Orting students recognized for 18–22 transition-to-work program and community partnerships

Board members recognized students and staff involved in the district’s 18–22 transition-to-work program and highlighted community-based instruction and work-based learning partnerships.

Presenters (identified in the meeting as Julie Bannon, Robin Martin and Misty Gunderson) described regular community outings and employer partnerships that give interns workplace experience. Examples cited included Somner Food Bank, a new position at the Puyallup food bank and thrift store (formerly Angel 1 in downtown Puyallup), Amazon Go, the local senior center, and the QL food bank (the transcript names and sequence as presented). Staff described trips to a movie theater to learn entry-level positions and operations, transit training (light rail and bus travel training), budgeting and cooking exercises, and inventory and stocking tasks at food banks.

Presenters noted the program’s community benefits and gave a calendar item: Special Olympics Washington unified robotics competition on Nov. 16, where district interns will participate as unified athletes alongside other students and build two robots with partner teachers. Staff and board members asked a few brief follow-up questions about students’ favorite placements and arranged a photo opportunity on stage.

Ending: The board recognized the interns’ work and urged continuing community partnerships that provide workplace and life-skill experiences for students in the district’s transition program.