SAIL students describe internships and local partnerships at Minnetonka board meeting

The Minnetonka School Board heard an update Jan. 7 from the SAIL (transition) program about student work experience placements and local business partnerships that support transition-to-work learning.

Erin Valenta, SAIL building administrator and one of the district's directors of special education, introduced student representative Levi Moseman and the program's new work-experience teacher, Steve Kangas. Levi described multiple internship experiences he has held through SAIL, including placements at a coffee shop, a restaurant, a school library, the Science Center and Northern Tool, where he said he assists customers and helps manage inventory. He said the internships have taught him soft skills, technical skills and improved his communication and problem-solving abilities. "This internship not only enhanced my technical skills, but also improved my communication and problem solving abilities," Levi said.

Valenta and other presenters listed many local partners that host SAIL students: Abelite Thrift Store, Tonka Dale Plant Nursery, First Student Bus Company, Junior Explorers Childcare, Dunn Brothers Coffee, the district service-center mailroom, Minnetonka Community Education, elementary-school custodial roles, Mount Calvary Preschool (lunch service), Walgreens, DeKine's hardware store, and Sunrise Assisted Living. Presenters described the variety of skills students learn at each site, from retail and inventory management to horticulture, custodial work, meal service and caregiving.

Board members thanked students and staff for the presentation. Board member remarks noted the value of having transition programming inside the district so students can engage locally rather than being sent to other communities.

Ending The presentation underscored the district's focus on community partnerships for transition programming and the role of local businesses in providing workplace learning opportunities for SAIL students.