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Student describes daily routine as district showcases Red Hawks RISE transition program
Summary
At the board meeting staff presented the Red Hawks RISE transition program for students with alternate diplomas; a current participant, Chantal Thiebaud, described her daily schedule and work experience in the program.
District staff presented the Red Hawks RISE transition program and introduced a current student who described her classroom and work routines.
Doctor Smith introduced Emily O'Shaughnessy, the district’s transition coordinator, and said the program exists because state law allows students who graduate with an alternate diploma to remain eligible for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) through age 22. Emily O'Shaughnessy described her role overseeing the program and then introduced Chantal Thiebaud, a student currently enrolled in the RISE (WISE) program.
Chantal Thiebaud, 18, spoke about her daily schedule and said the program helps her learn job and life skills. She described filling out paperwork and fingerprints to get a cafeteria job, clocking in and out, and receiving a paycheck. In her words: "I work in a cafeteria. When I was getting my job, I had to fill out a lot of paperwork. Fingerprint it ... They even did a drug test." She told the board the program teaches laundry, cooking, money management, workplace behavior and other skills, and described Friday activities including grocery shopping and a coffee cart where students sell coffee to staff.
Staff members thanked district nutrition and vocational teams for helping students secure work placements and reimbursements through outside agencies. Doctor Smith and Emily O'Shaughnessy said they hope the program will have a dedicated building next school year.
Board members applauded Chantal after her remarks; no formal action was required on the presentation.
