Breaking The Myth: North Kingstown Students Lead, Speak Up, and Open Minds

“I cannot do hard things.”

“I won’t earn a paycheck.”

“I’m not a leader.” 

“I need help with everything I do.” 

“Being included isn’t important.” 

These are just some of the harmful stereotypes about people with disabilities that are shattered in a powerful and honest video titled “Break the Myth,” created by students in the RISE and SAIL special education programs at North Kingstown High School with their volunteer Peer Partners.

RISE – Reaching Independence through Support and Education – is led by NEA North Kingstown special educator Sydney Sweeney and serves students in grades 9-12. SAIL, or Skipper Academy for Independent Living, is directed by Heather Lebel and supports students ages 18–22 as they transition from school into the workforce. The Peer Partner Program matches high school students with their peers who have disabilities to foster inclusion and shared learning.

The idea for the project came from the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), in collaboration with consultant Able Opportunities, Inc. With support from their school and district administrators, Sweeney and Lebel worked closely with the consultant to help students identify a myth they wanted to challenge—and what it would take to break it.

Working one-on-one with Peer Partners, students created storyboards and scripts, then learned photo and video production skills before filming their personal segments.

“’Break the Myth’ really helped promote our students’ leadership and independence,” said Sweeney. “The confidence they got from this project was incredible, they are proud of it and love seeing themselves on camera – they still ask to watch it and quote themselves!”

“The video has opened new opportunities for our students,” added Lebel. “After the premiere, our media specialist set up a community puzzle station in the media center and invited Claire – who talked about her love of puzzles in the film – to start it off. Claire went down to the media center by herself, talked to people, and worked outside of my classroom, which is just fantastic.” 

Since the screening, Sweeney has noticed a shift in school culture. More students have signed up to be Peer Partners, and educators who may have hesitated before are now engaging with her students both in school and in the community.

“One student in the video said she wanted more personal interaction. Someone recognized her from the film and started a conversation,” Sweeney said. “While people have always been kind, they’re now seeing our students as independent individuals with goals. That recognition is powerful, and they deserve that.”

Sweeney even tried to broaden the reach of the video: 

“We just want as many people as possible to see it. I sent it to Taylor Swift. I even messaged the actress Sydney Sweeney and said, ‘Hey from one Sydney Sweeney to another!’” she said with a laugh. 

Both Sweeney and Lebel are North Kingstown natives and members of the NKHS Class of 2004. Sweeney knew by first grade she wanted to be a teacher and began volunteering with Special Olympics and in special education classrooms by middle school.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “I feel lucky to watch students come in as ninth graders and grow so much over four years. We get to know their families, tailor their schedules based on their strengths, and support them in inclusive electives. Around the building, people know – if you need help with a job or a project, RISE is ready.”

Lebel came to NKHS 13 years ago as a resource teacher, and when her position was eliminated, she accepted the SAIL role. 

“I took it on with much trepidation thinking I’d do it for a year and see how it goes,” she said. “Well, it is my niche. I fell in love from day one and knew this is what I wanted to do forever.”

SAIL serves as the bridge between finishing academics and entering adulthood. Lebel’s focus is on vocational skills, paid job placements, and connecting students and their families with adult services.

“My goal is for each student to leave with a sense of direction. Recently, a graduate emailed me to say she got her driver’s license – something we talked about for years,” she said. “Without SAIL, many students would leave high school without a clear path. This gives them purpose.”

Through RISE and SAIL, Sweeney and Lebel often support students for up to eight years. When students graduate from SAIL as adults, it’s a major milestone for both families and educators. 

“Seeing students start ninth grade as soft-spoken and needing support everywhere to advocating for themselves and navigating independently is what it’s all about,” said Sweeney. 

Their work extends beyond the classroom. Under the theme “We All Belong,” students and Peer Partners present at local elementary and middle schools about kindness, inclusion, and understanding all abilities – both visible and invisible.

They’ve also launched Unified Spirit Week, which includes presentations, posters, lunchtime events, and a unified basketball game attended by nearly the entire student body. 

“The game is electric, I get goosebumps,” said Sweeney. “It’s the moment when everything comes together in the name of equity.” 

Both educators emphasize the team effort behind their student’s success.

“Our teacher assistants, specialists – OT, PT – they are the backbone of our program,” said Sweeney. They help our students build real-world skills. Without them, Break the Myth wouldn’t exist. Our programs wouldn’t thrive.” 

The RISE and SAIL programs plan to expand Break the Myth next year, running it for the full academic year with twice as many Peer Partners.

“Shifting the narrative and challenging stereotypes, that’s really what this is all about,” said Sweeney. “And ultimately, and this is how we end everything: just be kind.”