downey Unified and surrounding school communities. Downey and Warren high schools have also competed in Unified flag football, while additional activities have included middle and high school Unified field days and a staff-versus-student Unified basketball event at Warren High School.
The district’s Unified Sports initiative has also gained recognition beyond Downey. During the 2024-25 school year, Downey Unified received a California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award for Unified Sports in the category of Equitable Resource Distribution. The work at Gauldin Elementary and Warren High School was also featured by PBS’s Inside California Education.
Celebrating Four National Banner Schools
The 2026 National Banner recognition for Gauldin Elementary, Doty Middle School, Griffiths Middle School and Warren High School celebrates the work taking place on these four campuses while reflecting a larger districtwide commitment to inclusion.
Through Unified Champion Schools, students with and without intellectual disabilities have meaningful opportunities to participate together, develop leadership skills, build friendships and contribute to their school communities.
Congratulations to our students, staff and families of Gauldin, Doty, Griffiths and Warren on this outstanding national recognition!
