Have you heard of Stafford High School's Transitions Program? Do you know what it does? At the May 6, 2024, Board of Education (BOE) meeting, a presentation highlighted this program, which impacts students with disabilities.
Here’s a quick explanation from the program’s webpage:
When they reach adulthood, youth with disabilities need to be able to establish and maintain relationships, communicate with others effectively, and participate in a variety of work and community settings. Supporting students in developing social skills can help them to develop positive relationships and progress in school, and in the long term, can equip them for success in work and community life.
With the support of the social worker at Stafford High School, the young adults and students from both the Life Skills and the Transition Programs learn the necessary soft skills for job success such as communication skills, self-advocacy skills, interpersonal skills, decision making skills, and lifelong learning skills. Through group activities and modeling, the young adults practice active listening, cooperating with others, problem solving, and planning.”
Now that you have that background, let’s explore what that means as a practical matter.
Janelle Marella, Transition Coordinator at Stafford High School, said that less than 45% of disabled adults between the ages of 18-64 are employed. The Transitions Program aims to improve that outcome for Stafford’s students who can participate in the program up to the age of 22. She also noted that the BOE could provide support by helping make connections in the community with organizations that might be willing to provide job experience for Transitions students, or even just let them visit. And, of course, there is always the question of funding and staffing support. Then, Marella turned the presentation over to the students.
Evan Simlick, who participates in the Transitions Program, told the BOE that Transitions participants often work in the cafeteria at Stafford High School (SHS) or help in first- and second-grade classrooms assisting teachers as para-professionals. It was also revealed that Simlick is a talented baker who sells muffins in school to raise money for the program (and that Superintendent Steven A. Moccio might be one of his biggest customers).
BOE member Jennifer Biedrzycki noted that the sale of Simlick’s baked goods helped fund trips, such as a recent outing to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory.
SHS students Mackenzie Warren and Zoey Zawodniak talked about their involvement with the Transitions Program, where they both volunteer. When board member Aaron Hoffman asked when the students find time to volunteer with the program, Warren said that as a senior, she has several study halls and uses that time to help with the program.
Zawodniak also noted that they would like to create an in-school store for Transitions students to run. Not only could they learn marketable job skills, but they could raise more money for the program. She also noted that the Student Union, an organization she belongs to, organizes sporting events and dances where the Transitions Students and other SHS students both participate.
BOE Chair Sara Introvigne-Kelley told the students that the board would consider a proposal for the store.