Confidence and Leadership at Goffstown High School
May 29th, 2026
New Hampshire’s public schools are amongst the best in the nation. Unfortunately, much of the day-to-day work that makes that so goes unseen by our communities. 5 Big Questions seeks to open the school house door to spotlight the work being done, why it matters, and how we, as a broader NH community, can build upon the successes and innovations so ALL NH students can benefit.
Below is the story of one story, through the eyes of the people who live it:
An interview with Kristyn Heuslein and Tim Girzone of Goffstown High School
Four years ago, Goffstown High School (GHS) added CoEd Varsity Unified Basketball to its athletics program. To learn more about the team and what it has meant for the school community, Reaching Higher NH sat down to discuss the 5 Big Questions with Associate Principal Tim Girzone and Physical Education Teacher Kristyn Heuslein. Here is a summary of what they had to say:
1. What do you do?
Building on the long-time success of their Unified Physical Education course, GHS added CoEd Varsity Unified Basketball to their athletic offerings in 2022. The program is offered as part of Special Olympics New Hampshire and is described as:
Unified Sports® is a Special Olympics inclusive sports program that combines an approximately equal number of Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and Unified Sports® partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities). Athletes and partners train and compete alongside one another as teammates who meaningfully contribute to the Unified Sports® team.
The program has been well received with 18 to 20 players participating each season. “This is a great way to give students the opportunity to represent their school, bring students together, and have some fun,” explained Heuslein.
The team plays other schools from throughout southern NH including John Stark, Merrimack and Milford.
2. Why do you do it?
“It's a win for everyone: the athletes and the partners or mentors. All benefit from the experience in different ways,” explained Girzone. Increased self-esteem, enhanced social skills, and the breaking down of stereotypes have all been results of the program.
Special Olympics has conducted extensive research on the impact of programs such as the one at GHS. They have routinely found that schools with unified programs have higher levels of:
-
Social and Emotional Security: Students feel safe from verbal abuse, teasing and exclusion
-
Social and Civic Learning: Students feel supported in the development of social and civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions including: effective listening, conflict resolution, self-reflection and emotional regulation, empathy, personal responsibility, and ethical decision making.
-
Respect for Diversity: There is mutual respect for individual differences (e.g. gender, race, culture, etc.) at all levels of the school—student-student; adult-student; adult-adult and overall norms for tolerance.
-
School Connectedness and Engagement: There is positive identification with the school and norms for broad participation in school life for students, staff, and families.
“I've seen peers create friendships that are sincere,” shared Heuslein. “You see them in the hallway and they're like saying hi to each other, giving high fives. That's what I really like about it. It builds a positive environment.”
3. What does it mean for students?
When asked to describe the impact the program has had on GHS students, both Heuslein and Girzone explained that it was hard to quantify. “It has an impact on the culture of the building,” explained Girzone. “You see it on a day-to-day basis. You see it in the hallways. You see it in afterschool activities. You see it during classes. It truly does create a more positive, inclusive culture.” And that, he said, means a lot.
4. How are families involved?
From the beginning of the season through the last game, GHS families are central to its success. “Our families have been awesome,” explained Heuslein. “They show up to everything.” She went on to clarify that includes families of both athletes and mentors. “They are there supporting every single student on the team. Athlete, mentor, it doesn't matter. Everyone is just there to support each other.”
5. Is there something that state decision makers should know?
Reflecting on what state decision makers should know about this program, Heuslein reflected on how much the community values it. Both athletes and mentors, along with their families, have an opportunity to come together to build a stronger, closer community. “I also think that people should know that all of the participants are building sincere leadership skills for their future.”
Girzone continued, “While education continues to evolve and the opportunities that exist both within and outside of the walls of a physical school continue to expand, I think it's important to acknowledge and recognize that students are still developing the skills required to get along in this world with one another and in an inclusive environment.” He continued, “Bringing students together during their developmental years is still a key component to an overall well-rounded education that cannot happen behind a screen.”
BONUS:
6. What else should we know?
Both Heuslein and Girzone want to build on this program. They have already added a Staff vs Unified Team game which has taken on a life of its own. “It's a true highlight for everybody,” remarked Heuslein. “It brings staff, teachers, and administrators together to go against the students. It's a good time!”
Girzone shared that he has been in informal talks with surrounding districts about other potential additions. Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track as well as unified music and culinary offerings are all under consideration. “It is my responsibility as an administrator to make sure that our kids have as many diverse, well-rounded opportunities as possible,” said Girzone. GHS is also considering opportunities to expand for credit course offerings.
Want to learn more?
More information about Goffstown Athletics can be found here. Interested in bringing Unified Basketball to your community? Learn more from the NHIAA.
We are looking for more stories!
If you would like to share your answers to the 5 Big Questions, reach out to us and share your story!