HOW THE DISTRICT ’ S TRANSITION PROGRAM HELPS SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS EXCEL
Balancing school , work , and life can be hard enough for even the most adaptable students . But special-needs students often require a different kind of support , and few districts offer their students a comprehensive school-to-life support system . That ’ s why BWSD ’ s Transition-to- Life Program was created .
Transition is a specialized ESY program that serves District students in seventh grade through the age of twenty-one . Here , program leaders help students learn the daily life skills that are so critical during their transition from school to living the rest of their lives , such as financial management , cooking , cleaning , using public transportation , and more — as well as helping them prepare for any post-secondary education they may pursue .
Eric Jankoski has served as the Transition Coordinator for the past eight years . His team , including Health and Physical Education Teacher Tim Laughlin and Life Skills Support Teacher Joshua Stahl , has helped hundreds of special-needs students live happier , healthier , and more fulfilling lives . But that ’ s just one part of the Transition Program ’ s impact .
“ Another success for us is teaching the students without disabilities at BHS how to see the person and not the disability ,” says Jankoski , who welcomes student volunteers to assist with the Transition Program by way of partners ’ programs or the Special Olympics Club , as a means of expanding their own worldview .
“ Students in our community learn through activities like the
‘ Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign ’, that the ‘ r-word ’ has no place being used in today ’ s society , in any capacity . Our students learn not just to have sympathy for those with disabilities , but to empower them . One of our proudest moments is when we see a former student , without a disability take what we ’ ve taught them and apply it to their chosen profession , or ‘ pay it forward ’ by teaching others outside of our community how to include everyone and exclude no one .”
Community involvement is another cornerstone of the Transition Program , and Jankoski is thrilled to see local organizations and businesses getting involved . “ In the past year , we expanded our vocational training program and joined forces with some local community partners like the Whitehall Public Library and Lori G ’ s Hair Salon ,” says Jankoski . “ They ’ ve provided vocational experiences for our students to help improve their employability skills in hope of gaining competitive employment upon graduation . They ’ ve been gracious to open their doors to our students and serve as positive mentors .”
The continued expansion and improvement of the Transition Program aligns with Jankoski ’ s vision of a better future for all students , regardless of ability .
“ One of our biggest goals is to create a more inclusive culture that values acceptance of everyone and excludes no one ,” says Jankoski . “ The more people we can bring on board to this movement , the better our community can be for everyone .”
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CITY BALDWIN-WHITEHALL OF MCKEESPORT NEWS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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HIGHLANDER SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS
Attention all local students in grades K – 8 ! Join us this summer for our fourth-annual Highlander Summer Camps for kids .
The camps offer students opportunities to explore various aspects of STEAM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Art , and Mathematics ) in a fun and engaging environment while also providing them with opportunities to learn about leading a healthy life .
Registration will open in April and will be announced on bwschools . net , Twitter (@ BWSDSTEAM ), and on Facebook (@ BaldwinWhitehallSD ). See you in the summer !
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018
It ’ s time for Kindergarten Registration and we ’ re looking forward to meeting the BHS Class of 2030 !
Required Screening Dates Paynter Elementary School : April 11 , 2017 McAnnulty Elementary School : April 20 , 2017
Mark the dates and visit http :// bwschools . net / District / News / 17641-Kindergarten-Registration . html for complete registration information , links , and resources .
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SENIOR PRESENTATION DAY ON MAY 16
Baldwin High School seniors are about to embark on their biggest project yet , and they need your help . ( If you just said , “ who , me ?” the answer is , “ yes , you !”)
On May 16 , Baldwin seniors will conduct career preparedness “ exit interviews ” with a panel of judges , including Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera . This year , Superintendent Randy Lutz is welcoming all interested BWSD business owners , working professionals , and community members to join the panel as well . Its goal is to provide seniors with realworld feedback on their life plans and career goals , to ensure they ’ re prepared for their next steps in employment , military service , or higher education .
Participants must be present for at least one randomly selected senior presentation during the day ’ s morning or afternoon session , and then provide brief written feedback to the student ( s ) regarding what the student ( s ) did well , suggested areas to improve upon , and tips for future interviews . If you ’ re actively seeking employees or interns , these exit interviews may also create new networking connections among students and local businesses and organizations .
For more information , please visit bit . ly / bwsrexit .
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