CK Burns School students experienced a day full of learning and teamwork last Friday, October 24, 2025, participating in two special events that brought the school community together—a third-grade walking field trip on the Eastern Trail and the school’s first time hosting the Unified Soccer Round Robin games.
Third graders laced up their sneakers for an outdoor learning experience along the Eastern Trail, guided by Thornton Academy science teacher and CK Burns parent Josh Delcourt. The collaboration gave students a free, hands-on opportunity to explore local ecosystems and environmental concepts beyond the classroom. During their walk, students observed seasonal changes, identified native plants and wildlife, and discussed how the trail connects local communities and habitats across southern Maine.
Later that day, CK Burns School hosted its first Unified Soccer Round Robin to celebrate the conclusion of their third successful season. The school’s 22-member Unified team welcomed 12 students from Old Orchard Beach for friendly matches on the back fields, cheered on by their classmates, teachers, support staff, and district administrators. The event featured snacks, water, medals, and a balloon arch—all made possible through the support of the CK Burns PTO.
“It was one of those days that reminds you why school is such a special place,” said April Noble, Principal of CK Burns School. “Our students got to learn by exploring the world around them in the morning, and then came together in the afternoon to support their friends on the field. The joy, the laughter, the cheering—it all captured the best of what our school community is about.”
CK Burns School received a $7,000 grant earlier this year from Special Olympics Maine to support the Unified Champion Schools Project, recognizing the school’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for all students to participate and lead through sports. The funding will expand Unified programming beyond soccer to include Unified Basketball, Unified Bocce, and participation in the York County Special Olympic Spring Games in the Unified Relay 4x100.
“The energy at CK Burns is contagious,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “From outdoor learning, the engagement of student voice in programming, to Unified sports, students are building confidence, friendships, and pride in their school. We are grateful to Old Orchard Beach for hosting the Round Robin in the past, as this partnership over the last two years has strengthened the unified experience for our students. This grant helps open even more doors for them to grow, compete, and shine—it’s what education at its best looks like.”
Through experiences like these, CK Burns School continues to show what’s possible when students are given opportunities to learn by doing, celebrate one another’s achievements, and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves.
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