Students Bond, Learn, and Grow Together in Unified Visual Arts and Leadership Class

March 23rd, 2026

When Mt. Hebron High School (MHHS) art teacher Jennifer Johannes set out to teach a new course two years ago, she had a clear goal in mind.

“I wanted to develop an environment that was truly inclusive, where students with and without disabilities could learn together and benefit from each other’s presence. I wanted to create an environment where the plans and modifications for all learners were so highly adapted to individual needs that everyone could be successful,” she recalls.

At the time, a similarly inclusive related arts course of Unified Physical Education and Leadership already was offered at MHHS. Modeled after the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, joining people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, the MHHS course sought to promote schoolwide inclusion.

“I knew students were benefiting from and enjoying taking the Unified P.E. class. I wanted to make a similarly meaningful inclusion opportunity available in art,” says Johannes.

Her vision came to life in the fall of 2025, when for the first time, students at MHHS and Marriotts Ridge High School (MRHS) had the opportunity to enroll in a half-credit Unified Visual Arts and Leadership (UVAL) class.

The content of the UVAL course is aligned to HCPSS’ Art I course, in which students are exposed to a variety of media and studio problems designed to build their creative and critical thinking skills. UVAL students also work on communication and listening skills and participate in group work, providing support for each other in an inclusive environment.

The UVAL schedule and curriculum design enables teachers to create and deliver lessons that are customized for the students enrolled, and affords teachers the opportunity in meeting students’ individual needs in a meaningful and robust way, notes Jeffrey Hensley, who teaches UVAL at MRHS.

“Depending on the student, we can adapt the time and level of depth that we dive into. This gives everyone the chance to fully participate and gain a fulfilling creative experience,” he says.

At the same time, Johannes says that the flexible nature of the UVAL class gives her the freedom to build and emphasize different skills with her students. For example, every Friday she hosts a “Fun Friday,” where students in the class have the opportunity to take the lead on planning the day’s activities.

“‘Fun Fridays give students the chance to think about all our different learners’ needs and identify things we can do to ensure everyone in the class can find success.”

UVAL also provides students with a unique opportunity to build confidence and independence, Hensley says.

“The students in the class really support and encourage one another. That supportive environment empowers them to try new things,” he says.

What truly sets the UVAL course apart is its focus on relationship building, Johannes says.

“Authentic friendships develop between students who might otherwise not have classes together. It’s beautiful to see how they work and grow together,” she notes.

Hensley agrees, adding that “it has been truly awesome watching students make new connections with their peers and deepen their connections with students they have known for years but in a new setting.”

UVAL students themselves concur with Johannes and Hensley, sharing that building friendships is among the most rewarding aspects of the class.

“The thing that I have enjoyed most about being in this class is connecting with my peers. It is so much fun to have a class all about building a connection,” says one student.

“The most enjoyable part about being in Unified Visual Arts and Leadership class was interacting with my classmates and educators,” says another student. “I derived genuine enjoyment from working together to support our class art making”

“Everyone was encouraged to be themselves, and it felt like a safe space where creativity and kindness mattered more than being ‘perfect’ at art,” adds another student.

UVAL students say they have also learned important lessons about themselves and working with others. As one student notes, “Through UVAL, I learned that everyone, no matter their capabilities in other areas, has equal potential to express themselves artistically when given the right educational platform.”

Still another student says that her experience in UVAL has made her realize how important patience, empathy, and communication are, adding that “everyone brings different strengths to the table; learning differences don’t define a person’s abilities or creativity.”

Additional information about Unified Visual Arts and Leadership, as well as HCPSS’ other Unified related arts course offerings, is available in the HCPSS High School Course Catalog.