Lindsey Long, a special education teacher at Oxford High School, is the new coordinator for Special Olympics for Oxford.
Long was given the position after the former coordinator stepped down earlier this year.
‘It’s awesome and I’m excited,? Long said. ‘It’s not anything I haven’t done before, just a new title.?
Long has been coaching Special Olympics for seven years.
As the new coordinator, she is responsible for making sure all the athletes are registered and their physicals are up-to-date.
The biggest thing right now, she said, is coming up with some fund-raisers because the events are costly.
‘For example, last year, we went to the state tournament at Central Michigan University and it cost us about $3,000,? she explained. ‘But we had the money then because there was a family who was doing fund-raising . . . That’s supported us so far, but that money has been used.?
‘I want to find something that is self-(sustaining),? Long added. ‘Something the community knows about (each year) and is like, ‘Wow, this incredible!?
Another aspect of her position as coordinator is organizing the Special Olympics Pep Assembly, which will take place in February.
Long said she is looking for students, parents or community members who would like help organize the event.
‘I’m currently looking for some music and entertainment, so maybe a DJ and a really energetic sports announcer to announce the athletes,? she said. ‘I would like to get some volunteers to help out with basketball practices during open gym times.?
Those interested in getting involved or helping out with the Special Olympics Pep Assembly can e-mail Long at Lindsey.Long@oxfordschools.org
Peer-to-Peer
In addition to her coordinator duties, Long has also started a new after-school program for her students called ‘Peer-to-Peer,? where general education kids can meet and hang out with her special education students
‘We’ve done it two or three times so far,,? she explained. ‘It’s just a safe place for all of our students to stay after and (general education) kids come in and we just hang out. We have snacks, play music. Sometimes we dance and play Family Feud.?
Long said it’s a way to give her students some social interaction.
‘My students, they do not have sleepovers, they don’t have (a lot of) friends, they’re not going to other people’s houses and they’re not picking up the phone and going to the movies with anyone, so this is basically their social avenue,? she added.
Peer-to-Peer meets once-a-month from 3-4 p.m. in Long’s classroom. Upcoming Peer-to-Peer dates are Dec. 8, Jan 11, and Jan 26.
So far, she said Peer-to-Peer has worked out well and has had a positive impact on her students.
‘It’s incredible, just the relationships they’ve already formed,? Long noted. ‘When kids are seeing each other in the hallway, they’re like, ‘Oh hey, so and so? and they’re feeling more accepted already.?