Gym Program Matches Different Kids, Abilities

Partners in PE pairs gen-ed, special education students for mentoring, friendship

By Vickie Babyak
The Tube City Almanac
April 03, 2023
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

McKeesport Area High School physical education teachers Richard Satcho and Victoria Pomilio look over plans as they co-teach the new Partners in Physical Education class. The program matches general education and special education students to build social skills and self-confidence. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

A group of McKeesport Area High School students are creating warm and caring friendships while participating in a Partners in Physical Education class.

Partners in PE is a nationwide program that matches general education and special education students to help each other in physical ed activities. The concept was reportedly first adopted in the Pittsburgh area by the Baldwin-Whitehall School District in 2001 and has since spread throughout the region, including at Belle Vernon Area, West Allegheny and other districts.

The program’s goals include helping students use physical activity as a way to build their social skills and self-confidence.

Brianne Lion, assistant special education coordinator at McKeesport Area, is pleased with the results so far.

“As we walk through life, our interaction with those who have different strengths and needs from our own, leaves a lasting impression on how we gain perspective, friendship and grow compassion for one another,” she said. “Partners in PE allows for all students to gain access to their full potential and to build these friendships that shape their future success.”

Physical education teachers Richard Satcho and Victoria Pomilio co-teach the Partners in PE class. Pomilio said students are thriving in the class. “This is an opportunity for the kids to have fun, get exercise, and it’s something they enjoy,” she said.

Teachers say the purpose of the program is to encourage physical activity and increase health and fitness knowledge. It is designed to meet the needs of students with physical, social, emotional or behavioral limitations. Supervised peer tutors provide encouragement, role modeling and individual attention.

“This is a very rewarding program and it makes me feel like I’m giving the kids a better day,” said Miranda Donnelly, a MAHS senior.

Satcho thought about introducing the Partners In PE program to McKeesport Area when his daughter selected the class at her school in a different district. She loved participating in the class and also became involved in Unified Bocce, he said.

“Not only did she love participating in the activities as a peer partner but it added meaning to her everyday life,” said Satcho. “With help from my daughter’s home district and administration from the high school, we were able to start the Partners in PE program for the first time this spring.”

Partners in PE is an opportunity for young people who are interested in teaching or other careers that help kids with disabilities get the most out of life, he said.

Students in the Partners for PE class at McKeesport Area High School reach for their pedometers on Walking Wednesday. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

Among ongoing activities, students are walking together and recording their mileage on pedometers. So far, Pomilio said, they’ve walked approximately 67 miles.

In terms of distance, Pomilio said, "we’re walking our way across the states and we’ve reached Wheeling, W.Va.” One of the students told her “we’ll be in Iowa next.” Pomilio replied, “Let’s get through Ohio and Indiana first.”

Along with the Partners in PE program, Satcho and Pomilio hope to start a Unified Indoor Bocce team started in the near future. Bocce is an Italian sport that ranks third in the world next to soccer and golf.

Unified Indoor Bocce is part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program and, like Partners in PE, the program’s goal is to include both special education and general education students.

Satcho said the first year's goal is to have seven Special Olympic athletes and seven Unified Partner athletes. The game is played during the winter sports season from November through February.

Practices will be held twice a week on the high school campus. A total of three competitions will be held with one home game and two away games.

Funds are being sought to finance the Unified Bocce games and to support athletes. Satcho estimates the total amount that will have to be raised locally is about $6,700. Some expenses, he said, are paid by Special Olympics.

“We have great kids with huge hearts that can help in ways they may never have thought before and it’s been great seeing interaction between students of all skill levels,” Satcho said.

De’Jean Pace is a graduating senior this year at McKeesport Area. He attended an after-school program while growing up and started working with kids before he was 14 years old.

Pace said he enjoys being a peer partner and wants to work with kids as a career. “I’d like to be a teacher, social worker or therapist but I’m still deciding,” he said.

Makenna Turner is a freshman. She wants to be a registered nurse and hopes to earn a scholarship. She said, “I feel that being a peer partner will help me with my goals and I like working with the kids. They are really nice.”

Another freshman, Odel Williams, added, “I just want to help kids that need extra attention and friendship.”

Vickie Babyak is a photographer and freelance writer from Dravosburg. She may be reached at vbabyak@yahoo.com.

Originally published April 03, 2023.

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