JNPSD special education director reports Special Olympics medals and Ready-to-Work placements

Christy Darrington, Department of Special Education, updated the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board at its June meeting on student activities and postsecondary transition programs.

Darrington said students in the district’s severe/profound self-contained classes competed in Special Olympics track, field and bowling. She reported medal counts across competitions and noted one high-school scholar who is blind won his running event. "I have to share that we have a scholar at the high school that is blind, uses a cane, and he took first place in this track and field event," Darrington said.

Darrington also said the district reintroduced the Ready-to-Work program at the high school. Students spend the first three nine-week periods learning soft skills and the fourth nine-week period working in community jobs paid through a Department of Education program. She said partners have included Crane Ford Animal Shelter, North of the Rock Barbecue (short-lived), Unity Health Classic Care Creations and others, and that job availability is limited by transportation.

The director described other instructional activities, including classroom-based planning and cooking lessons tied to middle- and high-school banquets, and an activity in which middle-school scholars delivered Valentine’s flowers to practice communication skills.

Darrington asked the board to consider hosting next year’s regional track and field at Jacksonville High School; she said the district has facilities and that organizers are interested. The report was informational and did not require board action.